The JFK Airport Hotel – TWA Hotel

TWA Hotel isn’t another inside-the-airport hotel. Historical and one-of-a-kind, with amenities that can easily get compared to 5-star lodging options in the NY city center, TWA Hotel lies in JFK Terminal 5 and waits for you to meet it.

Housed in Eero Saarinen’s masterpiece – the former TWA Flight Center – it occupies the head house of its predecessor. The initial building was constructed in 1962 and became part of the new JFK Airport Terminal 5 in 2008. Hence, its historical value is undeniable. It has been declared a New York City designated landmark after all. Nevertheless, TWA Hotel is more than its building. Its services, amenities, and facilities are top-rated and unique.

The only downside of the JFK airport hotel is its location on the airport’s landside, meaning that passengers have to pass through security controls before reaching the hotel and checking in. Moreover, transit travelers are obliged to re-check in for their upcoming flight as soon as they leave the hotel.

JFK Airport Hotel’s Amenities

TWA Hotel’s Rooms

TWA Hotel has 512 rooms, ranging in different categories. Many offer stunning runway views. Still, all of them are known for their soundproof nature. From presidential suites to executive rooms, and from deluxe options to standard rooms, depending on your budget and your preferences, you can book the best-suited room for you, resting assured about its cleanliness, aesthetic, and furnishing.

JFK Airport Hotel’s Food Options

The hotel’s eating and drinking options are various and totally worthy of your time and interest. Explicitly, JFK TWA Hotel houses:

  • Paris Café by Jean-Georges: The all-day food hub of TWA Hotel has replaced the well-known café of the old TWA terminal, which went by the same name. Minimal and modern, it offers an interesting menu, covering everything from breakfast and lunch all the way to dinner and drinks.
  • The Sunken Lounge: Located in the hotel’s lobby (actually the old TWA Flight Center), the Sunken Lounge “smells” like the ‘60s. From decoration to retro cocktails, it is your time machine back to the past, providing premium views at the famous “Connie” Lounge as well. No reservations are needed for the Sunken Lounge.
  • Connie Cocktail Lounge: Undoubtedly the star of the hotel, the 1958 airplane “Connie” has been transformed into a cozy and relaxing lounge, regarded as one of the top hotel bars in the world. With a capacity of up to 75 clients, Connie accepts no reservations but is definitely a must-visit at JFK airport hotel.
  • Food Hall: TWA Hotel even offers a Food Hall with plenty of quick-meal options. A bistro facility, a snack bar, a bagel shop, as well as several stores selling hot dogs, ice cream, Italian panini, and crepes are available for a quick bite or drink.
  • Intelligentsia Coffee: The exclusive coffee provider of TWA Hotel also has a modern coffee bar area inside the hotel. Its experienced baristas offer travelers premium coffee in the vast 200,000-square-foot hotel lobby.

TWA Hotel’s Rooftop Pool

TWA Hotel is equipped with an infinity rooftop pool overlooking JFK runways. While swimming, you can enjoy amazing vistas of the 4Left/22Right runway (one of the airport’s longest) and the Bay runway, the second biggest runway in North America. The pool is the perfect place to cool down during the summer, whereas it is permanently heated in winter. The pool bar is also open all year long, offering refreshing beverages in summer and a warm fireplace on cold days.

Other JFK Airport Hotel Amenities

The hotel includes a large conference and event center with 45 event rooms and 5 suites, a 7,000-square-foot ballroom (Constellation Ballroom), and a 4,200-square-foot ballroom (The 1962 Room). Its fitness center is considered the biggest hotel gym in the world, spreading over a 10,000-square-foot area.

Additionally, throughout the premises, guests can find exhibits from the New York Historical Society, accessible to all travelers for free. From the lobby to the conference center and through Saarinen’s flight tubes connecting the hotel to T5, the TWA Hotel doubles as a museum. It also features a Twister Room and a Photo Room.

Parking at JFK Airport Hotel

TWA Hotel offers a 24-hour valet service. Although pre-booking isn’t required, you can expect to pay $20 (20€) for a one-hour stay, while parking for 24 hours costs $65 (65€) if you haven’t checked in and $50 (50€) if you are a hotel guest.

TWA Hotel Rates and Fares

The hotel’s rates vary depending on the season and room type. However, the TWA Hotel also accepts day bookings from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, with a minimum stay of four hours.

Tip: Are you traveling with your furry friend? TWA Hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes pets for a $65 (65€) fee per stay.

Transferring to JFK Airport Hotel

TWA Hotel lies adjacent to Terminal 5. Its lobby is the old TWA Flight Center, now integrated into T5. Use the free AirTrain (operating 24/7) to reach the JetBlue/T5 stop from any terminal. Trains run every 7 minutes during peak hours and need about 5 minutes to travel between terminals.

Tip: To use the AirTrain or check in to TWA Hotel, passengers must pass through customs and re-check for their upcoming flight when returning to their departure terminal, even if it’s Terminal 5.