Right in Times Square, right in the heart of this city that never sleeps, stands a new Tempo hotel, from the great Hilton family. We tested it. And yes, we actually slept there.
Time? If the name doesn’t mean anything to you, it’s because the news was passed over lightly. The Hilton chain actually expanded its range of hotels a few years ago: in January 2020. Halfway between the popular DoubleTree and the chic Canopy are now these hotels called Tempo, which target a very specific audience: “ambitious and modern travelers”, in search of services but also style. Objective: “relax” and “recharge”, specifies the launch press release.
After Nashville then Louisville, Hilton’s new Tempo hotel opened in New York last year, in 2023. During a recent stay in the Big Apple, we were invited to try it.
Located directly on the corner of 7e Avenue and the 47e Street, a stone’s throw from the red steps of Times Square, it’s difficult to be more in the heart of life. Archicentral, a metro entrance is right at its feet (and another on a street corner, just like a pretzel stand, a souvenir shop or a Minnie mascot, do you want some action, in v ‘there !).
To access its chic and bright lobby (at 11e floor, over a theater), you have to take an elevator, and there you are: in a true oasis of calm, despite the world, because obviously, people come in and out at all hours of the day and night here !
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HILTON
The lobby, located at 11e floor, offers a spectacular view. Imagine higher!
The hotel stretches over 36 floors and has 661 rooms, all with large beds (very comfortable, sized queen Or king) uniquely. Its main, and not least, attraction: the view. Because of its location, several rooms here face directly onto Times Square, with its huge light panels. A very good plan for the New Year, for a prime spot to see the famous ball fall at midnight. And windows going from floor to ceiling, this has the merit of giving a real illusion of grandeur to the rooms which are quite small, although very functional.
If you are wondering: yes, it is well soundproofed. And it’s quite spectacular: as much as it is possible to open the window slightly and immediately hear a horn sound, as soon as you close it, there is silence in your cocoon. Well, not total silence, but let’s say we’ve seen a lot worse in Manhattan, and not much better. And we’ve never slept so close to our hearts either.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HILTON
The windows, from wall to ceiling, offer an illusion of grandeur.
For the rest, the rooms have a work area, with a large television screen (65 inches), a coffee machine (Nespresso), in addition to a minifridge, very practical for an extended stay, knowing that the bistro of the hotel is far from cheap.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HILTON
We love the large and bright bathroom.
Storage wise: a few hooks (never enough), a quantity of hangers and two shelves, but no drawers. We make up for it with the large bathroom, with numerous mirrors, one of which has an integrated Bluetooth speaker. We really appreciated the Apotheke products offered, a little less the slight musty smell of the shower when we woke up.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HILTON
Highball Bistro serves as a lobby until 4 p.m.
Otherwise, know that the hotel has a gym and a restaurant/bar (named Highball), of which we heard great things about its cocktails, but we abstained, given the prices (more than US$8 for a simple latte, that was a bit of a chill for us).
That said, animal lovers, good news: your little companions are welcome here!
Part of the costs of this trip were paid by the New York Tourist Office, which had no right to review the content of this report.
Visit the Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square website (in English)
WE love
The location, certainly unbeatable, and then the breathtaking view of Times Square. Above all, we appreciate the feeling of calm, after the storm of the city, as soon as the bedroom door is closed. Good to know: the room rate offers a daily discount of US$10 at the bistro, in addition to two City Bike coupons (their BIXI) and a $25 discount per day on parking.
We like less
Everything is expensive in New York, and these rooms are no exception, remaining on the high average: starting at US$299 (over CAN$400) per night these days. Please note that depending on the floor, size and windows, prices can increase considerably.
The Highball Bistro, which serves as a friendly lobby by day, transforms into a bar from 4 p.m., with table service and a host at the entrance. Good for vacationers, less for workers. Impossible to hang out there to write. Damage.