The Retro Simplicity of TWA Hotel: A Review

One JFK Airport Hotel is a highlight among a variety of airport experiences. When considering how stressful travel is, it’s hard to find one that was stress free and easy. But my stay at the TWA Hotel located just outside of New York City’s JFK Airport, was super stress free and a fun vibe, despite really long travel days. It’s also one of the best hotels for AvGeeks.

When I transitted through JFK in November 2020, through the foggy haze of covid, face masks, and far too many layovers, I had a positive experience at JFK’s TWA Hotel. Having now done the same for the airport hotel in Cairo, every part of my being appreciates how easy my experience at the TWA Hotel was. How simple it was, despite having been on a plane for 14 hours.

1. Deplaning in JFK during COVID-19

I landed at JFK from Dubai on an Emirates flight, when New York State had a mandatory 14-day quarantine. I was disappointed in the New Yorkers on my flight, as they rarely wore masks and had zero concept of social distancing. But, I digress.

From no social distancing on the plane to no social distancing at baggage claim. This led me to straight into the arms of National Guardsmen, as I exited customs with my luggage.

Most people were being required to fill out their quarantine form. I told him I was going to the transit hotel in Terminal 5.

“Inside the terminal?” He asked.
“Yes.” (Actually, no. A semi-truth.)

The real truth is, the hotel is actually outside the terminal. As in, you breathe fresh air in order to get to the hotel.

But I really wasn’t going anywhere except for the hotel. And then the following day, straight onto a plane again.

So he released me and I went on my merry way. Next stop, AirTrain.

2. How to get to the TWA Hotel from AirTrain

Ok, next, next, next, next stop. From where I landed in Terminal 4, I needed to go all the way around the AirTrain loop to the next to last stop – Terminal 5.

When you exit the AirTrain, go downstairs to street level. From here, you can see the hotel in the distance. Go into the parking lot and turn left and you’ll see the walkway.

Be careful if it’s a windy winter day – you may get a little fountain spray. Gross, but you’re already showering anyway.

From there, I arrived to my retro destination – the TWA Hotel, a nod to the old Trans World Airlines housed in the old TWA Flight Center. The TWA Flight Center was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.

Check in took a mere seconds before I was going up the red carpet stairs and down the tubular hallway to my room. In non-covid times, I would’ve been sure to make a reservation for drinks on Connie (the vintage Lockheed Constellation L-1649A). But given the pandemic, not this time.

3. The Room at JFK Airport Hotel

I paid $135 USD (now $252 USD) for a Standard Double Queen room without a view and it was simply that. A room. Without. A view. Well, in technicality, this is New York City. I shouldn’t be surprised that I’m looking out at a construction site and a dump truck. Shades down.

I loved the retro design of the room. Plus, gotta love the vintage travel posters and old rotary phone, which are faves of mine! The room felt cute and fun, but not super kitch. The bar area was nicely designed and finished, but it’s not like there was a bar cart, room service, or a mini-bar to utilize.

The one downside is that there was no kettle or water. And of course, buying water downstairs – it’s New York City plus airport prices. so imagine how much that costs.

But, expert tip:

Tap water in New York City is not only drinkable, it’s actually high quality tap water and is delicious. New York’s Finest, they call it.

4. Elsewhere in the TWA Hotel

Outside of the room, there’s Connie (cocktail lounge) as we mentioned. But also, the Sunken Lounge (with views of Connie), a food hall (where you can get 24 hour coffee and a bagel for breakfast), a Twister room (a room where you play Twister, obvioulsy), the Paris Cafe for food, a photo booth, and all sorts of fun things in a non-pandemic world. For guests looking for the gym, the TWA Hotel’s fitness center is actually the world’s largest hotel gym! Aviation and history buffs can also enjoy the museum inside, expertly curated by the New York Historical Society.

There’s also a rooftop infinity pool, with a view of the JFK runways. Being November, I couldn’t be bothered with a rooftop pool.

I woke up early the next morning, and on my way to the food hall for coffee, did I think that the best thing at 5 am would be a photo booth? Obviously. The best decisions are made on a whim.

Check out was super simple. Everything is pre-paid. Even coffee that you buy at the food court you pay for separately. So, nothing is charged to the room.

Head to the hotel lobby, drop the key in the box and off you go.

5. From the TWA Hotel onward to JFK Airport

There is no free shuttle or other airport shuttle service. However, if you’re flying JetBlue, you don’t even leave the inside of the hotel. You can take the elevator straight to the bridge to Terminal 5.

Roll out of bed and into the airport. It’s super easy.

This is what you want out of an airport hotel.

For me, because I was an international traveler coming in, because my ticket was connected, I should have re-checked my bag as soon as I took it through customs on my way in. But I figured, what was the difference between that, and taking it out for the night and checking it back in in the morning? NONE.

I got to throw all my random Dubai shopping into my luggage and be light as a bird on the flight the following day. Perfection.

6. Parting thoughts on my stay at the JFK Airport Hotel

Airport hotels are meant to be functional and convenient. But with the TWA Hotel, they’ve added a bit of fun to your average airport hotel.

My room, which $135 USD per night, was fine for a New York City hotel price. Although there wasn’t a view, who really needed it? (The 2023 updated cost of $252 USD per night is also cheaper than your average New York City hotel price…)

The point was, I was exhausted from traveling, and the TWA Hotel gave me a fun airport hotel experience, that was simple and easy going. And it comes highly recommended for any overnight layovers you may have through JFK!

But, just remember that it is New York City. I found the room to be a reasonable rate, considering. But take into consideration, everything is NYC prices – from the coffee, to your morning bagel, to the late night snack that you want.

If you’re not flying, what about taking a safe COVID-19 road trip?

Looking for ideas for your foodie adventures in New York City?

• Become a bagel expert on your New York Bagel Tour of Bryant Park;
• Explore the food and immigrant histories of Hell’s Kitchen on a walking tour;
• Take a walking food tour through Greenwich Village / Little Italy;
• Love sandwiches? Join a sandwich tour of the East Village;
• Join a home chef at home in Brooklyn for a seasonal Japanese inspired seafood tasting menu;
• Stave off the summer heat with the East Village ice cream crawl;
• Marvel at all the brownstones in Brooklyn on this Neighborhood Eats tour.

7. Information on your stay at the JFK Airport Hotel

TWA Hotel
One Idlewild Drive
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Queens, NY 11430-1962

Average Price for rooms: approximately $250 USD at the time of posting. Check their website for current rates.

The TWA Hotel also offers rooms for the day – from 6 AM to 8 PM EST, with a 4 hour minimum stay. The same Standard Queen Room for 4 hours, at 2023 prices, is $149 USD. Depending on the time of day, this day rate may also include access to the rooftop pool.

While the TWA Hotel is the only airport hotel on the airport premises, other JFK airport hotels are available, which require a shuttle or taxi to reach:

• Hilton New York JFK Airport
• Hampton Inn
• Crown Plaza
• Holiday Inn JFK / Holiday Inn Express Jamaica

I cannot recommend or suggest any of these, as I haven’t stayed there. But, maybe they’re more your jam, so far be it for me to deny you. Until next time, everyone stay healthy and safe!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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