Tempo by Hilton Times Square Review – the Perfect NYC Getaway
Tempo by Hilton Times Square Review
Words: Mix Cacho-Negrete
Staying in Times Square during New York Fashion Week, Valentine’s Day weekend, and President’s Day holiday sounded like a logistical nightmare. Add snowfall to the mix, and I was fully prepared for chaos.
Instead, my stay at Tempo by Hilton Times Square turned out to be one of my most comfortable stays in New York, especially as a solo female traveller.
The hotel opened less than four years ago and feels incredibly modern. Guests take an elevator up to the lobby, and almost immediately most of the Times Square noise disappears. The aesthetic feels luxurious but not overdone, with gigantic windows overlooking the constant motion and bright lights of Times Square below.
To the left sits a spacious restaurant and bar called Highball, which stays open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had dinner there one evening and it was excellent for classic American comfort food. I’m still thinking about the pretzel bites.
Once I arrived at my room, I was pleasantly surprised again. The space had several modern features, many I had never experienced in a hotel before. Automatic blinds allowed for different levels of privacy and made it easy to create a completely dark room after a late night. My favourite feature was the Bluetooth mirror in the bathroom, which connected to my phone so I could play music while getting ready for the fashion shows.
The room was also extremely clean and the bed was comfortable, which is always appreciated after long days running around New York. Another thoughtful touch was the free water dispenser in the hallway instead of overpriced water bottles in the room. The hotel staff shared that this change was part of an effort to be more sustainable, which I appreciated.
As someone who often travels alone, security is always something I think about. Tempo made me feel very safe throughout my stay. There was security as you entered the hotel from Times Square, security in the lobby, and staff ensuring guests entered the correct elevators to their rooms. Guests also had to scan their key cards for specific elevators to open. There was always staff nearby to help and support guests, which was especially helpful as I rushed between events.
On top of the hotel’s excellent service and accommodations, its location, right above the 49th Street subway stop, proved to be perfect during the chaos of New York Fashion Week. The location saved me hundreds of dollars and helped me get to shows on time without waiting in traffic.
After my stay, I told my fiancé that this stay was one of my best in New York, ever. I can’t wait to return.