Stay at the TWA Hotel
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is a gateway to the modern world of travel. But did you know that you can also take a trip from JFK back to the 1960s?
Exterior of the TWA hotel, the former Flight Center for Trans World Airlines at JFK
A Glimpse of History
The story of the TWA Hotel begins with the iconic Trans World Airlines Flight Center at JFK Airport (formerly Idlewild Airport). Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, the terminal opened in 1962 as a symbol of the Jet Age and the golden era of air travel.
The original TWA Flight Center ceased operations in 2001 when TWA was acquired by American Airlines. Despite its closure, the building's architectural significance led to its designation as a New York City Landmark in 1994 and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
In 2015, MCR Development announced plans to transform the historic terminal into a hotel. The project aimed to preserve the building's iconic design while adapting it for modern use. The TWA Hotel officially opened its doors on May 15, 2019 to the excitement and curiosity of air travelers everywhere. This ambitious project would lead to the astounding retro-futuristic hotel that today welcomes visitors from around the world.
A 1950s TWA Advertisement (note the route map and fare prices in the yellow block)
Accounting for inflation, the cost to fly from JFK to London would be $5,018.84 today!
Modern Amenities, 60s Ambiance
While renovating the TWA Flight Center, MCR Development went to great lengths to preserve the charm and glamor of the building’s 1960s architecture. The hotel maintains much of the original terminal's design, including the iconic sunken lounge and tube-shaped passenger walkways with stark white marble tile and plush red carpet. These iconic walkways connect the TWA directly into Terminal 5 of JFK, making this hotel definitively the most convenient and comfortable place to stay on a layover.
The hotel has 512 guest rooms with 1960s-inspired decor built on either side of the original TWA Flight Center, which houses The Paris Café, a restaurant by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The food here is fantastic, but the ambiance really makes a meal here all the more special. Seated above the TWA’s former baggage counter with a vintage Departures Board and view of the entire terminal, you can enjoy crispy calamari, fresh fish & chips, or a mind-blowing New York style pizza while soaking in all the retro-futurism that the 1960s Flight Center has to offer.
Each guest room (pictured below), has three floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a perfect view to watch planes take-off day and night. And I know you’re thinking that it must be so loud, but, there’s no need to worry about that! These 4.5 inch thick windows hold the record as the second-thickest hotel windows in the world, after those of Taikang Tower in Beijing, China. During our stay, we never heard a single engine sound from our room, but we did enjoy the incredible tarmac views!
Fly into the Jet Age with Connie
In addition to their guest rooms, the TWA hotel houses a museum dedicated to TWA's history and the Jet Age, featuring vintage flight attendant uniforms, retro furniture designed by the building’s architect, and a restored Lockheed Constellation "Connie" aircraft converted into a swanky cocktail lounge.
This vintage aircraft, once a proud member of TWA's fleet, now serves as a stationary bar on hotel grounds. Connie provides visitors with a truly immersive experience, allowing them to enjoy a drink while surrounded by the authentic ambiance of a bygone era of aviation. She stands as a testament to the TWA Hotel's commitment to preserving and celebrating the golden age of air travel.
Connie’s drink menu includes fun riffs on classic cocktails like her Old Fashioned twist, “Eero Dynamics”, and her Amaretto Sour known as the “Control Tower Sour”.
Fun fact: a Lockheed Constellation, also known as "Connie", was the first aircraft to be given the call sign "Air Force One" under President Eisenhower.
The Pool Deck on the Tarmac
One of the most striking features of the TWA Hotel is its rooftop pool deck, which offers guests a unique blend of luxury and nostalgia while enjoying panoramic views of JFK Airport's runways.
Key features of the pool deck include: An infinity pool heated up to 95°F (35°C) for year-round swimming, stunning views of JFK's Runway 4 Left/22 Right, The “Runway Chalet” serving cocktails and light bites in a ski resort ambiance, and an Observation deck with 360-degree views of airport operations.
The pool deck is designed to evoke the glamour of the Jet Age, allowing guests to watch planes take off and land while enjoying a swim and a cocktail. It's a perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts like us to experience the best view possible of airport operations and for travelers seeking a unique relaxation space in between flights!
During colder months, the pool transforms into a "pool-cuzzi," with steam rising dramatically against the backdrop of the airport, creating a surreal and truly memorable setting.
So, what are you waiting for?
Message us right now to book your own stay at the TWA hotel and experience the golden age of air travel! Whether you’re connecting at JFK for international travel or simply spending a night there before taking the train into New York City, the TWA is a can’t-miss accommodation in a fare class all its own.
Contact us today to fly into the glitz and glam of the Jet Age at the TWA!
