I’m trying to imagine what a stay at Tempo by Hilton, New York Times Square, on New Year’s Eve would be like. Alas, I was too early to find out, as my visit was timed for the last two weeks of the year. August 2023 marked the opening of this flagship Hilton property, debuting the brand’s newest lifestyle division.
I stayed in what’s known as a “Ball Drop” room. With a total of 31 in this category, it was easy to see how it got its name. The window is directly in sight of Times Square where the iconic New Year’s Eve ball descends.
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square will anchor the upcoming TSX Broadway. This 46-floor tower is scheduled to open at the end of 2024 as a new mixed retail and entertainment venue with a performance stage. It was christened last July with a surprise public concert by Post Malone.
The construction project, which included this Hilton property in its planning, was quite an engineering feat. The Palace Theatre, a landmark from 1913, is in the vicinity of the TSX Broadway site and was elevated to this new complex. In 2022, the theater was carefully lifted 30 feet to create 100,000 square feet of space. Google Search it and you’ll find amazing footage. But prior to all this construction, a DoubleTree Hotel originally built on this site was demolished; a few structural bones remained but much of this Hilton is a new build.
Now, the brand-new Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square sits on top of the theater. With 661 rooms that are situated starting on the 11th floor, it is completely wrapped round by an open lobby. A small grab-and-go kiosk with self-checkout next to reception, is stocked with travel necessities and snacks. On the other side, the Highball restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a pre-fixed menu for Broadway theatergoers. Additionally, the cocktail lounge offers a daily Happy Hour with live music starting later in the evening. Menus feature shared and small plates, including stylish takes on Nathan’s famous hotdogs and the classic New York pretzel. A big plus is an outdoor dining terrace, a rare gem for a Times Square hotel.
Express elevators jet up and down the 36-story hotel with a punch-in of your floor number. Room categories consist of varying sized king or queen guestrooms, and a top-floor Presidential Suite with a full view of the New Year’s Eve party and ball drop. City view rooms are another priced option.
My Ball Drop room had a king bed, a workstation (Hilton refers to it as the “Get Ready Zone”) with adjustable lamp, a mini-fridge and coffee maker, and a place for stashing my suitcase and organizing my things. The bath’s walk-in shower featured a Bluetooth speaker and digital clock in the mirror. And there were enough outlets and charging ports on both sides of the bed.
The large flat-screen TV included access to Netflix along with numerous channels to flip through. A touch control panel adjusted the lighting along with the motorized black-out curtains. It seemed magical drawing them back each night to unveil a striking view of Times Square.
Some of the guest accommodations are handicap-supported. Nine rooms contain Peloton bikes and access to a library of digital content, a yoga mat, and resistance bands. Plus, the hotel has an onsite fitness center downstairs.
As with many new or recently renovated New York City hotel rooms, smaller space reigns. That said, you’re encouraged to be out on the town in the Big Apple so go for it, especially here where the bright lights of Broadway beckon just outside the front door.
All Photos credit Tempo By Hilton
Tempo By Hilton New York Times Square
1568 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
(212) 262-8100
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/nyctepo-tempo-new-york-times-square