ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: We visited New York City during the busiest time of the year — the December holidays. Times Square is especially hectic then, so I wanted a hotel in an ideal location to make getting to scheduled activities easy for our two families traveling together to celebrate our twin niece and nephew’s 10th birthdays. Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square fit the bill.
© Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
Both families drove from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Even though we followed one another, heavy traffic around Times Square separated us. It’s easy to get turned around in that area, but we found the hotel at the corner of 47th and Seventh with relative ease. The valets were friendly and helpful, though the lobby was crowded with people checking out. Our room wasn’t ready immediately, but staff held our bags and we sat in the lounge area near the lobby bar and grab-and-go eatery. By the time our second group arrived, the lobby had cleared and it became quicker to drop off luggage. We headed out for afternoon activities and returned to find our rooms ready that early evening.
© Kimberly Inlander
GUEST QUARTERS: Our two-queen-bedded guestrooms were next to each other and had smart, functional layouts that easily accommodated our one-night stay. At the entrance a small bench sat to the left of the door with open space above for hanging jackets and storing a few bags. The two beds were separated by a nightstand and faced a long dresser/desk topped by a flat-screen TV. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a narrow view of Times Square, and an armchair nestled beside them.
The bathroom was bright and spacious, featuring a large walk-in shower that delighted the kids as they squeezed together and giggled while hiding from us, along with the usual toiletries and amenities.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square has 661 guestrooms across 46 floors and two dining options. An outdoor terrace looks over the city, and a 24-hour fitness center is available for guests. Complimentary WiFi is provided. Cribs can be requested, and confirmed connecting rooms are available for families when booked in advance. Valet parking is offered for a fee.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- The hotel’s central location made it easy to walk to activities on our itinerary, including ice skating in Central Park, Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and Radio City Music Hall.
- If you visit during the holiday season, note that the valet garage is near Radio City Music Hall and can experience heavy traffic during the Christmas Spectacular; wait times for vehicle retrieval can be lengthy.
- Instead of traditional room service, the hotel features a grab-and-go concept in the lobby. We used the grab-and-go for snacks and ordered New York bagels for delivery the morning we checked out.
- The hotel also highlights themed offerings, such as a suite inspired by the Broadway show Beetlejuice playing nearby. Its proximity to theaters and the TKTS booth makes it a convenient choice for theatergoers.
TEMPO BY HILTON NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE
1568 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
tel 212 262 8100