Things to Do at JFK Airport: TWA Hotel Hideaway

JAMAICA, New York– a place where so many Big Apple journeys begin and end, at the bustling John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. Travelled daily by hundreds of visitors and New Yorkers alike, yet many are unaware that there are things to do at JFK Airport beyond catching flights!

This major global hub serves the metropolitan area of one of the world’s most famous cities. It’s no surprise that people often seek things to do in New York City near JFK Airport around their flight schedules. But instead of leaving the airport to try to catch a cab or navigate the NY subway system, how about a trip that’s just a quick walk or ride away? 

An overlooked activity at JFK Airport is a visit to its 1962 retro-style lounge and only on-site hotel. Travelers who just landed, are on a layover or a couple hours early for check-in don’t have to watch time pass by from the usual departure lounge or a boarding gate… 

TWA Hotel is connected to Terminal 5, just a few minutes’ walk from JetBlue’s bridge or outside the terminal entrance. The outdoor route may lead through passageway detours thanks to JFK Airport construction. 

This historic building was once the Trans World Airlines (TWA) flight centre, located on a terminal section that has been out of regular operation since 2001. The headquarters was converted to a part-hotel, part-mini museum, which opened in 2019. Today, the TWA Hotel is a retro-futuristic homage to aviation and airline history. An indoor red tunnel leads to a time capsule of 1960s splendour from the hotel lobby to the tarmac. The mid-century modern establishment features:

• Timeless photo ops
• Eateries, bars, lounges
• Pet-friendly spaces
• Rooftop infinity pool
• Flight observation deck
• Fitness centre
• Room accommodations 
• Short-term luggage storage

Classic props and restored elements create the ultimate blast from the past. Guests are greeted in the lobby by vintage cars and peeks of TWA history. Concierges are present but TWA Hotel is a free-to-roam spot where visitors can easily explore at their leisure. 

60s era-themed backdrops have lounge areas doubling as interactive selfie studios. Some backgrounds have changed over my visits, not sure if those were permanent / regular switches. One of the most nostalgic (and fun) areas is a wall-to-wall game of Twister– the colourful, contorting classic! 

TWA Hotel Cafe & Bar Lounges at JFK Airport

coShortly after entering the establishment– past the lobby and mini-museum– is a grab-and-go Food Hall and coffee bar. Drink and food options here include quick bites and beverages including the New York staple of a cup of Joe. The food hall is a collection of eateries offering familiar favourites like hot dogs, bagels, paninis, soft-serve ice cream and more.

With varying business hours, there’s always something to have here. More restaurants are available for dining and takeout in other areas of TWA Hotel.

The Paris Café serves a taste of France for breakfast, lunch and dinner upstairs in the heart of the TWA terminal. It is reminiscent of the place’s original Paris cafe and lounge from 1962. The menu is curated by Michelin-star French chef Jean-Georges. 

Below the cafe is the Sunken Lounge area with an iconic flight board centrepiece and panoramic window. It is backdropped by friendly skies and the legendary airplane outside. Seating is laid out beneath a split-flap board displaying arrivals and departures for trips of yesteryear. 

The inactive tarmac is also frozen in time. It has a baggage cart stocked with luggage, and a ramp leading to Connie the plane– a TWA-branded 1958 airliner. The aircraft was transformed into the Connie Cocktail Lounge where guests can enjoy drinks in first-class comfort of the plane’s cabin lounge. Connie opens for pre-dinner mixes in the late afternoon and closes with nightcaps.

The Pool Bar is open exclusively to TWA Hotel guests and those with a day pass. It serves cocktails and food in view of the 1 of JFK Airport’s longest runways. Reservations and a fee may be required to dine here during May – October.

TWA Hotel Day Passes and Overnight Stays at JFK Airport

There are many airport hotels in New York, but TWA Hotel is the only one located at JFK Airport. Guests who aren’t spending the night can still opt for day passes to the infinity pool, gym and hotel rooms! 

The rooftop pool is open to daytrippers for half the day and is subject to availability. Its observation deck boasts enviable views stretching to Jamaica (the bay…not the island paradise). In winter months, the pool remains open but becomes heated like a jacuzzi. 

TWA Hotel boasts the world’s largest hotel gym (10,000 square feet). It’s open all day every day with day passes and monthly memberships available.

There are hundreds of rooms here to stay and even rest between flights. Rooms can be booked by day trip guests for 4 – 12 hours between 6am and 8pm. Plane touchdowns and rotations take place directly in view of some of the rooms with thick, soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows. 

TWA Hotel Conclusion

The next time you have much more than a New York minute to spare, take a trip back in time at TWA Hotel. Journey through the ages when you snap photos or grab a bite + drink before/after a flight. 

Got a long layover at JFK Airport? Fill your time with a rewarding gym session, rooftop pool respite, runway watch and/or relaxation in a TWA Hotel room. Remember to check out 20 budget-friendly things to do in New York City while stocking your Big Apple itinerary! A good time can be much closer than you think.

Would you take time to visit the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport???