TWA Hotel Is Bringing the Retro Vibes to JFK Airport

published Jun 20, 2022
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Credit: TWA Hotel/David Mitchel

With ’60s themed decor and enough activities that may leave you wishing your flight was delayed, the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport is a bucket list-worthy destination that has been redefining airport hotels since it opened its doors in 2019.

Sitting in the former TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport, the terminal was rebirthed as a luxury hotel, with two new-build hotel wings housing 512 guestrooms, as well as six restaurants and bars, including Connie, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane that has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge.

Staying true to Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen’s original terminal design, with many elements still in tact like the old split-flap departure board in the center of the lobby, the hotel features a bold color palette of clean whites and a vibrant warm red hue that was developed by Saarinen himself. Guests rooms feature a mid-century modern design and stylish accents that perfectly encapsulate the decade, along with soaring runway views and ultra-quiet, floor-to-ceiling windows—the second-thickest in the world—with blackout shades to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Boasting a bunch of leisure experiences to keep you entertained for days, you can once again grab your skates this summer and head out on the Roll-a-Rama roller skating rink. The 44-by-56 outdoor roller rink made up of 2,668 bold checkered tiles that certainly bring the retro vibes to the runway. On the rink, you’ll skate to old-school tunes while watching the airplanes take off into the sky. Each session lasts 50 minutes and costs $20 (children under 12 can skate for $6.)

In addition to the Roll-a-Rama rink, other activities include a rooftop infinity pool, pop-up museum exhibitions showcasing vintage uniforms and in-flight amenities, a giant Twister Room where guests can play a wall-to-wall version of the 1960s game, and the world’s largest hotel gym.