Staying at the TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport
Hello 1960’s, it’s nice to meet you
The TWA Hotel located in Terminal 5 (JetBlue) of JFK International Airport is arguably one of the coolest and most intriguing hotels that I have ever experienced. This 1960’s themed hotel most famously known for its part in the movie “Catch Me If You Can”. The famous Sunken Lounge where the Beetles once played, is also a travelers delight. Sprawling staircases, 24 hour dining hall and cafe’s, a luxury plane bar, 1960 luxury cars, a rooftop bar and pool to watch planes take off, and the worlds largest hotel gym, make TWA a must visit when traveling through JFK.
History of TWA
TWA or “Trans World Airlines” was a major airline in the United States from 1930-2001. The airline was formed as a route from New York City to Los Angeles with stops in St. Louis, Kansas City and a few other cities. TWA was considered among the big four airlines during its time along with American, United, and Eastern.
TWA was known for its central dubbed based flight routes, and luxury designs aimed at making a luxury traveling experience for its guests. The airline opened its main hub at JFK in 1962 in what is today Terminal 5. TWA was a revolutionary airline during its time, but with financial issues and changing times, the airline was acquired by American Airlines in 2001.
About the Hotel
TWA Hotel is located in the iconic TWA Flight Center in Terminal 5 at JFK Airport in New York. Designed to inspire the 1960’s, the hotel features grand architecture and a funky feel that brings you back to the glory days of the 60’s. The original flight center closed in 2001 and was renovated to the today TWA Hotel and ore opened in May of 2019. The hotel is comprised of a main center where the dining halls, bars, and check in are located, and 2 buildings, the Saarinen Wing, and Hughes Wing making up 512 rooms for rent.
The hotel was labeled a historical landmark in 2005 by the city of New York. After visiting the hotel I can see why! The hotel features a grand concourse, sprawling staircases, a walkway connecting both sides and overlooking the lounge and dining hall, and the coolest part in my opinion are the two long narrow, round and red hallways connecting the two wings of the hotel to the main flight center. Be prepared to stop and take some cool pictures upon arrival at the hotel.
Saarinen Wing and Hughes Wing
TWA Hotel features 512 rooms fixed with 1960’s themed interior designs. The hotel rooms are in either one of two wings; The Hughes Wing, named after the record setting pilot and original TWA owner “Howard Hughes”, and the Saarinen Wing, named after the original TWA Flight Center architect “Eero Saarinen”.
Available are executive suites with runway views, TWA center views, and double, queen and king beds. Also available in the hotel is the Howard Hughes Presidential Suite with Runway views, and the Eero Saarinen Presidential Suite with historical TWA views.
Rooms are relatively expensive compared to local hotels, but features JFK’s Air Train which takes you to the hotel at terminal 5 and all other parking and terminal within the airport. The hotel is definitely convenient for travelers with a layover or overnight stay in JFK.
Connie Airplane and Cocktail Lounge
TWA Hotel features the iconic and famous “Connie” airplane and inside a fabulous cocktail lounge. Unfortunately for us, there was a private event taking place during our stay and we were not able to check it out. But we will be sure to next time!
The famous Airplane was commissioned in 1939 by Howard Hughes, Connie has a great history. The airplane broke the speed record in 1946 traveling from Burbank, CA to New York City, NY. The plane also served as Air Force 1 for President Dwight D Eisenhower during his terms in the 1950’s.
Connie has a height of 23 ft, and is 116 ft long. Originally featuring a 744 ft cabin, and traveling up to 300 mph, this luxury aircraft had a capacity of 74 for international travel and 64 for domestic flights. The plane flew her first flight for TWA in 1958. In 1960 the plane was dropped from commercial flights and carried TWA cargo until 1962.
For the next 5 years the plane was commissioned as an Alaskan Bush Plane used for carrying supplies throughout the state, and a marijuana drop plane before eventually being abandoned in Honduras, being sold to the highest bidder, and in 1983 going out of commission.
Today Connie is restored and back to its original beauty, she features a glamorous cocktail lounge “Connie Cocktail Lounge” within the plane. Located just outside of the main flight center windows for all to see, patrons must trek up the original stairs to the plane doors for entry to the lounge.
Hours: 4pm-10:30pm seven days per week
Walk-ins are welcome on a first come first serve basis. The lounge is draped with art work, navigation tools, a cock pit with channel access to air traffic control, and the original escape plane, A Rope!
Dining at TWA Hotel
The TWA Hotel features restaurants, coffee shops and bars within its walls. Whether you are looking for street fare, a bar food, light fares, breakfast, sandwiches, or grab n go food, TWA has what you need.
Food Hall: TWA’s historic food hall sits where travelers once checked in for their flights. The hall is comprised of old cars and terminal equipment for your viewing enjoyment, and quick grab n go food for you to take where you please. There are plenty of tables and booths for you to enjoy your food as well. Restaurants include Yardie Bistro, Metro Taco, TWA Corner Store, Fly-By Bagels, Vinny’s Panini NYC, Feltman’s of Coney Island, Mister Softee, and Crepes Your Way.
Paris Cafe by Jean Georges: this historic French eatery is newly renovated to resemble the original cafe in the TWA Terminal. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with reservations recommended. The cafe is open for breakfast every day 7am-11pm and 12pm-11pm for lunch and dinner.
Drinks at TWA Hotel:
The Sunken Lounge: This famous lounge sits in the center of the hotel with a rich history of famous parties, concerts, and luxury cocktails. Back in 1965 the lounge was the location where crowds gathered to watch the Beetles arrival to the states. Today the lounge features cocktails and small fares for your enjoyment. The lounge is open Monday-Wednesday from 4pm-11pm, Thursday from 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-12pm and Sunday from 11am-11pm.
Intelligentsia Coffee: This coffee spot is the official coffee of the TWA and is a Chicago- based coffee roaster. The coffee shop is open Wednesday-Sunday 7am-3pm year round.
During our stay, we had breakfast from the Yard Bistro and Coffee from Intelligentsia. Any of the above mentioned dining and drink options would be a great choice. The food looked appetizing whenever we passed by. Don’t forget to grab a cone and soft served ice cream on your way back to your room. it’s a great way to end the night if you are staying at the hotel.
Infinity Rooftop Pool, Observation Deck and Bar
TWA features an infinity pool with a first class look down to the runway where viewers can relax in the pool and watch planes take off and land every few minutes. With a very beach feel and relaxing ambiance, the pool is a great spot for hotel guests to relax and enjoy some views. Along with the pool, the rooftop is equipped with an outside bar that serves cocktails, beers, and food daily. Take in some sights on the observation deck with looks into the city and Queens beyond.
Fitness Center
TWA Hotel features the worlds largest Hotel Gym and Fitness Center. Their 10,000 square foot facility features a Peloton room with 14 bikes, treads, weights, machines and pretty much everything you would find in most gyms and more. The facility comes with a locker room with full showers and changing area.
They offer memberships and day passes for the frequent traveler or just pass through. Many workers of the hotel and flight staff that pass through the airport have memberships. The gym is pretty neat! Check it out to get a sweat in before you’re travels.
Other Amenities at the TWA Hotel:
TWA Hotel features a few other intriguing activities and rooms for guests to enjoy. Among them are the twister room, where you are able to play a life size room length game of twister, historical rooms with a museum feel, and replica rooms straight from the 1960’s. Fun facts about the 1960’s are littered throughout the hotel along with catchy phrases and clever one liners.
