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Tempo by Hilton Opens in Louisville’s Hip & Lively NuLu Neighborhood

Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - 1 King Bed Guest Room with Peloton Bike
Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu
The hotel’s uplifting spaces and memorable experiences match the momentum of the modern traveler

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ⏤ Designed for the rhythm of life, Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu opened its doors May 1, as the third property to open nationally from Hilton’s new stylish contemporary lifestyle brand. The 130-room hotel echoes the surrounding upbeat NuLu neighborhood with lively settings for social gatherings and events for locals and travelers alike, as well as stylish spaces to rest and recharge. Refuel at the hotel’s two dining options — Moonsong Bar + Café on the first floor and High Stakes Grill, a full-service rooftop restaurant and event space with stellar skyline views.

Named one of the 50 best places to travel in 2024 by Travel + Leisure, Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu opened just ahead of the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and the PGA Championship being held at Valhalla a short drive away. 

Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - 2 Queen Beds Guest Room
Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - 2 Queen Beds Guest Room

“We purposely chose Louisville and the thriving NuLu neighborhood for our latest Tempo by Hilton location with the dynamic, modern achiever guest in mind,” said Kevin Morgan, brand leader, Tempo by Hilton. “Marking a significant milestone, this opening not only adds to our growing portfolio, but also introduces Hilton’s lifestyle category to Louisville. As we open the doors to Tempo Louisville, we are bringing a new era of hospitality to Derby City as we continue to match the momentum of today’s travelers, offering thoughtfully designed accommodations to help guests relax and recharge." 

Developed and owned by First Investors and Weyland Ventures and operated and managed by First Hospitality, Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu is surrounded by dining, entertainment, distillery and shopping destinations. The hotel is located just minutes from the KFC Yum! Center, Louisville Slugger Field, Lynn Family Stadium, the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Science Center, Museum Row and more. 

"I am excited to build upon our world-class team in the Louisville market by welcoming 100 new associates to First Hospitality,” said David Duncan, CEO, First Hospitality & First Investors. “This opening marks First Investors' third hotel project in Louisville in partnership with Weyland Ventures.”  

Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - Exterior
Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - Exterior

“Tempo has created a distinctive concept that will win over the next generation of travelers, with thoughtful amenities and inspiring design that win the hearts of guests and locals alike by leading with genuine hospitality, passion and dedication by the property team,” said Sam Schwartz, president, First Investors.

Mariah Gratz, CEO, Weyland Ventures, noted NuLu is thriving with numerous developments underway. 

“The opening of the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown Nulu represents the culmination of an exciting year for NuLu,” Gratz said. “Coming in conjunction with Rabbit Hole Distillery’s expansion plans and the opening of Heaven’s Door in the neighborhood, the momentum of Nulu continues to build as a premier destination for both visitors and locals in Louisville. We believe that the Tempo brand is a perfect fit for this growing neighborhood.” 

Design elements throughout the hotel pay homage to Kentucky’s signature spirit. Bourbon-inspired textures and breathtaking artwork looks as if whiskey is pouring into the lobby from the urban distilleries nearby, creating a memorable Look Up moment that invites visitors to experience the present moment and explore a new perspective. 

Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - Lobby Bourbon Pour
Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu - Lobby Bourbon Pour

A home away from home, accommodations at Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu are designed with unique Power Up and Power Down amenities so guests can create their perfect morning and nighttime rituals. Each room features a well-lit Get Ready Zone; a spacious bathroom with an oversized shower, Bluetooth speaker mirror and APOTHEKE products; and an ideal sleeping environment thanks to exclusive Sealy Accelerate mattresses dressed in cooling linens. The property features king and double-queen rooms, along with five Wellness rooms with in-room Peloton bikes. 

Guests can maintain their fitness routines in the state-of-the-art fitness center featuring elevated equipment from Peloton — or discover Louisville’s nearby Waterfront Park and Big Four pedestrian bridge.  

The bright and welcoming lobby features a signature hydration station offering still and sparkling water options. In partnership with Planet Water Foundation and Klean Kanteen, guests may purchase reusable water bottles from the gift shop, with $2 from each bottle helping to support water-insecure communities all over the world. In addition, Hilton Global Foundation, Tempo by Hilton and Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown will fund an AquaTower water filtration system that will bring clean, safe water to a community in Jalisco, Mexico, which will be implemented this summer. 

Whether traveling across the country or across town, guests can enjoy bites and beverages for any occasion, including breakfast and lunch at Moonsong Bar + Café, a new, all-day café concept from Hilton and Bluestone Lane, a globally recognized Australian-inspired coffee roaster, café and lifestyle brand. Additionally, slated to open this summer, the rooftop High Stakes Grill will feature upscale American classics with local ingredients and ample plant-focused options, plus a standout beverage program with Tempo’s Spirited and Free-Spirited signature cocktails. 

Throughout the hotel, guests will find dynamic, inspiring communal spaces perfect for relaxing, socializing or collaborating. Off the lobby, a 676-square-foot flexible meeting space is great for small groups, while a 1,200-square-foot gathering space on the sixth floor is designed to meet a range of meeting, special event or private dining requests. 

For more information, visit tempobyhilton.com.  

Media Contacts

Tracy Green Tracy@EstesPR.com
Kate Maddox Kate@EstesPR.com

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.


About Tempo by Hilton

Tempo by Hilton is a stylish, contemporary lifestyle hotel brand designed for the ambitious traveler looking to maintain a sense of balance and momentum. With the recent debuts of Tempo by Hilton in Times Square, Nashville and Louisville, with more than 50 additional properties under development, Tempo by Hilton offers re-imagined guest rooms designed with well-being in mind, dynamic communal spaces for collaboration or focused work, healthy café-style dining developed in partnership with Bluestone Lane, a leading-edge beverage program featuring spirited and free-spirited cocktails, and next-level fitness facilities both in the hotel and with Tempo Wellness Rooms designed to match an at-home experience. Experience Tempo by Hilton by booking at tempobyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Tempo by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/tempo


About Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu

A stylish, contemporary hotel designed for ambitious travelers looking to maintain a sense of balance and momentum, Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu empowers guests to continue becoming their best even while traveling. Elevated yet approachable, thoughtfully designed and uplifting, Tempo matches the rhythm of Louisville’s trendy and vibrant NuLu neighborhood — surrounded by shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu (710 E Jefferson Street) opens in May 2024 with 130 rooms, a flex meeting space, a 1,200 square foot private dining and event space and five signature Wellness Rooms featuring Peloton bikes. Power up for the day in the elevated fitness facility and prep in the signature in-room Get Ready Zone, then power down with relaxation rituals and cooling linens at the end of the day. Nourish well with options from Moonsong Bar + Café thanks to a partnership with Bluestone Lane or dine at High Stakes Grill, a full-service rooftop restaurant and event space (opening summer 2024). Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu is the brand’s third opening. For more information or to make a reservation, visit tempobyhilton.com or call (502) 901-9355. Follow on Instagram at @tempolouisville


About First Hospitality

First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded and independent properties throughout the United States. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality’s success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Condé Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com.   


About Weyland Ventures

Weyland Ventures is a multi-disciplinary real estate development firm known for creating unique mixed-use properties in urban areas across the nation. Considered experts in the use of historic tax credits, new market credits and other layered financing methods the company is able to tackle tough projects that typically wouldn’t be considered viable to other firms. Our projects incorporate residential, commercial, retail, and entertainment venues that often create new and vibrant neighborhoods, while preserving the community’s unique heritage.