There are New York trips, and then there are the ones that stay with you a little longer than expected. The ones where everything just clicks, like the energy, the people, the moments you didn’t plan but somehow needed. The kind of trip where you’re already nostalgic for it before you’ve even left.

That’s exactly what this recent stay at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square became for me. It wasn’t just a place to sleep. It became part of the experience, and the reset, the energy, the in-between moments that ended up meaning the most.

Walking into my room, I had one of those rare pause moments. Not the quick “this is nice,” but the kind where you stop, take a breath, and let it sink in. Those floor-to-ceiling windows completely change everything.

You’re looking straight out into Times Square and Broadway, but from above, where it all feels cinematic. During the day, its constant movement, such as people, taxis, that fast-paced rhythm. But at night, it shifts. The lights don’t just glow, they flicker and layer in a way that feels unreal.

One night, I leaned against the window, just watching everything below. No music. No distractions. And for a moment, I slowed down.

And then there’s Highball. There you can have these perfect nights where nothing felt rushed, just great drinks, great conversation, and that effortless NYC energy.

An Old Fashioned to start for my bestie Sharma, which she mentioned was smooth and balanced, and a Cosmopolitan for me that felt like a celebration just made the evening so much better. We stayed longer than expected, shared small plates, and had the kind of conversation that makes you forget the time, because New York City just feels like the type of place where you can get away, catch up and have fun.

And somewhere in between all of that, the lights, the laughter, the little in-between moments, I got to spend time with someone who has been part of my story for so long.

My soulmate and bestie since 9th grade, Yoncie. There’s something special about being in a place as electric as New York and sharing it with someone who has known you through so many versions of yourself, and we love connecting every year in the city, where he lives.

Yoncie has this way of making everything feel lighter, funnier, more me, and this weekend was no different. And it was so great to have him experience Tempo by Hilton with me during a shared breakfast before taking on the rest of the day.

We laughed constantly, and caught up, and these moments just add another layer to the entire experience, one that reminded me that while the city brings the energy, it’s the people you share it with who make it unforgettable.

Somewhere in between it all, I had one of those unexpected moments.

I bought myself a Pandora charm, yes, but I posed as Princess Aurora in Times Square, after quickly changing at the hotel’s restroom as we waited for the room. Did I leave a bit of glitter on the floor? Sure.

But in a way it made sense, because I felt a little bit like a true princess as staff smiled and laughed, as well as guests. And let’s just say one of the best parts after the photo shoot was a sitting at Highball sipping a Cosmopolitan (of course I was,) dressed like Princess Aurora.

Sharma is also a photographer, and one of the best ones, one that knows that I thrive and feel so happy just being myself and posing for her camera. Walking downstairs to the heart of Times Square made this moment even more special and one that I’ll never forget.

It was playful, a little extra, which I proudly admit I am, but also meaningful. A reminder to let myself enjoy the moment fully. And Tempo by Hilton made this all so easy, and it felt like it was meant to happen that day and during this trip.

For that, I was so thankful.

Thanks to how accessible the hotel is to Broadway, Sharma and Jennilee were able to see Death Becomes Her, and

walking back through Times Square afterward felt electric, and we ended up at a fantastic Irish Pub having a little food and drinks and chatting about how amazing and unforgettable the show was.

Coming back to Tempo Hilton after BookCon was the perfect reset, especially after a long and exciting day moderating panels and interviewing authors as one of the event’s guests. The quiet, the view, the comfort, it all came together in a way that felt exactly right.

Looking back, it’s not just the big moments I remember. It’s everything in between. Tempo Hilton didn’t just give me a place to stay, but it became part of the story.

And that’s exactly what I want from any visit to New York.

A little chaotic. A little magical. And completely unforgettable.

Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square is located at 1568 Broadway in New York, NY. For more information and to book a room, visit hilton.com/en/hotels/nyctepo-tempo-new-york-times-square/.