Dreams Take Flight At JFK's Iconic TWA Hotel

Forbes

4 days ago

The stunning TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York. David Mitchell
Remember when flying used to be glamorous? No? Well, it's time for a stay at the gorgeous TWA Hotel, a welcoming oasis in the chaos and construction that is the current state of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The former TWA terminal, which was built in 1962 by renowned architect Eero Saarinen (who also designed the legendary Gateway Arch in St. Louis) and is considered an architectural masterpiece, has been transformed into a breathtaking space that's part hotel, part gathering place for dining, musing and even swimming, and part museum with fascinating historical artifacts and mid-century modern eye candy everywhere you look.
Staying here is such a unique experience but is also practical because it's the only hotel on the actual airport property — and it's Air Train-accessible. This makes it an ideal place to spend the night when you have an early morning flight. Even better if your flight is leaving from Terminal 5, which connects to the hotel via super-cool flight tubes.
Room with a (runway) view at TWA Hotel David Mitchell
There are 512 rooms at the hotel and, although I've stayed in their standard rooms, which are fine, it's absolutely worth splurging for one with a runway view. Unlike the photo above, our king bed directly faced the floor to ceiling windows, providing a bird's eye look at the planes taking off and landing. Honestly, we didn't need a TV in the room (although there was a nice big screen one) because this was a show in itself and we actually spent much of the evening guessing where they were going, talking about where we wanted to go and reminiscing over past trips. We even put away our phones.
What's amazing is that, despite the up close and personal views of all the action, you can't hear any of it, thanks to the second-thickest windows in the world. We were also glad to have blackout shades for sleeping but put them right back up as soon as we rose in the morning.
I loved the flattering Hollywood-style vanity in the bathroom and the adorable vintage TWA toiletry kit. My husband was happy to grab a *few* (LOL) of his favorite TWA pencils from the well-stocked holder on the desk. Dining at TWA Hotel
Enjoy a drink at Connie Cocktail Lounge in a retired 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane. David Mitchell
On previous stays, we usually end up grabbing something to eat in the hotel's expansive Food Hall, which features New York staples like bagels, pizza, Feltman's hot dogs and Mister Softee ice cream. This time, though, we decided to up our game and try Paris Cafe by Jean-Georges instead. Our fish and chips were pricey but delicious and we were intrigued by the fact that the menu was inspired by old TWA in-flight menus.
If all the '60s Mad Men vibes are making you crave a martini, head outside, climb the stairs up into an actual 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane turned cocktail lounge and order a Vodka is My Co-Pilot. Connie Cocktail Lounge, named one of the best hotel bars in the world, is a fun place to have a drink or at least post some selfies. Things to see and do at TWA Hotel
Step back into the '60s in the Twister room. Lois Alter Mark
TWA Hotel is an Instagrammer's dream, from the eye-popping Twister room (where you can actually play the game) to the pretty in pink Sweet'N Glow Salon to the beautiful lines and curves of the architecture.
One of the many exhibits on display at TWA Hotel. David Mitchell
It's also a mecca for aviation geeks and historians, who will appreciate the free museum-quality exhibits curated by the New York Historical Society. You can see TWA uniforms from 1945-2001, vintage in-flight amenities and original TWA travel posters, interact in period-perfect recreations of historic rooms and study dozens of photos and timelines.
The rooftop infinity pool at TWA Hotel. StephanieBC
There's an infinity pool on the roof that's as inviting in the winter, when it's set to a balmy 95 degrees, as it is for cooling off during the hot New York summer.
If you feel compelled to work out during your stay, the world's largest hotel gym is complimentary for guests and offers 14 Peloton bikes, lots of other machines and equipment and a full yoga studio.
A stay at TWA Hotel is a must for anyone who loves to travel. If only your pre- and post-stay flights were as civilized and sophisticated as the ones celebrated here.