In January 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic took over the hospitality industry in the United States, Hilton launched a new brand, Tempo by Hilton. Hilton at the time described Tempo as an “elevated and approachable lifestyle hotel.” Finally on August 8, 2023, after over 3.5 years since the brand launched, the 1st Tempo by Hilton opened inside the TSX Broadway, a 46-story tower in the heart of Times Square. At the time of booking, the Tempo has over 10 room types to book, including, a standard king room, 2 queen room, a corner room, a wellness room featuring a Peloton and Therabody machine, as well as a 1-bedroom suite.
First Impressions
One thing immediately noticed at the time of arrival is the doormen there to greet you and welcome you to the new hotel in Times Square. Located on the 11th floor is the “Sky Lobby” which houses the front desk, market, and restaurant. There was minimal wait time at check in. The front desk recognized our diamond status but did not know where the complimentary water bottles were and offered to have them delivered to the room. Shortly after, the front desk gave us physical keys as well as let us know our mobile key was activated since we did the online check-in. The hotel provided an upgrade to a wellness room featuring a Peloton and massage gun. The lobby space includes some seats near the front desk and a mini market with a refillable water station. Given this is a new property, furnishings and flooring are in clean shape. Architecture in this space is a mix of modern meets retro 1930s. Elevators going up to the rooms require the guest to tap their desired floor number on the touchscreen. Once selected an elevator car number is assigned.
Reaching the room on the 24th floor is a short walk from the elevator. The wellness room is average size for a Manhattan hotel room. When opening the door, lights gradually turn on. In the room is a small desk, luggage storage area, a large bed and a Peloton bike overlooking Times Square. There are modern touches in the room including a smart tv and wireless charging by the bed. Compared to other hotels, the bathroom is large and features extra space, a toilet and shower. The bathroom seems disproportionately larger than the room footprint.
On Site Restaurant
There is a single restaurant and bar at the Tempo by Hilton Times Square named Highball. No reservation or room booking is required to eat at the restaurant. There is a full menu as well as a drink menu. Food options include a few entrees with an assortment of small plates and appetizers. An assorted cheese board and meatballs were selected. Both items had a very bland unremarkable taste. The waiter was very pushy with trying to push alcoholic beverages. After politely declining he rarely came back to check on the table and to refill water. Prices in the restaurant are on the expensive side, even for New York City standards in regards to the quality and portion size.
Fitness Center
Located on floor 18 is the fitness center. A room key is required to enter the fitness center. Inside are a handful of Peloton bikes, a bench press and free-weights. As with the lobby, there is a reusable water bottle station. Towels are available at the doorway yet, there is no spot to dispose of them leaving guests to either leave them on the floor or bring them back to the room.
Checking Out
Overall the experience at the Tempo By Hilton Times Square was not bad by any means however, there are some areas where the property falls short. One of these areas is the inconsistency of staff at the property. During check in the staff member assured that two complimentary waters were to be delivered to the room. The waters never came so after two hours a call to the front desk was made. The manager eventually brought two refillable branded bottles. The waiter at the restaurant was initially pushy than hardly checked on the table. Yet the next morning staff at the restaurant’s coffee shop were personable and attentive. Overall the Tempo By Hilton is not the best value for the money. While a new lifestyle brand, the property offers a small gym and disproportionally sized rooms with oversized bathrooms and smaller rooms. At $299 before taxes and fees the Tempo’s value proposition comes into question. On the same night the full service Hilton Times Square was going for $139 a night before taxes and fees. That property features similar amenities as the Tempo for much cheaper.
Where the property excels at is the overall atmosphere. Compared to neighboring properties that go for a loud boisterous atmosphere, the Tempo By Hilton is more relaxed and subdued. Another strongpoint for the Tempo is the location. It is right in the center of Times Square. Broadway shows and attractions are nearby as well as the Port Authority Bus terminal, Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and the NYC subway system which are within walking distance. Overall the Tempo By Hilton Times square is an average property that does not offer value for its money but gets the basic job done.
