As a travel agent, I devote a good deal of my time to learning about which hotels and airlines provide the best levels of service and accommodations, but I don’t usually write public reviews or guides. My view is that my clients are traveling because they want to enjoy their destination. Although a great flight and hotel experience are essential, they’re rarely the point of the trip. This is doubly true for airport hotels. They’re invariably comfortable, safe and easy-to-navigate, but have little attraction beyond easy access to early morning flights.
The new TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport completely upends those expectations. Built inside the iconic modernist TWA Flight Terminal, the hotel is a love letter to the experience of travelling itself, to time spent in airport lounges, hotel lobbies and airliners. The effect is so wonderful and unique that it’s one of the few hotels that justifies a trip - or a least an extra overnight stay.
Not your typical business casual style
The space inside the hotel is phenomenal, with playful updates on the golden age of travel. The terminal’s main concourse has been converted into a glamorous lounge. When I visited in June, the departure board, a 1960’s original, celebrated Pride month. The roof, an architectural marvel when it was built, now features an infinity pool overlooking JFK’s runways.
The rooftop pool. Great for plane- and people-watching
For an airplane geek like me, the best part of the hotel is “Connie,” an original Lockheed Constellation parked in the hotel’s backyard. Like the terminal, the plane has been converted into a cocktail bar and restaurant, but the cockpit has been kept in original condition. It’s a throwback to the “golden age” of flying and a lovely way to experience history. In fact, it might even be a little better, as you can enjoy the experience without the deafening noise of four piston engines and ever-present tobacco smoke that were standard features on every flight in that era.
As an airport hotel, there are a few drawbacks. Ensconced within JFK airport, the hotel is convenient to the terminals, but not much else. Manhattan is at least a 45 minute taxi- or 1 hour train-ride away. The only convenient dining options are in the hotel itself or curbside at the airport terminal. The rooms are small, with no wakeup, luggage or room service. Half the rooms have views of JFK’s runways, and the other half face the courtyard and building itself. Valet parking is a steep $48/night, but guests can park in JFK’s long-term or off-site lots as well. The hotel’s fitness center is large and well-equipped, but lacking in natural light.
Sometimes it’s what’s outside that counts.
Still, most guests won’t notice the little things. They’ll be too busy enjoying the unique experience of staying in an airport hotel that celebrates the joy of flying and travel. After all, it’s the destination that really makes the trip.