TWA Hotel
A Time Machine Made of Concrete and Dreams
Imagine walking into an airport building that looks like a giant white bird about to take off. That’s exactly what the TWA Hotel feels like! Built inside the famous 1962 TWA Flight Center at New York’s JFK Airport, this hotel lets you live inside a piece of history. Everything is designed to make you feel like you just stepped into the 1960s, when flying was glamorous and exciting.
The hotel opened on May 15, 2019, after years of careful restoration. Today it has 512 ultra-quiet rooms, a rooftop pool that’s open even in winter, and a real vintage airplane you can drink cocktails inside. It’s perfect for kids who love planes, grown-ups who love cool design, or anyone with a long layover who wants something way more fun than a boring airport chair.
The Amazing Story Behind the TWA Hotel
Once upon a time, Trans World Airlines (TWA) was one of the biggest and fanciest airlines in the world. They wanted the coolest terminal ever, so they hired a famous architect named Eero Saarinen to design it. He created a building with huge curving roofs that look like wings spreading wide. People called it the most beautiful airport terminal ever built.
When TWA went out of business in 2001, the terminal sat empty and sad for many years. Everyone was afraid it would be torn down. But in 2015, smart people decided to save it and turn it into a hotel. They built two new hotel towers behind the old terminal and brought everything back to life. Now it’s a New York City landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Eero Saarinen’s Masterpiece That Looks Like a Bird
Stand in the middle of the TWA Hotel lobby and look up – you’ll feel like you’re inside a giant bird made of concrete and glass. The sweeping red-carpeted tubes, the huge windows, and the brass lights are all exactly like they were in 1962. The builders even made brand-new copies of the original floor tiles and special curved windows.
The hotel kept the famous giant chili-pepper-red curved couches and the huge Solari split-flap board that goes “click-clack” when flight times change. Every detail screams 1960s cool, from the rotary phones to the vintage TWA uniforms on display. It’s like walking onto a movie set from Mad Men, but real!
Where Exactly Is the TWA Hotel?
The TWA Hotel is the only hotel actually inside JFK Airport grounds. It sits right at Terminal 5 (the JetBlue terminal). You don’t even have to go outside or take a shuttle in the rain – just hop on the free AirTrain from any terminal and get off at Terminal 5. From there, follow the red carpeted “TWA Hotel” tube and you’re there in minutes.
It’s super easy for layovers, early flights, or late arrivals. Many families stay here just to watch planes take off and land all day long from the rooftop. You literally sleep closer to the runway than anywhere else in New York!
How to Get to the TWA Hotel Super Easily
From any JFK terminal: Take the AirTrain (it’s free inside the airport) to Terminal 5/ JetBlue. Exit the AirTrain, follow the bright red signs that say “TWA Hotel.” Walk through the famous red carpeted tunnels that look like spaceship tubes. You’ll pop out right in the historic terminal lobby – welcome to 1962!
If you’re driving, take the Van Wyck Expressway to JFK and follow signs for Terminal 5. The hotel has its own parking garage with special rates if you’re flying out.
Cozy, Quiet Rooms with Runway Views
All 512 rooms are brand-new but designed to feel like 1960s first class. The beds are super comfy, and the windows are the thickest in the world – 4.5 inches of glass – so you can’t hear planes at all, even though they’re zooming by right outside.
You can choose rooms that look out at the historic terminal or rooms with direct runway views so you can watch planes take off while lying in bed. Some rooms even have original Eero Saarinen furniture, martini glasses ready in the wet bar, and blackout curtains that make it totally dark for perfect sleep.
The Most Incredible Rooftop Pool in the World
The rooftop infinity pool at TWA Hotel is open 365 days a year and heated to 95–100°F in winter. You can swim while watching giant airplanes take off right in front of you – it’s like being in a dream! In cold months, the pool deck turns into the Runway Chalet with fire pits and hot chocolate.
Pool reservations are required and there’s a small fee for some time slots, but hotel guests get priority. Kids love it because they can wave at pilots who sometimes wave back. It’s honestly one of the coolest pools on planet Earth.
Drink Cocktails Inside a Real 1958 Airplane!
The Connie is a real 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane parked outside the hotel. They turned the whole plane into the coolest cocktail lounge ever. Climb the stairs, sit in the original seats, and order a martini while pretending you’re flying to Paris in the 1960s.
The plane is completely restored and shiny. At night it lights up red – everyone takes selfies in front of it. It’s the most Instagrammed spot at the entire airport!
The Biggest Hotel Gym on Earth
The TWA Hotel has the world’s largest hotel gym – 10,000 square feet! There are 14 Peloton bikes, a full yoga studio, free weights, cardio machines, and even fitness classes. It’s open 24 hours and free for hotel guests.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can buy a day pass to work out and watch planes. Aviation geeks love running on the treadmill while planes land right outside the giant windows.
Yummy Food and Drinks All Day Long
The Paris Café by famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The menu has burgers, pasta, steaks, and kid favorites like mac and cheese. The Sunken Lounge in the middle of the lobby makes perfect 1960s cocktails – try the “Come Fly With Me”!
There’s also a big food hall with pizza, tacos, coffee, and ice cream. Everything is open late, which is perfect when your flight lands at midnight.
Super Cool Hidden Spots You Have to Find
- The Twister Room where you can actually play giant Twister on the floor
- Vintage TWA uniform museum with real 1960s stewardess outfits
- Secret phone booths with working rotary phones you can call your friends from
- Reading room with hundreds of 1960s magazines
- Photo booths that print old-fashioned photo strips
Kids go crazy hunting for all these hidden gems!
Perfect Place for Weddings and Parties
The TWA Hotel hosts the most beautiful 1960s-themed weddings ever. Imagine getting married under the giant curving roof with planes flying overhead. They have ballrooms for up to 1,400 people and smaller rooms for birthday parties or business meetings.
Many couples choose the rooftop at sunset with the pool glowing red. It’s become one of the most popular wedding spots in New York.
Is the TWA Hotel Worth the Money?
Yes – if you love planes, history, or just something totally different. Rooms usually start around $250–$400 depending on the season, but many people say it’s worth every penny for the experience. The rooms are spotless, the staff is friendly, and you’ll make memories you’ll never forget.
Some people say it’s expensive for the room size, but you’re paying for the most unique hotel experience in America. In 2025, Skytrax named it North America’s Best Airport Hotel for the second year in a row.
Planning Your Perfect TWA Hotel Adventure
Book directly on twahotel.com for the best rates. Choose a runway-view room if you want to watch planes all night. Book pool time as soon as you reserve your room – it sells out fast in summer. Day stays are available if you just have a long layover (perfect for 6–12 hour breaks).
Bring your camera – every corner is photogenic. Kids under 17 often stay free with parents. Pets are welcome too!
Final Thoughts: Why the TWA Hotel Is Pure Magic
The TWA Hotel isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s a time machine that makes flying exciting again. From the moment you walk through those red tubes, you feel like the world slowed down and got way more beautiful. Whether you’re a little kid pressing your nose against the glass to watch planes, or a grown-up sipping a martini in a vintage airplane, this place makes everyone smile.
In a world of boring airport hotels, the TWA Hotel is pure joy on wings. Come for the planes, stay for the magic, and leave with the best stories ever.
TWA Hotel FAQ – Quick Answers
Is the TWA Hotel actually inside JFK Airport?
Yes! It’s the only hotel on airport property and connected to Terminal 5 by a walkway.
Can you hear airplanes in the rooms?
No. The windows are the thickest in the world (7 layers of glass). Most people say it’s quieter than a normal hotel.
Is the rooftop pool open in winter?
Yes! It’s heated to 95–100°F year-round and turns into a cozy ski-chalet vibe.
Can you visit the TWA Hotel without staying overnight?
Absolutely. You can visit the lobby, bars, restaurants, Connie airplane lounge, and even buy a day pass for the pool or gym.
How much does it usually cost?
Rooms typically range from $250–$450 per night, depending on season and day of week. Day stays are cheaper.
Is it kid-friendly?
Very! Kids love the planes, pool, Twister room, and watching takeoffs. Many aviation-obsessed kids call it the best day ever.
Can you get to other terminals easily?
Yes – the free AirTrain stops right at the hotel every few minutes.
Do they allow pets?
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome for an extra fee.
