Hilton’s increasing focus on the burgeoning lifestyle segment became clearer recently with the addition of 11 new properties to its development pipeline, six of which are part of its nascent Tempo by Hilton brand.
Launched last year, Tempo by Hilton is positioned as an approachable lifestyle hotel brand offering thoughtfully designed accommodations to help guests relax and recharge, according to the company.
During a recent press event—which also included executives from the company’s other lifestyle brands Motto by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton—Kevin Morgan, global brand head, Tempo by Hilton, discussed the “contemporary and modern” brand’s target demographic.
“Tempo was built to appeal to this emerging traveler, what we term as a modern achiever. Balance grounds them, compassion guides them, and discovery stimulates them. It’s a group of individuals that really reflects on their personal successes. They’re goal-oriented and really striving for more in life. When we looked at building the Tempo brand it was really about putting together design elements that touched on that and providing an uplifting and more inspiring experience,” he said.
Morgan emphasized that in addition to creating an affordable product for guests, the company kept owners very much in mind by ensuring that “it’s affordable to build” as well.
The lifestyle brand—which had previously announced a groundbreaking in Louisville—recently signed deals for new build properties in major metropolitan markets including Boston, New York, Seattle, and Milwaukee, as well as Irving, TX.
According to the company, each property will feature inspiring public spaces, state-of-the-art fitness facilities with product experiences from Peloton and Precor, and flexible meeting and working spaces. The brand is also designed to feature premium culinary options, such as its signature coffee and tea fuel bar, a café style breakfast offering and a bar experience.
Morgan further touted the flexibility of the brand’s lobbies, which he noted will allow guests to not only enjoy breakfast, but also have informal meetings and spread out and work.
“Within the public space you’ll see a dynamic communal space. It’s really about having a multi-function space that’s utilized throughout the day,” he noted.
The brand’s lobbies will also feature a very distinct ceiling mounted artwork piece, according to Morgan. “It’s one more nod to the ‘lookup culture.’ We find we’re always looking down at our phones and our computer screens; we want to put little nods into this brand,” he said.
The guestrooms also feature an abstract art piece on the wall greeting guests as they enter. The Get Ready zone includes an open closet and large stone top which be used as multi-functional space. He noted the brand has “resituated the bathroom” effectively making the room larger. “It allows guests to use that space for more than just walking through,” said Morgan.
The guestrooms also features a spacious bath suite with a backlit mirror and oversized shower. Other prominent room features include an enveloping headboard designed to “feel like a hug” as well as a swivel chair, multi-functional table and 65-inch TV.
The newly signed properties in Boston and New York City, meanwhile, are expected to open in 2023 with the remaining Tempo hotels opening in 2024.
The Tempo Boston Fenway will be a 184-room hotel near Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. It will feature an on-site restaurant, flexible meeting space and a fitness center with more than 1,220 square feet.
The Tempo New York City Manhattan Downtown World Trade Center Area will be a 41-story hotel with nearly 300 rooms located in the city’s financial district.
The Tempo Seattle Downtown will be a 23-story hotel featuring 200 guestrooms. It will feature a bar and restaurant located on the second level and a rooftop lounge and bar.
The Tempo Milwaukee Downtown is a 155-room hotel with views of the city and the Milwaukee River and 4,600 square feet of meeting space.
The Tempo Irving Las Colinas will be a 138-room hotel with more than 2,500 square feet of meeting space and a large outdoor patio.
