The Jist
New York is a city of renovation and regeneration, so it’s no wonder that some intrepid capitalists took over the unloved and shuttered original TWA terminal and created a spectacular shrine to all things mid-century modern just outside of Terminal 5 – the TWA Hotel at JFK. I’ve been dying to make a stopover at this hotel since it came to life a few years back and I spotted it on shows like the Queen’s Gambit, so when we had a couple days after a New York wedding free on our way back to London I jumped at the chance to book.
A far as airport hotels go, this one is in a class of its own. Easily accessible from the AirTrain or Taxi, the TWA Hotel at JFK is more resort property than a place to just lay your head. Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 flight center has been restored and redeveloped by MCR and MORSE in New York. The property itself includes three bars, a restaurant by Jean-Georges, a subterranean food hall with all kinds of snacks and eats available 24/7, a cocktail bar inside a decommissioned Lockheed Constellation, a roller rink, a rooftop pool overlooking the runway and the largest airport hotel gym in the world.
There are so many nooks and crannies to get lost in on the property like the “Pope Room” (where Pope Jean Paul was ushered into on a trip to New York), the reading room, hidden lounges and snugs, and the sunken lounge featuring an authentic Solari split-flap airline message board with original mechanical operation.
Scroll down to see the rooms, highlights from our stay and the main takeaways to know before booking at the TWA Hotel on your next flight out of JFK.
The Room
The TWA hotel at JFK was not made for long stays, so you won’t find large bureaus to store your luggage. However, the rooms are expertly appointed and we found plenty of room to stash our belongings for our overnighter. The shades are on a switch and are the most fun to watch slide up and down revealing the most incredible airport views (I know, I know.. I wouldn’t have thought that would have been a thing). There are high quality toilettries in the shower and plugs everywhere to charge your gear. There’s a small mini bar to stash snacks or bottles you’ve brought back from the city. A steamer and hair dryer in the bathroom. Really, everything you need for a quick trip. They’ve clearly thought through every detail of what people need while on business travel or layovers and delivered in spades.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS
OUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE TWA HOTEL
- WE LOVE – Convenience: Heading to the terminal in the morning was so simple.
- WE LOVE – Style: It was the most fun digging into my “Catch Me If You Can” moment.
- WE LOVE – Food & Drink Options: Loads of bars and the food court made it so easy for us!
- WE LOVE – The Gym & Swim: Wie array of machines, peloton + the best pool an airport hotel could offer.
- NEEDS WORK – Price: A little steep for the airport hotel but you pay for the kitsch & fun.
- NEEDS WORK – Cosmetics: “Connie” definitely needs some TLC and there seem to be a lot of paint refurbs that need completed.
- NEEDS WORK – Breakfast: Wish there was an all inclusive option for those looking for a getaway.
