JFK Airport has recently opened the TWA Hotel at Terminal 5, and when you visit you will feel like you’ve been transported to 1962. The retro hotel is the epitome of the mid century Modernism movement, and has over 2000 artifacts dedicated to the 1960s and aviation history. Instead of twiddling your thumbs during your next long layover at JFK, you can now spend your time sipping a cocktail in the vintage airplane that served as Air Force One to Dwight D. Eisenhower!
Getting There
The Air Tran at the airport is the easiest way to get to TWA Hotel. It’s free and runs 24/7. Simply hop on and get off at Terminal 5 (Jet Blue Terminal). Follow the signs at Terminal 5 to the elevators, and go down to level 1. There will be signs pointing you to the hotel. Go outside and cross the street toward the yellow parking garage, and from there you will see the TWA sign glowing like a beacon.
It is important to note that if you are popping over to the hotel on a long layover, you will have to re-enter through security when you return to the airport. Don’t get so caught up in the ’60s that you forget about your flight in the real world!
If you’re driving to the hotel, you can park in the yellow lot or at the hotel for a fee. You can find more information on how to get to TWA Hotel HERE.
If you like staying in unique places, my guide to the best places to stay in Edinburgh is filled with some fascinating historical gems!
Exploring Inside the Hotel
When you first walk in, you will immediately notice the minimalistic features that set this hotel apart from others. At first, I was a little put off by how bare it looks inside. However, I soon began feeling like I was on the set of The Jetsons!
The entrance hall has an old split flap departures and arrivals board that dominates the space. It sets the scene for all that you are about to experience. You are now in the year 1962.
Before going down any of the red tunneled hallways, there are some photo ops with vintage airport drop off cars, payphones by the restrooms, egg chairs, and a photo booth. You can get a drink at the Sunken Lounge, but I recommend waiting for the Connie Bar (more on that below).
Two long hallways branch off from the lobby area. At the end of each one, are some fascinating tributes to the 1960s. The first hallway we went down took us to Howard Hughes’ office. When I asked Brandon who Howard Hughes was, he said “All I know is that he was crazy… like he didn’t clip his toenails.”
We learned that Hughes was a prominent businessman who gradually bought a lot of stock in Transcontinental and Western Airlines, until he owned 78% of the company. He was the driving force that made TWA the only airline company during WWII that had both domestic and transatlantic flights. Later in life, he got increasingly more eccentric and OCD and eventually became a recluse.
The end of the second hallway held a room that I found much more exciting: A fully decorated retro living room! I liked that guests are invited to walk inside the living room to truly take in all the details of what it was like living in the ’60s.
Other highlights of the bottom floor of the hotel include a TWA Merchandise store with items to commemorate your experience, a quiet reading room, and a hallway lined with vintage travel posters.
Before you head outside to the Connie Bar, go upstairs to check out the display of flight attendant uniforms from throughout the years. The uniforms are colorful and stylish. I wish we still dressed like that today!
If you want to step back even further in time, check out my blog posts on Scotland. The country is filled with castles, church ruins, and rolling hills that look like the homes of giants.
The Connie Bar
I saved the best part of the TWA Hotel for last. On the tarmac behind the hotel is a cocktail lounge inside of a Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane! The plane is famous for breaking the record for fastest transcontinental flight in 1946, and it served as Air Force One to Dwight D. Eisenhower in the ’50s!
The interior of the plane has been returned to its original glory. The comfy leather seats with ample legroom are a far cry from the cramped quarters we fly in today. Little tables have been added for you to enjoy vintage inspired cocktails and snacks. At the back of the plane, is a small mural just like the original Connie airplanes had back in the day. On your way out, don’t forget to take a peek into the cockpit!
I recommend making reservations for the Connie Cocktail Lounge, to guarantee that you get to enjoy this experience! Because it is a vintage plane, seating is limited inside. You can make reservations HERE. If you have children joining you on your journey, they can enjoy the fun too by ordering a Shirley Temple!
Next time you are at JFK Airport with time to spare, head on over to TWA Hotel at Terminal 5 for an experience like no other!
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