In a city known for its constant motion and inevitable noise complaints, Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square wins the prize. With its front-row location to Times Square, the Theatre District, and the subway literally outside the front door, this property blends comfort with convenience in a way that truly stands out.
Tempo by Hilton is a new brand to me—and honestly, it feels more upscale than I expected based on the price point listed on Hilton’s website. The vibe is modern, polished, and surprisingly peaceful given its prime location. (I’ll share more about the brand’s history and positioning in a future post.)
What We Loved
âś… Location, Location, Location
Yes, Times Square is steps away. But more importantly—the Theatre District is steps away. And if you’re headed beyond Midtown? The subway entrance is quite literally right outside the front door. We used it to jump downtown to shop in SoHo and uptown for a stroll through Central Park. Tempo’s location is one of its strongest assets—walkable, central, and well-connected.
âś… Booking & Benefits
We used miles earned through my employer’s incentive program to book this stay. While that meant no eligibility for upgrades, we still received exactly what we booked: a double-queen room with a city view that was quiet, clean, and well-designed.
Thanks to our American Express Platinum card, we automatically hold Hilton Gold status, which unlocks benefits like potential upgrades (when eligible) and daily food and beverage credits. While we didn’t receive an upgrade due to the booking channel, the $45/day credit was applied without issue and made a noticeable difference during our stay.
âś… Modern Design + Quiet Rooms
Inside, the property delivers a clean, calming aesthetic with elevated design. The rooms feel thoughtfully curated—minimal but warm, with plenty of natural light and clean lines. Our bathroom featured a sleek, stand-up shower with excellent water pressure (our 6-year-old would’ve happily spent all day in there if we let her). The lighting, fixtures, and layout all leaned bright, modern, and luxurious.
And here’s the real surprise: it was quiet. Yes, we could occasionally hear sirens, but overall the room was shockingly insulated from the noise outside. Even more impressive, we could completely darken the room at night—despite the glow of Times Square nearby.
âś… On-Site Convenience
There’s a grab-and-go pantry plus a restaurant that shifts from counter-service breakfast to full table-service dining in the evening. The food was excellent—beautifully presented and legitimately delicious. Our $45/day dining credit (a benefit of Hilton Gold status via our Amex Platinum card) helped offset the cost, which we appreciated.
📝 For years I avoided hotel restaurants because they often felt like generic chains. That’s clearly changing. Brands like Tempo are investing in culinary programs with real chefs and creating dining spaces that feel elevated and thoughtfully designed.
Other Helpful Details
đź•“ Early Check-In
We arrived around noon and requested an early check-in. The front desk offered this for $75. While I would have appreciated a complimentary early check-in with Gold status, I understand that New York runs on different hospitality rules—and in this case, we were more than a few hours early. The front desk staff was professional, kind, and got us checked in efficiently. No complaints.
đźš— Departure to the Airport
When it came time to leave, Emanuel—the hotel’s standout bellman—saved us from paying a $130 Uber fare by arranging a black Suburban for $90 (+ tip). Not only was it a more affordable option, but it was a smoother, more elevated experience overall. Emanuel was helpful and proactive, and we truly appreciated the service.
Final Take
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square hits the sweet spot between form and function. It’s a hotel that feels more luxurious than its pricing implies—and it backs that up with quiet, comfortable rooms, excellent design, and a location that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re traveling for work, catching a show, or exploring the city with family, this property delivers on every front. In fact, I’ve already recommended it to three friends in the past three months.
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