Hilton’s ‘contemporary’ lifestyle brand, Tempo by Hilton, promises sleek design and a prime city-centre location, and its New York Times Square flagship certainly delivers in many respects.
But do the Hilton Honors Gold member perks stack up in Manhattan? During my round-the-world trip with points, I put my membership to the test during a two-night stay in the heart of Broadway.
A corner view of Times Square
Originally booked as a ‘King Times Square High Floor’ room, I find that the property has upgraded me to a ‘King Corner Times Square View’ instead. That’s a tick for space-available upgrades – and the view is impressive.
Inside, the aesthetic is modern, with clean lines, a large 65-inch smart TV, a mini-fridge, a Nespresso-style coffee maker, and premium bedding. Yes, the curtains operate electronically and swish open to reveal the panoramic view.
The bathroom is functional and well-appointed with a rainfall shower and quality toiletries from Brooklyn-based Apotheke.
That said, while the room felt comfortable and stylish, the storage space is limited (typical for a Manhattan hotel). There’s no wardrobe – some leather-bound hooks on a rail will have to suffice. At roughly 24 sqm, the room is big enough for two people. However, it would definitely be squishy with multiple suitcases.
Hilton Gold perks and food & beverage credit
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, one of the key perks here is the US$18 daily food & beverage credit, offered instead of a continental breakfast in most other markets. (It’s worth noting that the credit is typically US$15 in North America, but Hilton boosts it to US$18 in select premium markets such as NYC.)
The credit is offered per person, up to two people per room. You can use it at the hotel’s bar, Highball, which also provides ‘grab and go’ options from the front café area. Since I’m out most of the time, that’s what I do.
On the first morning, I head to the café and grab what I think is a US$10 burrito – but it’s actually US$16 (blame my jetlag and the unclear handwriting). Along with a US$9 orange juice, that initially puts me at US$25. But after taxes and the card machine asking for a tip, my bill is closer to US$30 (~A$46).
Speaking of tips, I wasn’t expecting to pay one for grab-and-go, which throws me off. I hit 15% the first time around. There is an option to enter a custom tip for a lower amount.
On the second day, I take a healthy-looking chicken salad for US$15, taking me just over the daily credit after taxes and a smaller tip are added. It’s delicious and filling.
At checkout, the staff applies my two US$18 credits without any fuss. Keep in mind that these are not cumulative across your whole stay, so you will need to ‘use it or lose it’ day by day.
Summing up
Room rates in Times Square are very steep. For similar dates in 2026, two nights in a Times Square View room are around US$522 (A$806) per night. Personally, it’s beyond my budget for a personal trip, and our weak AUD doesn’t help. But if your wallet stretches wide enough, it’s quite a lovely stay.
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square offers complete convenience for Broadway fans. I never have to walk more than a block or three for my next show. As a Hilton Gold member, the upgrade to a corner Times Square View room is a highlight. However, the US$18 daily credit for food and beverages isn’t quite as valuable given the high costs.
Reward nights with Hilton Honors points are more reasonably priced at around 90,000 points per night. Resort fees are waived for reward stays, and if you’re a Silver member or higher, you can also get the fifth night free! I would love to stay here the next time I catch up on Broadway’s latest shows – but it will be with my Hilton Honors points.
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Photography by Brandon Loo, who stayed as a guest of the property. Hilton Gold perks were applied based on his own membership.
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