If you miss the formality and sophistication of airplane travel in the 1960s, you can step back in time and experience it all over again at the vintage TWA Hotel located at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
That’s what I did when I was on my way to the Virgin Voyages cruise in Europe. I planned my itinerary so I could spend most of the day at JFK Airport experiencing this spectacular gem of a hotel.
It’s not surprising the TWA Hotel made it on the Condé Nest Traveler Reader’s Choice Award list in 2023. The moment I stepped into the lobby, TWA’s original terminal, I gasped as I was transformed into my nine-year-old self. The memories of my first flight to New York came flooding back as I stood with my mouth wide open in awe of the instantaneous time travel to my childhood.
The history of the TWA brand is rich and fascinating, dating back to its founding in 1930 by aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. The hotel stands as a tribute to Hughes’ legacy, blending mid-century design with contemporary comforts.
In this post, you will find a detailed review of my stay at TWA Hotel. It includes everything you should know if you’re planning on visiting it too.
TWA Hotel Review: The Hotel’s Features
Rooms
The 512 guestrooms flank the center of the TWA Flight Center, and all are midcentury modern to reflect the jet set’s age of the 1960s. With floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the action on the runways, I suggest booking one of the suites that feature a sitting area.
Although you are literally steps away from the gate, the rooms are designed to be ultra quiet with glass that’s the second-thickest in the world. Blackout shades ensure pristine sleeping conditions.
Sunken Lounge
One of the most breathtaking features is undoubtedly the Sunken Lounge, which invites you to relax in its retro ambiance while surrounded by stunning architecture that harks back to the 1960s.
As I sipped a glass of champagne, I soaked in the vibrant atmosphere that once buzzed with travelers embarking on exciting journeys. (Movie buff trivia lovers will recall the TWA Hotel was the filming location of the Tom Hanks/Leonardo DiCaprio movie Catch Me if You Can.)
It was then that I heard this sound from a bygone era. The original monolithic flight notification board was “clicking” as the letters flipped to update guests about departures and arrivals. I sat at the Lisbon Lounge bar, mesmerized by this sign, having forgotten that before digitalization, this was the technology we experienced.
Flight Attendant Clothing Exhibit
Next, I meandered through the Flight Attendant Clothing Exhibit. I smiled a lot as I recalled how uniforms were once designed. The uniforms reflect not just fashion and color trends of the decades, but also an era when stewardesses were seen as ambassadors of hospitality and grace.
Plus, luggage is also on display and tells stories of its own. I found my exact red Samsonite traveling makeup case from 1970. Smile!
Sweet ‘N Glow Retro Beauty Shop
The hot pink Sweet ‘N Glow Retro Beauty Shop beckoned me to its entrance, so I immediately sat under the beehive hair dryers and remembered how I sat under these identical ones at Becky’s Beauty Shop as a little girl.
As a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, I am attracted to all things pink, so I was in hair heaven during this time in the vintage beauty parlor. Amazingly, both men and women will like what’s located next to Sweet ‘N Glow… which brings me to the next point.
Twister Game Room
Next to Sweet ‘N Glow, you will find a giant-sized Twister Game Room that ramps up this iconic game to a whole new level.
Just imagine multi-colored polka dots covering every inch of this space… even the ceilings and a gigantic black spinner ready for you to yell out “RIGHT LEG / GREEN” and stretch your body in insane ways!
1958 Lockheed Constellation
Don’t miss your chance to explore the magnificent 1958 Lockheed Constellation named “Connie,” an aircraft that symbolizes an era of elegance and adventure in aviation history.
This beautifully restored plane serves as both a historical exhibit and an enchanting place to have a cocktail, offering guests a unique glimpse into what it was like to fly during those glamorous days.
Fitness Center & Rooftop Pool
The TWA Hotel features outstanding amenities, including a top-of-the-line fitness center and luxurious rooftop pool.
The 10,000-square-foot gym stands out as the world’s biggest hotel gym. Featuring a cycling studio with 14 Peloton bikes, a full yoga studio, changing rooms with salon-style vanities, and many other machines and equipment, the TWA Hotel fitness center provides travelers with everything they need to complete a superb workout experience.
The hotel also provides outstanding leisure facilities with its rooftop pool and bar. Staying open year-round, the pool provides relaxation at all times and is heated to 95 degrees every day. The pool also includes a rooftop bar with small bites and cocktails giving the hotel the feeling of a luxurious resort, and even serves seasonal drinks during the holidays.
Restaurant
When looking for a place to dine while passing through the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, the Paris Cafe within the TWA Hotel is a perfect spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day.
From sleek white top tables with fun leather chairs and big windows overlooking the tarmac, the Paris Cafe, including the Lisbon Lounge, is a unique atmosphere capturing the luxurious glamor of 1960s air travel.
The restaurant features Celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who is originally from Alsace, France. Chef Jean-Georges brings his French twist on historic American dishes, providing the perfect variety of options for travelers to enjoy.
The Paris Cafe is located in the front lobby of the TWA Hotel, so whether you are staying the night or just stopping by, this restaurant and its lounge are a must for a nostalgic aviation experience with amazing Italian cuisine!
How to Get to TWA Hotel
TWA Hotel is located in Terminal 5 of the JFK Airport in New York. No matter what way you take to arrive at the hotel, every option is easy to access and effortless, contributing to the outstanding experience of the TWA Hotel.
AirTrain
Operating 24 hours a day, the AirTrain is the quickest, most convenient way to access the TWA Hotel. It connects all terminals in the JFK airport. On top of that, the AirTrain is free for those going to and from the airport to the hotel, making it painless and easily accessible.
My plane arrived in Terminal 8, so I only had to journey three stops on the AirTrain Tram to make the five-minute trip to the hotel in Terminal 5.
Car
If you’re driving to the TWA Hotel, just follow directions towards Terminal 5 and then follow traffic signs along the way to get to the main entrance, where you can find available valet parking.
It’s good to know that there’s a parking lot at JFK Airport, but you will find more information about it later in this post.
Helicopter
If you’re already in New York City and want to fly in style, there is a helicopter option through BLADE, where you can fly from Manhattan to the hotel.
Hotel Parking
Many people may wonder if there is an option to park while visiting the TWA Hotel, if not traveling through the JFK Airport, and the answer is yes!
The TWA Hotel provides onsite valet parking 24 hours a day. It offers different rates for those enjoying day trips and also offers parking for those staying overnight.
You will find some examples of the rates below. Check out the TWA Hotel website for a complete list.
- 1 to 2 hours: USD 28 to USD 45
- Overnight stay: USD 80/day
- 2 hours (for those dining at the Paris Cafe): USD 20
- TWA Fitness members: 2-hour free parking between certain hours
All parking is through Valet to provide the easiest experience for all guests.
How to Book Your Stay at TWA Hotel
True to the nature of times gone by, the hotel can only be booked directly; it is not available on usual booking sites. Contact the hotel directly for your stay or use their online booking system.
You can reserve overnight stays as well as their Daytripper℠ stays, which are available for four to 12 hours.
Packing Essentials for TWA Hotel
If you are staying at the hotel as part of a stopover, you will possibly have luggage limitations, so it is a good idea to pack smart so you will still be prepared for your stay in this lovely hotel. Although if your stay is your intended destination, you can go wild and pack exactly what you like!
Here are a few things I was glad to have packed for my stay at the TWA Hotel:
- Stylish luggage: Arriving looking as stylish as the hotel with chic luggage. I have my 25” TravelPro suitcase for check-in luggage, and if I am just taking carry on the Travelpro CarryOn 21-inch is perfectly ample. Both are really sturdy and are available in a variety of colors, so you can match your outfit!
- Workout clothing: Even if you aren’t someone who normally frequents a hotel gym, this one is iconic, so you should visit just for the experience! Pack a pair of running shorts to make use of the Peloton bikes or yoga pants to join the on-site classes. The yoga pants also double up as great travel wear or for dashing down to breakfast in the morning.
- Bathing suit: Don’t miss the opportunity to use the incredible rooftop pool, it is open all year round and temperature controlled, so there is no excuse not to take a dip. Pack your bathing suit and lounge in the pool before throwing on a cover-up to enjoy the poolside bar.
- Dress for dinner: While it isn’t required to dress up for dinner, when in such stylish surroundings, it is fun to feel a little glamorous while dining. This maxi dress is perfect to pack, it doesn’t wrinkle easily and can be dressed up with jewellery, like this bracelet watch and waterdrop earrings, and heels or worn with sandals for a breezy beach dress. A versatile item to rewear on your trip!
- Easy access toiletries bag: If you are staying as a stopover you won’t want to be unpacking and repacking items, so having a handy toiletries bag with all your essentials ready to access without ruining your careful packing. I love my Bagsmart toiletries bag for this reason, and it has lots of handy compartments to keep your essentials organized.
- Packing cubes: As another way to keep your packing well organized and allow you to just take out the things you need for your stay is a great set of packing cubes. I swear by mine, they make packing and unpacking so easy and save any risk of exploding clothing!
TWA Hotel Review: Final Thoughts
If you like experiences that combine history, hospitality, upscale dining, and aviation, the TWA Hotel is an absolute must! This stunning destination captures the glamorous time of travel like no other. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported back to the golden age of air travel, where elegance and style reign supreme.
The TWA Hotel is a retro experience that celebrates the iconic Trans World Airlines and its legendary terminal at JFK Airport. Aviation buffs will love exploring the meticulously restored architecture and design that harkens back to 1962. Picture yourself sipping a cocktail at the rooftop pool while gazing out over runway views—it’s an aviation lover’s dream come true!
Every corner of this hotel tells a story, from vintage decor to classic airline memorabilia. Whether you’re reliving your favorite travel memories or discovering new ones, the TWA Hotel offers an exhilarating journey through time that every aviation buff will cherish. Don’t miss out on this unique experience; it’s truly a celebration of flight!
My other hotel reviews:
- Sandals Ochi Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica: A Complete Review
- Sandals Dunn’s River Review: A Top Destination for Luxury Travel
- Iconic Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island a Step Back in Time
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Jenny Lynn on a Journey Travel Blog contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate marketing programs. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.
