The hype
Travelers are universally impressed by the noise isolation and cleanliness, but the small room sizes and elevator logistics annoy some.
Tempo By Hilton New York Times Square
$200-450/ night
Book this if You want to be in the absolute center of the action but sleep in a soundproofed glass box above it all.
Why People Love It
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with insane Times Square views
- Brand new (opened late 2023) so everything feels crisp and modern
- Surprisingly effective soundproofing that mutes the chaos below
Quick Take: A polished, corporate-cool sanctuary that proves you can actually sleep in Times Square—if you don't mind the elevator shuffle.
Reviewed by @chasefortravel: I stayed here for a mix of work and play, and the corner room views completely stole the show. Sipping coffee while overlooking the city chaos from my quiet, modern sanctuary was the ultimate NYC moment. The terrace dining is a total hidden gem, too.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Destination Fee' is mandatory and the breakfast at Highball is not included (and pricey).
- You are seeing a Broadway show and want to walk home in 3 minutes
- You are a Peloton devotee (the gym is excellent)
- You thrive on the energy of crowds but need a quiet crash pad
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard and generally reliable; staff are praised for thoroughness.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Grout is white, glass is streak-free (benefit of being a new hotel).
- Maintenance: Everything works. No peeling paint or leaky faucets reported.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and new. No threadbare towels here.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh. No masking agents or stale smoke smells.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Faint sirens on lower floors (below 20)
- Hallway noise if near the elevator bank
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is on the 11th floor, not street level.
- There are filtered water stations on every third floor—bring a reusable bottle.
- The 'Destination Fee' includes a $10 daily food credit, but it doesn't go far at the bar.
What to pack
- Reusable water bottle (to use the hydration stations)
- Earplugs (just in case you get a lower floor)
- Slippers (floors are hard surface, not carpet)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King (ending in '02' often has great dual-aspect views)
- Ball Drop View rooms (premium price, but unbeatable for NYE vibes)
- Any room on floor 30+ for maximum quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Floors 12-18 if you are sensitive to street vibration
- Rooms directly facing the elevator bank (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a high floor (24+) away from the elevators. If a Corner King is available for upgrade, that would be amazing.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free breakfast?
No. There is a grab-and-go cafe and a sit-down restaurant (Highball), but expect to pay $20-30 per person.
How bad is the noise?
Surprisingly minimal. The soundproofing is top-tier for the location, but you will still hear the dull hum of the city.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Yes, it's one of the most patrolled areas in the world, but it is chaotic, crowded, and full of tourist scams.
Can I see the Ball Drop?
Only if you book a specific 'Ball Drop View' room. Regular 'City View' rooms might face the wrong way.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a gym and a terrace, but no swimming pool.
Does the hotel allow pets?
Yes, but the fee is steep—around $250 per stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Market' in the lobby has decent snacks, but the Duane Reade pharmacy around the corner is half the price.
- ✨
Use the 'TSX' entrance if the main Broadway sidewalk is gridlocked with tourists.
- ✨
The bathroom mirrors have built-in Bluetooth speakers—connect your phone for morning tunes.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators have no buttons inside; you select your floor on a keypad in the hallway.
💡You have to take two elevators to get to your room (Street -> Lobby -> Room).
💡The 'City Bike' credit included in the resort fee is often useless because nearby docks are always empty/full.
💡There is no room service, only grab-and-go pickup.
💡The blackout curtains are motorized and actually work perfectly.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Tempo By Hilton New York Times Square is located and what's nearby.