TEMPO HOTEL, RALEIGH: WHERE THE CITY MOVES AT YOUR PACE
- Colleen Thompson
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Downtown Raleigh hums with a rhythm all its own—where historic charm meets a new wave of creativity, and every corner seems to pulse with possibility. In the center of it all, Tempo Hotel strikes the perfect note: a boutique escape that mirrors the city’s effortless blend of sophistication and soul. Designed for both the spontaneous traveler and the discerning professional, Tempo is a sanctuary that moves in sync with Raleigh’s vibrant beat.

Centrally anchored in downtown, Tempo places you right where Raleigh hums loudest. Step outside to find the city’s tech corridor, convention center, and cultural pulse within easy reach. When work slows, the rhythm shifts—browse art at CAM Raleigh, wander Moore Square, or get lost in the Warehouse District’s creative buzz. Whether your mood calls for mixology, shopping, or stillness, Raleigh unfolds at your own pace.
Designed for Comfort and Wellness
From the moment you enter, Tempo’s attention to detail is unmistakable. Clean lines meet natural textures, local art is thoughtfully curated, and lighting shifts effortlessly from morning brightness to evening warmth. Guests can maintain their health and wellness routines with a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness guest rooms outfitted with Peloton bikes, yoga mats, resistance bands, Theragun Elite, and a Therabody Wave Roller. Every one of the hotel’s 127 spacious rooms is designed to enhance the guest experience. Spa-inspired showers, well-lit Get-Ready Zones, and handpicked art supporting Raleigh’s creative community elevate daily routines, whether you’re preparing for meetings or a night on the town. Tempo also embraces sustainable practices: a lobby-level Hydration Bar offers still, sparkling, and alkaline-filtered water, while each guest floor features accessible refill stations, making it simple to stay refreshed throughout your stay.
Moonsong Bar + Café
Nestled on the lobby level, Moonsong Bar + Café is the hotel’s light, energetic heartbeat. Inspired by Australian coffee concept Bluestone Lane, the café serves clean, elevated food crafted for every lifestyle. From the signature avocado smash and fresh smoothie bowls to wraps, sandwiches, and energizing beverages, the menu caters thoughtfully to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences. Smoothies, gourmet coffee creations, and playful craft cocktails are made to order, offering the perfect companion to a morning meeting, a mid-day recharge, or an evening pause before heading out into the city.
Urban Oak: Dining Elevated
Perched atop Tempo, Urban Oak seamlessly blends its restaurant and rooftop bar into a singular, dynamic destination. Aptly named after Raleigh’s City of Oaks, the space is centered around a dramatic oak tree, complemented by swings, lounge seating, and sweeping city views.
Chef-driven yet approachable, Urban Oak reimagines Southern cuisine with contemporary flair. Small plates designed for sharing include:
Boulted Bread sesame pan with honey butter and fleur de sel
Spicy cumin lamb meatballs with mint chutney and sunflower chili crisp
Yellowfin tuna crudo with smoked olive oil, gazpacho, and Castelvetrano olives
Pair these with the Thyme Warp cocktail—a nuanced mix of Gray Whale bourbon, Italicus Rosolio, fresh thyme, lemon, angostura, pink peppercorn, and aquafaba. Its herbal, citrus-forward flavors complement Urban Oak’s spiced and savory dishes, creating a dining experience that is both thoughtful and indulgent.
As Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar, Urban Oak offers wines on tap, craft cocktails, and curated brews with lively energy and stunning skyline views—perfect for dinner, drinks, or a sunset toast.
The Morning After
Mornings at Tempo are unhurried. The lobby hums with the scent of coffee from Moonsong, and freshly baked biscuits tempt guests before a day of exploration. Take your beverage to the terrace, cycle through Dorothea Dix Park, or wander the North Carolina Museum of Art’s sculpture trail—the city’s rhythm moves easily from Tempo’s doorstep.
Tempo Hotel captures Raleigh’s evolution—vibrant yet composed, creative yet calm. There'st thoughtful design, local flavor, and effortless hospitality that comes together in harmoniously, creating a stay that feels both restorative and inspiring.


















