If ever there was a hotel to bring out sheer child-like joy in me, it is the TWA hotel at JFK airport. Many of you know I absolutely LOVE vintage aesthetic ( sewing from the era, styling in the era, and studying the trends of the era ), and pair that with an aviation theme… I am on cloud 9! Honestly, I was giddy about finally getting to stay here on a layover ( I have been waiting 2 years for this!). Yes they do not have coffee makers in the room, or working fridges, and yes maybe the walls are a bit thin and you hear other people’s alarm clocks, but listen… in this retro-loving flight attendant’s opinion, this hotel is fabulous. If you are like me in that spot-on, happy, retro decor and ambiance strikes a chord with you, please consider a stay here. I could see this being a birthday destination. Come in for a night and do a little photo shoot, and enjoy the stay! (PS – before *PAYING* to stay here, look into their “NY covid-19 era” restrictions in regards to lounges, dining areas, pool, and gym use.)
The TWA hotel is unique in that it is centered around Eero Saarinen’s famous and iconic TWA flight center which was built in 1962 (please check out this fabulous article with many great photos from history) . There are no right angles there in the main lobby! It is a curvaceous wonder of architecture. The current form as a hotel was opened May 15, 2019, and it features many wonderful amenities such as a heated infinity pool on the rooftop where you can watch planes, several food and drink lounges, and a museum. One of the favorite attractions to guests who stay at TWA hotel, is an airplane affectionately named “Connie”: a Lockheed Constellation L-1649A transformed into a cocktail lounge. I did not have an opportunity to enter the “Connie” lounge, but I am sure she is lovely.
As a flight attendant, and a gal who majored in fashion in college, you better believe the TWA costume museum was one of my favorite spots in the hotel. Just look at those uniforms! I am especially fond of the uniform with the “TWA” embroidered cut out.
