Tempo by Hilton Times Square: Serenity Amid the Chaos

Kim Orlando Avatar
Front glass facade of the Tempo by Hilton Times Square with people walking in front of it.
Tempo by Hilton Times Square entrance in NYC. Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

Times Square requires a little mental prep. Staying there meant preparing myself for noise, energy and a whole lot of people. So when I checked into the Tempo by Hilton Times Square with a colleague for a conference, I was expecting long days and sleepless nights.

But I actually slept. Soundly. In Midtown. The restaurant and bar doubles as a lobby, so there’s a natural hum of activity, but the energy of Times Square stays outside. We each had our own room but they were large enough to fit two people comfortably. The decor is contemporary and minimal but not cold, with a modern bathroom. The closet is more of a rack with no doors but it did come equipped with a steamer.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

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Standout Features of Tempo by Hilton Times Square

Standard King room at the Tempo Hilton Times Square with white bedding, a gray bench and tv on the opposite wall, a gray line drawing above the bed and white chair in front of the floor-to-ceiling-windows.
Standard King Room at Tempo Hilton NYC. Photo credit: Breeze Leonard
  • Prime location : You’re right in Times Square, close to Broadway, shopping, and conference venues.
  • Surprisingly quiet : Strong insulation keeps most of the chaos outside.
  • Spectacular views : Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the best of the city.
  • Security presence : Guarded entrance for peace of mind.
  • Friendly, helpful staff : Every interaction was easy and warm.
  • Restaurant in the lobby : Food and drinks without leaving the building.
  • Modern rooms : Plenty of outlets, comfortable beds, and spacious enough for two.

Who This Hotel Works Best For

Tempo by Hilton Times Square is a smart choice for:

  • Business travelers who want convenience without sacrificing sleep.
  • Friends or colleagues attending conferences or shows together.
  • First-time visitors who want to be immersed in the energy of Times Square but still need a calm space to recharge.

First Impressions and Security

I liked being greeted by security at the entrance off of 48th Street. It was reassuring to know only guests and staff were coming in and out and they were always available to point us in the right direction. Check-in was smooth, and the staff is friendly and professional. The bellman is a pro, managing multiple guests with bags quickly and ready with transportation recommendations.

Location You Can’t Beat

Image of the corner of 48th and Broadway in Times Square at night with crowds of people and csars on the street and a Ralph Lauren ad on the building.
The corner of 48th & Broadway in Times Square NYC at night. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

Tempo is in Times Square, not “a short walk to” – you’re in it. Our conference was steps away, which made it easy to pop back to the room between sessions. For theater lovers, Broadway shows are around the corner. For shoppers, Fifth Avenue is nearby. Business travelers are well-positioned to get anywhere else in Midtown quickly.

We walked to Tempo from Grand Central Terminal but we could have taken the subway – the train is steps from the hotel’s front door.

Spectacular Views

Night view from the window of Tempo Hilton NYC. In the room are a white bed and upholstered chair and a wall lamp turned on.
Night view from the window of Tempo Hilton NYC. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

I couldn’t get enough of the views. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a bird’s-eye view of the neon glow of Times Square and the Manhattan skyline. We were on the 11th floor and I looked forward to hanging out in the chair in the window cubby watching the chaos below.

And the rooms are great too: clean, modern and smartly laid out. Outlets and USB ports are plentiful. The bathroom is normal sized with great lighting and although the closet didn’t have doors, it did have a steamer, which I used a lot.

Electronic blinds offer blackout and opaque curtain options but I couldn’t get them to cooperate. It was either full daylight or complete blackout for me. Not a dealbreaker, but it was funny trying to finesse them into a “just a sliver of light” mode.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Request a high-floor room facing Times Square. You might still hear the city below, but the views more than make up for it. It’s the best way to experience the buzz of Times Square without feeling like you’re drowning in it.

Neutral tone bathroom with subway tiles and soft lighting. The mirror is round and lit along the edge. The walk-in shower has a glass door.
Neutral tone bathroom with subway tiles and soft lighting. Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

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Kim Orlando is the Founder of the online travel resource for women, SheBuysTravel, and a leader in the leisure and travel industry. Her travel mantra is simple: All travel counts.  “We want to inspire women to travel in any shape or form.” “The ‘best trip ever’ probably won’t be the same for an empty-nester or mom of three versus a single woman celebrating a bachelorette party with her friends,” Kim says. can be found on InstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.
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