TWA Hotel

This hotel is simply a dream come true for me - both an architect and major aviation geek. This terminal-turned hotel was an icon and has become one again. We stayed here for a night, and it was perfect. Here’s why.

Location: A

I mean, it just doesn’t get any closer to JFK, especially if you’re flying JetBlue. You simply walk down a hallway from the hotel’s lobby and boom, you’re in the terminal. And if you need to switch terminals, it’s easy quick access to the tram to get you where you need to be.

Rooms: A-

If you’re going to stay here, just splurge and pay the extra $$$ on a runway view room. It is just an absolute joy to see all the different planes and airlines zig zagging left right up and down in all corners of the windows (which are the 2nd thickest in the world, so don’t worry, you’ll get some sleep). As is the case for almost any New York hotel, the room was on the smaller side, but it was well designed within the amount of allocated space.

Amenities: A-

There is just so so much. The gym is one of the larger you will ever see, there’s basically a whole ass museum, curling(?!), and the rooftop pool is the star of the show here. We visited in December, and I had no problems inside the 95 degree infinity pool, which overlooks the entire airport. Nothing is luxurious, per se, but rather more of an ode to the building’s past. That retro vibe works in most places, but in some I didn’t quite connect with it.

Dining: A-

The fact that there is really only one restaurant in this massive hotel is surprising, but, with that said, the food was great at the Paris Cafe. The little “ski chalet” pop up by the pool also served some typical ski foods along with burgers and whatnot, which was super cute. And of course, you can’t miss getting drinks inside the Connie aircraft - truly a special treat.

Service: C+

Like I said, its just big. You’re staying in an airport, for all intents and purposes. Don’t expect 5 star service in the slightest. But, with that said, everyone we did actually interact with was nice enough for the most part. 

Scene

Its a little bit of everything (again, kind of like an airport). You’ll find families, av geeks, flight crew, couples. I loved all the different types of people here, most of whom were just staying for a night between flights. There’s just so much to see and explore at the TWA, so take advantage of all the (long ass) hallways, nooks and crannies and really relish in the beauty of this iconic terminal-turned-hotel.