Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square: Affordable room rates on Broadway with a wellness spin

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420171679″]

Editor’s note: Hilton provided the writer with a complimentary two-night stay at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square. The opinions expressed below are entirely the author’s and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.

Opened in September 2023, Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square is the first outpost of Hilton’s latest hotel brand, wellness-focused Tempo, whose hallmarks are budget-friendly rates and thoughtful, modern room design to meet the needs of today’s travelers on the go.

A comfortable, affordable respite from the din of Times Square, Tempo is a great new option for travelers who need to be close to Midtown Manhattan’s attractions and conveniences. It has a fun restaurant and bar and friendly staff who help personalize the experience.

I checked into this Tempo in November to test out what it’s like to stay here for a few days. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

What is Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square?

Hilton announced it would launch an unfussy, stylish new brand called Tempo way back at the start of 2020. But it wasn’t until nearly four years later that travelers would be able to experience the new Hilton brand for themselves when the first iteration opened in Times Square. A dozen more locations are already in the pipeline.

As the major hotel chains’ ranks of brands swell, they must do their best to differentiate each new one that comes along. For its part, Hilton describes Tempo as “a stylish and contemporary lifestyle hotel brand” targeted at travelers the company dubs “the modern achiever.” That translates to contemporary rooms, wallet-friendly rates for standard rooms and a focus on fine but not fussy dining as well as health and wellness options that travelers can easily take advantage of.

The first Tempo by Hilton is a 661-room property spanning 36 floors (from the 11th-floor lobby) above the historic Palace Theatre at the corner of 47th Street and 7th Avenue. The fact that everything at the hotel itself is brand-new certainly gives it some extra va-va-voom. The wellness spin — as seen in the brand’s partnership with Peloton, the well-outfitted gym and the handful of wellness-themed rooms — is a plus for anyone who considers fitness a priority while traveling. 

Location is certainly central to this hotel’s allure; whether you’re making Tempo your home base during a trip to catch a Broadway show or you’re in town for work (as I was) and need reliable, tidy accommodations in Midtown, Tempo is a solid choice for those who want to be close to the action of the Crossroads of the World without having to pay a fortune.

How to book Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square

Depending on the date, you can book a king bed guest room at Tempo for as few as 70,000 Hilton Honors points (worth $420 by TPG valuations). Note that the daily mandatory destination charge of $34.95 includes premium guest Internet access, a daily $10 food and beverage credit for use in all hotel outlets (except the on-site market), City Bike rentals for two and a daily $25 parking credit.

As with most hotels in New York City, you can expect cash rates to vary widely based on season and demand. For example, you can book a night in early January for as little as $207 with the Hilton Honors Discount Advanced Purchase. However, during busier times of the year, like the holidays or spring break, nightly rates can soar well over $500, and suites can reach into the thousands.

As it’s part of Hilton, the best way to book the Tempo Times Square in New York is to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hilton stays as well as one that offers automatic Hilton Honors elite status that can confer valuable perks during your stay. Consider one of these:

The information for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.          

Easy access to multiple transportation hubs

Tempo by Hilton Times Square is nestled into the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District, 11 floors up via an elevator from street level. You’re only about 15 minutes by foot from Grand Central Station and Penn Station and around a 10-minute walk to Port Authority. Pro tip: When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll see a big rug that says Tempo. Look up above the big wooden doors to the overhang, where you’ll be dazzled by star-like lights embedded in the ceiling before entering the elevator area. 

In terms of subway stations, it’s no surprise that there are plenty to choose from near the hotel, as this is such a busy area. I frequented the 49th Street N/R/W station, just about three minutes away by foot, but there is also a B/D/F/M station at 50th and Rockefeller Center just around the block, as well as the 42nd Street Times Square station, with nearly every line on the west side, about a 10-minute walk.

If you’re traveling from an airport, you can take the AirTrain (red line) from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E, which you’ll take until Seventh Avenue (and it’s a seven-minute walk to the hotel from there). From Newark Liberty International Airport (EEWR), take the Newark Airport Express to West 42nd and Port Authority, and then transfer to the M104 bus and ride one stop to Eighth Avenue and West 46th Street (from there, it’s a six-minute walk to Tempo). Otherwise, the average ride-hailing service or taxi price from each airport will range anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the time of day.

Theater-goers will be in a prime location

Many people who plan a stay around Times Square are there for a very specific reason: Broadway. Those searching for a comfortable hotel with a modern vibe and relatively affordable nightly rates in this top location will find Tempo a natural choice. Just steps from the hotel’s lobby, you’ll find dozens of Broadway’s famous theaters, like the Richard Rodgers Theater (currently home to a little production by the name of “Hamilton”), Lyric Theatre and Winter Garden Theater, to name a few. Note that Midtown’s Theater District stretches from West 41st to West 54th Streets and from Sixth to Eighth Avenues, with more than 30 venues scattered throughout the area.

And there is more entertainment, aside from theater, at guests’ fingertips; just around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find Radio City Music Hall. Other famous Midtown attractions include Central Park (15-minute walk) and Rockefeller Center (10-minute walk).

Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets

Rooms are small and efficient with chic design elements

The hotel offers a range of 11 room types, some with one king bed, others with two queens and options for connecting rooms. There are also 18 spacious suites, emphasis on spacious; the palatial presidential suite boasts a whopping 1,380 square feet, multiple bathrooms, a living room and a separate bedroom. Not unlike most Midtown accommodations, the standard rooms at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square are on the smaller side, with a king bed guest room clocking in around 235 square feet.

What makes these rooms a bit unique is that the Tempo brand has created “zones” in different parts of the rooms based on the phases of a traveler’s day. It’s also worth noting that there were some tasteful midcentury modern-inspired touches throughout the room, which will be a cornerstone of the Tempo brand’s look and feel, according to Hilton. 

My King Peloton Wellness Room was 235 square feet, but featured an impressive floor-to-ceiling window to give it a roomier feel. A Peloton bike (small hand weights and a yoga mat included) centered in the window directly overlooking Times Square made for a very cool experience during my morning spin — there aren’t many places where you can bike at eye level with flashing neon billboards, are there?

The view from this window was certainly one of the best parts of the room, and beyond the towering Midtown skyscrapers, I could even glimpse the Hudson River and New Jersey in the distance. With all that natural light pouring in through the window, my room certainly felt larger than a couple hundred square feet.

In terms of configuration, the king bed was in the center of the room, below a swatch of abstract city-inspired wallpaper, with the window and Peloton off to one side, the desk and TV area right in front of the bed and the small open-concept closet space on the other side. Beyond that was the bathroom, which was also relatively small but had everything I needed.

The bed itself, located in what Hilton calls the Power Down zone, was encircled by a padded leather headboard and had a Sealy Accelerate mattress, spotless white linens, a soft comforter and four fluffy pillows, all of which yielded a deep slumber both nights I stayed at the hotel. I appreciated the soft lighting from the two sconce-style bedside lamps built into the walls on either side of the bed, hovering over the small bedside tables. Both sides of the bed also had USB, USB-C and standard power outlets; a lie-flat smartphone charger and small control units for the lights (a master on/off switch, work mode, relax mode, automatic drapes and automatic sheers). There was the same control unit next to the bedroom door. 

The blackout drapes were key for a restful sleep, as they completely blocked out any and all lights from Times Square, arguably one of the brightest corners of the planet. I also noticed that noise from outside the room and outside the hotel was quite muted, though you could still hear faint music and car horns in the distance (I didn’t find it disruptive). Generally, I found the well-lit, carpeted hallways quite quiet during my stay and rarely passed anyone outside my room.

The Get Ready Zone encapsulated both the desk and TV area and the storage space. The desk area featured a sleek lamp, plenty of power outlets, a phone, a pod-style coffee maker with paper cups (I do wish there had been reusable glasses or mugs) and a small minifridge underneath. Hanging over the desk was a 65-inch TV with streaming capabilities and on-demand options.

The open-concept storage space was very compact — I found it sufficient for a two-night stay, but those with more luggage or staying longer may find it a little cramped. There were eight hangers in this space, as well as a hair dryer hanging in a chic felt bag, with a storage shelf above and one on the bottom area that had a drawer underneath holding a small safe. The lighting in this area, from an LED strip overhead, was very bright. 

The bathroom is bright and has everything you need (but nothing more)

The bathroom was extremely well-lit (almost blindingly so), thanks to bright white tiling and shiny chrome fixtures. I appreciated the Bluetooth speaker and digital clock in the bathroom mirror — a cool touch so you could listen to a podcast while primping. The shower provided plenty of space, with the option for both a rain-style showerhead in the ceiling as well as a handheld wand. Note that there is no bathtub. The hotel uses bath amenities by Brookyln-based Apotheke, featuring a mild and pleasant white vetiver scent. 

The toilet was off to one side of the room, opposite the marble-topped sink that featured a wooden slat-style front (a bit of the midcentury modern touch, here), which contrasted nicely with the metallic hardware and white subway-style glazed tiling of the shower. Towels were plentiful and fluffy. I liked that there was a huge mirror on one side of the sliding door that separates the bathroom from the bedroom.

The hotel’s restaurant comes alive at night

Highball, located just to the left of the lobby when you step off the elevator, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the space really shines in the evening when the lights dim and the atmosphere becomes moody — almost like a modern speakeasy. There is an outdoor terrace connected to the restaurant, but it was closed the entire time I was there. I can imagine that the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows boasts some pretty incredible views of Manhattan, though.

When you enter the restaurant, you’ll see both booth-style seating and some high- and round-top tables. Just beyond that is the bar, and further is a dimly lit, smaller seating area with velvet couches and little tables, better suited for enjoying drinks and appetizers. There is also a private room that can be reserved for special events. The decor is a bit retro, with Art Deco-inspired, color-blocked light fixtures, midcentury modern table lamps, jewel tone seating, curved ironwork and dark wood-paneled walls.

Breakfast is a casual experience; guests can order at a counter from a simple menu — you’ll find things like avocado toast ($19) and a breakfast burrito ($16.50) — or pick up something from a heated pastry shelf (you’ll find premade breakfast sandwiches here) or the tiny market-style, open-fridge area (this had fresh fruit, juices, soft drinks and salads).

They serve the Australian-based Bluestone Lane coffee, and my cappuccino was delicious. The breakfast that I ordered from the counter was just OK, though. I had an acai bowl ($16.50), but it tasted like it had been just taken out of the freezer, unwrapped from a package and placed on the table. I’d recommend starting the day with a Bluestone Lane coffee and then looking elsewhere for sustenance.

During happy hour, Highball seemed like the place to be, with guests and locals (my guess was lots of theater-goers) crowding around the leather booths and by the marble bar. It felt like everyone was on their way to a party or had just come from one.

One of my two nights at the hotel, Highball was closed for a private evening event, so I only got to sample the dinner menu once, but I enjoyed my Waldorf salad ($21), which had the ideal amount of crunch and my Lady in Rouge cocktail ($23), made with Kettel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose vodka and Lyre’s Pink London Spirit.

I noted that the other menu items seemed ideal for sharing, like roasted beets with goat cheese ($18), burrata ($23) and Nathan’s famous New York-style mini hot dogs ($22). The waitstaff, both in the main dining area and behind the bar, were exceptionally friendly.

If you enjoy working out, the hotel gym is a must

With enormous windows on both ends of the 18th-floor gym and mirrors stretching along one wall, fitness-minded guests will delight in having this brand-new space to break a sweat in high over Manhattan. There are plenty of free weights and weight machines, cardio equipment, Peloton bikes and a hydration station with water, cups and towels. Multiple TVs above the windows play news channels. The inspirational neon sign above the treadmills, which read “the best way out is always through,” was a nice, New York-y touch.

The lobby can be a bit hectic, but the staff is very attentive

One of my main takeaways from this hotel is the difference in atmosphere between the lobby floor (which houses a six-elevator bank, a check-in desk and concierge desk, a grab-and-go convenience closet, a small seating area and Highball) versus the rest of the hotel. Hallways outside my room, for example, felt hushed, and the fitness center was quiet each time I visited. In contrast, it seems the lobby is abuzz at all times of day (not dissimilar to Times Square!). I found it hard to find a time when there wasn’t a line of three to five people at the check-in and concierge desks.

The space itself feels fresh, light and airy, with touches of gold hardware — a nice nod to the glitz and glam of the area’s theaters — and there are many indoor plants and windows, providing ample light and making it feel larger, even when crowded with people and luggage. There is one small seating area with chairs and coffee tables next to the windows. You’ll find a wall near the elevator bank with more plants, sculptures and books on display. 

Over by the three entrance elevators that transport guests down to street level, doormen are quick to help press buttons for you and assist with luggage, all with a smile. The six elevators that take guests up to the rooms were large, and there never seemed to be a line or a long wait there. 

Reasons why Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square might not be for you

Elevators are the primary way to navigate throughout the property at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square, from the street level to the lobby and from the lobby up to the guest rooms. All elevators are very wide, with space for a wheelchair, and have handrails inside. The buttons are placed low enough for someone seated to reach (inside and outside the elevators). Hallways, which are 50 inches wide, are spacious enough to fit a wheelchair. There is a ramp at the entrance of Highball restaurant, and all public areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible.

In terms of guest rooms, there are 71 accessible rooms on the property. Hearing-accessible room features include visual alarms and notification devices for the doorbell. Mobility-accessible room features include 3-by-3 transfer showers or roll-in showers. There is braille throughout the property.

Checking out of Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square

Times Square, as a neighborhood, certainly is not for everyone. But my room at Tempo’s first outpost was comfortable and a quiet respite from the throngs of tourists and flashing neon lights. And riding a Peloton with sky-high views of Manhattan was the cherry on top.

If you find yourself in this iconic hub of New York culture and activity, you’ll certainly want a reliable place to rest your head after a day or night out on the town of all towns and Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square provides just that — and often at a reasonable price — with the opportunity to put your hard-earned points to good use, too. Plus, it’s brand-new, and the best thing about a new hotel is how crisp everything is, so those travelers booking a 2024 trip to Times Square should reserve sooner rather than later to enjoy that wonderful, fresh hotel feel while it lasts.

If booking a hotel with an amazing dinner menu is a priority, this might not be the right property for you. But if you’re searching for a spot with decent nightly rates, a prime Midtown location, a hopping bar, friendly staff and clean, comfortable rooms, then I recommend considering Tempo, especially for Hilton loyalists. And, of course, if fitness is a priority during a trip to Manhattan, Tempo is a no-brainer.

Related reading: