A New Yorker’s Unexpected Stay at Tempo by Hilton Times Square
Inside Tempo by Hilton Times Square, where wellness meets luxury with Peloton-equipped rooms, curated amenities, and a stylish dining experience at Highball.
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
As a New Yorker, I’ve been trained to treat Times Square like a beautiful chaos zone best admired from afar. The crowds, the flashing lights, the constant motion, it is a lot. Times Square is where you send your out-of-town friends, not where you check in for a staycation. But when Tempo by Hilton Times Square called, I decided to do something unexpected. I answered. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.
From the moment I arrived, Tempo made an impression. You do not search for this hotel, it finds you. Towering above the electric energy of Times Square, it feels like a sleek, modern sanctuary carved directly into the skyline. There is something undeniably powerful about stepping into a space that rises above the chaos while still sitting right in the middle of it all. It feels intentional, elevated, and distinctly New York.
What really drew me in, though, was the wellness aspect. As someone who is constantly balancing a fast paced lifestyle with moments of self care, I am always looking for experiences that combine travel with wellness in a way that feels natural, not forced. Tempo understands that balance. I stayed in one of their Peloton Wellness Rooms, featuring a Peloton bike positioned right by the window. Yes, overlooking Times Square.
There is something surreal about starting your day clipped into a ride while looking out at one of the busiest intersections in the world. The city is buzzing below you, taxis weaving through traffic, tourists filling the sidewalks, and somehow you are in your own controlled, elevated space, choosing movement and intention before stepping into it. It felt energizing and grounding at the same time, which is not something I typically associate with Times Square.
The room itself set the tone immediately. When I walked in, I was greeted with a beautifully arranged charcuterie board, which instantly made the space feel warm and welcoming. The design was clean and calming, with a modern aesthetic that never felt cold. Every detail felt considered, from the layout to the lighting, creating an environment that allowed you to actually unwind.
And then there was the bathroom mirror. Built in Bluetooth. It might sound like a small detail, but it completely changed the getting ready experience. Being able to do my full glam routine while blasting my rap playlist made the entire moment feel elevated, like I was getting ready for a night out with a built in soundtrack. It is those small, thoughtful touches that take a hotel stay from standard to memorable.
Of course, no New York stay is complete without good food and a proper night out, and Tempo delivers on both without you ever needing to leave the building. When it was time for dinner and drinks, we headed downstairs to Highball, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
The vibe felt effortlessly cool, with a menu that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elevated dining. We started with the meatballs, which felt like a non negotiable New York staple. They were rich, flavorful, and exactly what you want to kick off the night. I went for the burger paired with a classic Jack and Coke, which hit every note you want from a comfort order done right. My friend ordered the salmon and immediately made it clear she would not be sharing after the first bite, which tells you everything you need to know.
What stood out most about the experience at Highball was how easy it felt. It had the energy of a place you could bring anyone to, whether it is friends visiting the city for the first time or your hardest to impress downtown circle. It strikes that rare balance of being both approachable and elevated, which mirrors the overall Tempo experience.
Here is the part I did not expect. Tempo did not just change my mind about staying in Times Square, it completely reframed it. The chaos outside never disappears, but inside the hotel, it feels curated. Controlled. Intentional. You get all the energy of Times Square without feeling consumed by it.
It is a version of New York that feels elevated and indulgent, without losing the essence of what makes the city so exciting in the first place.
So yes, I broke my own New York rule. And it was completely worth it.
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