Tempo by Hilton Breaks Ground in SouthSide Bethlehem

140-room lifestyle hotel to anchor SouthSide’s growing arts and tourism district near ArtsQuest and SteelStacks 

High Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of High Real Estate Group, broke ground on a new Tempo by Hilton hotel in SouthSide Bethlehem, bringing Hilton’s contemporary lifestyle brand to the Lehigh Valley and further advancing the city’s growing arts and tourism district. 

Located at 36 W. Third Street, directly across from ArtsQuest’s Creative Factory, the 140-room hotel will introduce a design-forward, wellness-focused guest experience tailored to modern business and leisure travelers. The hotel is expected to open in October 2027 and will create more than 50 new jobs in the region. 

“This groundbreaking reflects the continued momentum of SouthSide Bethlehem as a destination for culture, events, and economic growth,” said David Aungst, President of High Hotels Ltd. “We’re excited to bring Tempo by Hilton to this location, creating a hotel that complements the energy of ArtsQuest while meeting growing demand for high-quality accommodations in the district.” 

“Today marks an exciting step forward for Bethlehem as we transform underutilized property into something that will bring new energy, investment, and opportunity to our SouthSide,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “Projects like this reflect our shared commitment to smart, forward-looking development.” 

Developed and owned by High Hotels Ltd., the project will be constructed by High Construction Company. Greenfield Architects served as the project architect, while High Associates managed the land development. All are subsidiaries of the High companies, reflecting a fully integrated approach to development, construction, and design. 

Guestrooms will be designed to support both productivity and relaxation, with flexible layouts and modern, intuitive amenities. Features will include 65-inch streaming-enabled televisions, mini refrigerators, and Bluetooth-enabled bathroom mirrors with integrated speakers. Select rooms will offer in-room Peloton bikes and wellness accessories, while six suites will provide additional space for extended stays, featuring full kitchens and separate living areas. 

The hotel will include more than 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting space for corporate gatherings and community events. A rooftop bar overlooking the SouthSide and SteelStacks area will create a new destination for guests and local residents alike. An outdoor patio along the Bethlehem Greenway will provide direct connectivity to the surrounding neighborhood. 

Consistent with the Tempo brand’s focus on balance and well-being, the property will feature an expanded fitness center on the seventh floor with Peloton® equipment and dedicated spaces for both active workouts and recovery. Guests will also have access to a 24-hour marketplace and will benefit from Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program. 

The lobby-level Moonsong Café will serve coffee and breakfast in the morning before transitioning into a relaxed bar setting with beverages and light fare, creating an all-day gathering space for guests and the community. 

Reflecting its location in Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District, the hotel will incorporate unique art installations in the lobby, as well as a gallery wall showcasing local artists and large-scale exterior panels designed by a regional artist. The design draws inspiration from Bethlehem’s industrial heritage and Moravian roots, alongside its modern identity as a center for arts and culture. 

Within walking distance of ArtsQuest, SteelStacks, and Lehigh University, the hotel is ideally positioned for festivalgoers, university visitors, and attendees of the city’s many cultural events. Guests will enjoy easy access to Bethlehem’s Urban Arts Trail and a burgeoning restaurant scene that has helped establish the area as a regional dining destination, along with a short walk across the river to the Moravian Church Settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The project supports Bethlehem’s continued growth as a regional destination for tourism, culture, and business travel. 

For more information about Tempo by Hilton Bethlehem please visit: TempoBethlehem. For more information on the Tempo by Hilton brand, please visit: TempobyHilton.com.