Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu Hotel Opens in Kentucky

Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu opened its doors May 1, as the third property to open nationally from Hilton’s new 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.

“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 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.

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.