The TWA Hotel: Capture Your 1960’s Fantasy at This Terminal Turned Hotel
What does lifestyle mean to you? Lifestyle can mean a plethora of things and is defined as something different by
Dominique Angellotti
What does lifestyle mean to you? Lifestyle can mean a plethora of things and is defined as something different by everyone. Lifestyle can mean the way we eat, how we enjoy life, the hotels we stay in and the people we associate with. Some will argue that their lifestyle is the best, can’t beat it, and wouldn’t want to be without it. The world has seen generations of lifestyle change; think of the lifestyle difference between even the ’80s to 2020 or even more drastic, the ’20s to 2020. The evolution of lifestyles has created what our world is today, everything from ideas and morals to fashion, media, and desires.
It may come as a surprise, but maybe when our 90-year-old grandfather says, “now listen here, back in my day,” and blah blah blah, he might be on to something. Nostalgic places, offering a blast to the past, satisfy that urge to be submerged into a brand new lifestyle. We cannot deny that vintage is the new Gucci and the hype over old fashion apparel, decor, and lifestyles is more prevalent than ever before. We can say we are “old souls at heart,” but no matter who you are, there is something about the past that feels exciting, totally cliche and 100 percent intriguing.
In the same vein, the market for unique hotels and vacation destinations is turning a new and diverse leaf, making it possible to select almost any type of theme, decade, or vibe when you are choosing a hotel. The uniqueness of both vintage and travel being combined into one is certainly a step out of the traditional vacation expectation. Here to meet all of those vintage dreams is the TWA Hotel.
The History Behind the Building
The ’60s was in swing and the welcoming of the “jet age” was upon everyone. JFK airport, located in New York City, formerly named the Idlewild Airport, was the center point of aviation and one of the world’s largest airports. A project soon began, creating a unique and genius architectural feat to be used as an airport terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen. This building was used for several years until it was no longer equipped to service 20th-century aircraft, and the space was shut down and left as a deserted landmark. This space has now been preserved and reopened as the TWA Hotel. After endless hours, research, and execution of pure art, the hotel’s external and internal looks and vibes have come from all over the world and from many cultures. The Iconic flight center is a stunning piece of architecture that graces us with a delightful mid-century vibe and aesthetic. Once restored and reopened as a hotel in 2019, the transformed flight wing fits perfectly back into a modern-day life and is ready to shine.
“Eero Saarinen’s cathedral to aviation has always looked toward the future. We restored and reimagined his landmark with the same care that he devoted to his design. No detail went overlooked—from the millwork by Amish artisans to the custom font inspired by Saarinen’s own sketches to the one-of-a-kind manhole covers.” says Tyler Morse, CEO and managing partner of MCR and MORSE Development.
The TWA flight center kept its original name, TWA, and opened to serve an entirely different purpose in 2019. The TWA made its mark as the freshest, luxurious 1960’s styled hotel and created a branding entirely around the jet age lifestyle in the ’60s. The retro hotel sits directly on the airport runways and connects from the airport to the hotels by the iconic bright red and white flight tubes that transport you closer and closer into the ’60s.
A glamorous 60’s style entryway isn’t the only thing to stop you dead in your tracks at this historical location. Imagine sitting in your hotel room overlooking what has been transformed into the vintage venue for cocktails and entertainment for the evening.
The design of this retro themed hotel is taken directly from 1960’s so that for not even a moment are you reminded that we are actually in the 21st century. Everything from the food, drinks, rooms, amenities, lounge areas, activities and staff are authentically dressed, decorated and prepared as in they were in that era.
Unique and Sleek
Alright, so let’s get down to what is truly important in a hotel. To start, who doesn’t want to sip cocktails in a vintage airplane.
The uniqueness surrounding the hotel is truly the attention grabber in the hospitality industry, and it’s all about the experience. The hotel offers an experience through a rooftop pool overlooking the airport runways, 60’s styled rooms, and having your first drink back in the 1960s!
The Pool
When booking this location as your vacation destination, if your main goal is to experience a swim of a lifetime under flying planes, consider the season as the pool remains uncovered. But whether snow or sun, your dream to swim with the planes can be possible no matter what as this luxurious infinity pool is heated year-round at 95 degrees with underwater seating and an incredible view.
Fitness
The grind never stops here at the TWA; they have you covered for any fitness need your heart desires. The 10,000-foot area makes this one of the world’s largest hotel gym, including the brand new peloton cycling bikes with private and group training options.
Paris Cafe
Glamour isn’t complete without a hint of Paris, and nothing adds the perfect amount of glamour like a cafe inspired straight from the streets of France. Famous chef and tv personality Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the cafe’s operations and vision and has even incorporated a traditional 1960’s flight menu. The cafe sits above all of the hotel action; it is quaint and simplistic with hints of white and yellow to capture an atmosphere we all crave.
The Sunken Lounge
Okay, the time has come for the ultimate vintage film vibes. Grab your camera and get a 60’s inspired drink because you can’t miss posting a shot of this location on IG. The sunken lounge is a completely decked out bright red circular shaped space with bright red walls and carpets with circular vintage white tables and chairs in the center. Everything from the wall of windows to a TWA departure and arrivals sign in the center is enough to transport you into a glamorous 1960’s airport lounge. The lounge offers a vibe of gentle music, traditional cocktails and appetizers, and an overall fancy feel to your day.
A Room for a 1960’s Queen
We all know that what truly makes a hotel is the room—the fresh aroma of clean fluffy sheets, soothing colors and a sense of relaxation. While the TWA hotel has proven to be much different than most hotels, so would you expect average rooms? With over 500 rooms open for reservation at the hotel, you will have the choice of a person-inspired room or the traditional 1960’s room.
These sleek rooms are simplistic with cool brown tones and pops of bright reds and blues. The majority of the rooms have a stunning view of the business runway at JFK with soundproof walls and windows so you can enjoy the beauty of flight without the nuisance of noise. These breathtaking accommodations are only the start of your glamorous experience at the TWA Hotel.