NYC Guide: TWA Hotel
Address | John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Access Road, One Idlewild Drive, 11430
The TWA Hotel at JFK, where the golden age of aviation meets modern luxury in an unforgettable experience. Nestled within the iconic TWA Flight Center at New York's JFK Airport, this architectural masterpiece has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind hotel that pays homage to the glamour and excitement of mid-century air travel. From the moment you step through the doors, you're transported back in time to an era of jet-setting sophistication and unparalleled hospitality, where every detail, from the retro-chic décor to the impeccable service, is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Whether you're a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique escape, the TWA Hotel promises an extraordinary journey that combines the romance of the past with the comforts of the present, making it a destination like no other.
The Rooms at TWA Hotel
We really love the design of the rooms. The room designs at the TWA Hotel seamlessly blend mid-century modern aesthetics with contemporary comfort, creating a unique and inviting space for guests to unwind. Each room features sleek furniture, geometric patterns, and vibrant colors reminiscent of the 1960s, paying homage to the era's iconic design elements. From the retro rotary phones to the custom-built martini bars, every detail has been carefully curated to evoke the timeless allure of vintage travel while providing guests with all the modern amenities they need for a truly memorable stay.
Activities at TWA Hotel
TWA Infinity Pool: The best activity to indulge in at the TWA Hotel, is visiting the rooftop pool. On one side, the view looks out to airplanes ascending and descending. On the other side you catch a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline and AirTrain making its rounds. We headed up to the pool around sunset and the lighting was stunning. While you’re there you can order cocktails (for the grown ups) and soft drinks (for the littles) as well as some menu items. We visited the pool again at sunrise. Fortunately, the pool is heated year round so you can enjoy this amenity from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
TWA Photo Booth: be sure to explore every corner of the lobby areas at the hotel. One of the features my 11 year old had a good time with was the photo booth. You can enter the booth and have fun getting your snapshots. You’ll receive complimentary copies of your photos via email or text.
Jack Frye Office: Like a boss. Head to the desk of CEO Jack Frye. If you have littles this is a good time to let them explore the lure of rotary phones and typewriters.
TWA Museum: take in the visual history of TWA’s flight attendant and pilot uniforms. The collection features some pretty chic designs by Oleg Cassini, Valentino, and Ralph Lauren among others.
TWA Twister Room: Dress accordingly to spin the oversized dial on the wall to play a round of Twister in the floor to ceiling polka dot room.
TWA Connie: Be sure to head out to the tarmac to get an up close view of Connie. Closed during these times of pandemic, normally Connie is airplane turned cocktail lounge. Nearby the hotel has just opened an outdoor roller skating rink that would also be a good time.
TWA Food and Drink: There are a few spots where you can enjoy a cocktail at the TWA Hotel. The rooftop pool bar, the sunken lounge, and the Connie (when open). Unfortunately, the food options are incredibly limited. Let’s start with disappointment #1 the coffee. At the lobby check in there is an Intelligentsia (great coffee company) stand that promises to open at 7:00 a.m. The illusion continues to an outdoor Intelligentsia Coffee truck in the courtyard. You may find yourself waking up disappointed to find that in fact, Intelligentsia never opens (I don’t know if it’s just the weekend we were there or if it’s permanently closed) and you’re stuck with their “food hall” coffee. On to the food hall experience. It was, in a word, terrible. We had breakfast at the food hall. If you order an omelet the onions, tomatoes, etc will be thrown raw into a cooked egg. The bagel sandwiches were sloppily put together and fell apart when lifted from the bag. I waited 30 minutes for a crepe not because there was a line but because between two employees it took about 7 tries to get one crepe that properly flipped. Ugh. It was awful. Overall the service was bad in terms of the attitudes of employees, some were nice but the overall experience was unpleasant.
You should eat at the Paris Cafe by Jean-Georges (click for review). This café is part of the TWA Hotel, a modern hotel that pays homage to the mid-20th century golden age of aviation, housed within the iconic TWA Flight Center designed by architect Eero Saarinen. Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a world-renowned chef with multiple Michelin stars to his name, is the culinary mastermind behind the Paris Café. His approach to cuisine blends French techniques with global influences, resulting in a menu that offers a modern twist on classic dishes. The Paris Café by Jean-Georges provides travelers and visitors with a dining experience that reflects the elegance and sophistication of mid-century air travel. The café's interior design pays homage to the retro-chic aesthetic of the TWA Flight Center, with sleek lines, vintage-inspired furnishings, and a nod to aviation history. The menu at the Paris Café features a range of offerings, from breakfast classics to sophisticated dinner options. Guests can indulge in dishes crafted from high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on bold flavors and inventive presentations. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal before a flight or stopping by for a quick bite, patrons can expect culinary excellence and impeccable service at the Paris Café by Jean-Georges.
Overall, the TWA Hotel was a really fun staycation that I would recommend for New Yorkers. If you have a really early flight out of JFK an overnighter is a great idea which living in the Hamptons (with a 1 and 1/2 hour drive to JFK!) we use this option frequently. The TWA Hotel also offers 4-8 hour stays on a layover if you want to freshen up and relax between flights.
