I’ve at all times been intrigued by the glamor and magnificence of aviation and the jet age within the 60s. Again then, flying was an infinite privilege, and it got here with a degree of sophistication and pleasure. Proper on the middle of that was Trans World Airways (TWA), and the TWA flight middle was at JFK Airport (then identified as Idlewild Airport).
This terminal, in-built 1962 and designed by Eero Saarinen, was a real mannequin of the occasions. In Could 2019, the long-lasting TWA terminal was reworked into the brand-new TWA Resort, a step again in time to the 60s. It’s such an important recreation that the TV present, the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, filmed scenes of their season 5 premiere on the resort.
We paid in full for our keep on the TWA Resort. This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. A purchase order / click on by way of one among these hyperlinks might lead to a fee paid to us at no further value to you. All opinions are my very own.
Assessment of the New TWA Resort at JFK Airport
Location of the TWA Resort
The TWA Resort is linked to JetBlue’s Terminal 5 (T5) at JFK Worldwide Airport. Upon deplaning at JFK, we walked to the bags declare space and adopted the ample signage to the TWA Resort airport. When you arrive on the resort, you possibly can stroll by way of the attractive red-carpeted tubes to the primary terminal space, the place you’ll discover the “arrivals” space.
The check-in part, which is the previous airline check-in desk, presents self-service kiosks. There, you possibly can test in, swipe your bank card, print your keys, and get your room quantity. Though this space is self-service, a workers member kindly walked us by way of the check-in course of. We have been handed a map and have been directed to our room.
When you exit that elevator from T5 or enter by way of the primary entrance, you’re instantly inserted into the 60s. From the 60s-era flight arrival/departure board proper above the primary entrance to the 60s music enjoying within the foyer, it actually appears like a visit to the previous.
JFK airport isn’t positioned in Manhattan, so if you’re planning on seeing any of one of the best websites in NYC, you’ll must get from the airport to down. Right here’s one possibility if you have to go from JFK to Penn Station for an Amtrak practice. We selected to take Uber to get into city, but it surely’s undoubtedly not essentially the most inexpensive possibility.
Rooms on the TWA Resort
When reserving your room on the TWA Resort, you’ll be confronted with a wide range of choices. You may also pre-pay on your room for a reduction, however gained’t be capable to cancel.
Room varieties embody:
- King mattress rooms with a normal view, Historic TWA view, or Runway view
- 2 Queen mattress rooms with a normal view, Historic TWA view, or Runway view
- Accessible rooms and suites are additionally supplied
The TWA Resort additionally presents day-stay rooms, referred to as DayTripper stays. In case you have a flight delay or a protracted layover, you possibly can spend the day in a room, having fun with the facilities of the resort. These may be booked upfront so you recognize that you simply’ll have a room obtainable whenever you arrive. DayTripper stays can be found for 4 hours or extra from 6 AM to 8 PM, based mostly on availability.
We booked a room with 2 queen beds with the historic TWA view. There are two separate wings to the resort – the Hughes wing and the Saarinen wing. Our room, positioned on the sixth flooring, had a stupendous view of the primary constructing.
Rooms are small, in keeping with what you’d anticipate from a New York Metropolis resort. These are fantastically appointed with enjoyable little touches which can be harking back to the 60s in a midcentury trendy fashion. Room options embody a full minibar (together with cans of Tab!), comfy beds, rotary telephones, TWA pencils and paper, shower-mounted shampoo/conditioner/physique wash, tv, and hairdryers. Whereas the minibar is big, there isn’t any espresso maker within the room.
One huge adverse I observed concerning the room is a whole lack of space for storing for garments. There aren’t any drawers for garments and no closet. I believe they deliberate this resort to essentially be for simply in a single day company who don’t wish to unpack. There’s no iron/ironing board within the room, however there’s a steamer in case your garments are wrinkled.
If touring with children, I undoubtedly suggest having a minibar dialog earlier than you arrive. There’s a tray stuffed with temptations on the desk, and it isn’t instantly apparent what the costs for these things are.
Rooms have wall-to-ceiling home windows and automatic blackout shades. After we arrived, our room was fairly heat from the solar beating down within the room, however the air-con kicked in shortly. The home windows are a bit awkward as anybody can see within the room except you might have the total blackout shades closed.
Our room was pretty quiet, however we have been positioned by the elevator. I’d suggest requesting a room away from the elevator as a result of we may hear the dinging of the button beginning at 3:30 am. It didn’t preserve me up, however after I awoke in the course of the evening I heard it.
My son and I cherished trying out all the little touches within the room. It actually does carry you proper into the 60s.
Facilities on the TWA Resort
Whereas the theme and placement are most likely the highest two explanation why somebody would e book a room on the new TWA Resort, there are some enjoyable facilities as nicely.
The health middle, positioned on the underside flooring, might be the nicest resort health middle I’ve seen. It’s large, with a great deal of gear. We have been down there twice and solely noticed a handful of individuals figuring out.
The rooftop pool is a tremendous amenity. It’s a small pool, but it surely’s completely attractive with a full view of the runway. Tables on the Pool Bar may be reserved upfront, and I’d suggest doing that. Reservations are at the moment required for pool occasions.
The pool is heated and open 12 months spherical. It’s positioned on the roof of the Hughes wing.
The TWA Resort presents retailers, together with a TWA store crammed with merchandise with the TWA emblem (issues like water bottles, t-shirts, tote luggage, and sneakers). Two sundries stand are arrange within the foyer, and people purchases may be paid for on the TWA store.
Valet parking is obtainable on the entrance of the resort. Bell service isn’t supplied, so that you’ll must stroll your personal luggage to your room. Nevertheless, luggage may be held in case you arrive earlier than check-in time or depart after check-out time. The official check-out time is 11 am, however our request for a midday check-out time was granted. It is going to undoubtedly all rely on availability.
One of many hallmarks of the TWA Resort is the Lockheed Constellation plane positioned outdoors the resort. Nicknamed Connie, this lovely plane has been restored and reworked right into a cocktail lounge. It’s one among solely 4 Constellation plane remaining and is a must-see for any aviation lover.
Aviation lovers can even take pleasure in trying on the numerous museum exhibitions positioned all through the resort. These embody Howard Hughes’ desk positioned proper by the elevator to T5, in addition to some authentic flight attendant and pilot uniforms. You’ll undoubtedly wish to plan a while simply to discover the varied areas of the resort.
There are different enjoyable areas to discover, together with a Sixties Dwelling Room and a Tornado Room. These are all nice picture alternatives, as nicely.
Meals on the TWA Resort
The principle restaurant, Paris Cafe, is overseen by well-known chef Jean-Georges. It presents breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Throughout our first morning there, my son and I walked in for breakfast and have been instantly seated. The meals is a bit costly however in keeping with different resort breakfasts.
We cherished our breakfast a lot that we returned the next morning. Though the restaurant appeared empty, we have been informed that they have been solely in a position to accommodate these with reservations. If you wish to eat there, I’d undoubtedly suggest making a reservation.
The departures lounge presents kiosks operated by standard native meals vehicles and cafes, referred to as the Meals Corridor. There may be additionally seating on this space so you possibly can seize a fast meal or snack and luxuriate in it there.
The centerpiece of the resort is the Sunken Lounge, positioned off the foyer. This attractive red-carpeted cocktail bar serves cocktails, wine, and light-weight bites. I used to be touring with my son and we visited it twice, so it’s undoubtedly okay for teenagers to go to. You do not want to be staying on the resort to benefit from the Sunken Lounge.
There’s additionally the Connie, which presents a small menu of cocktails and really mild bites (olives, and so on). It’s so enjoyable to go to, even in case you aren’t planning to eat or drink there. The Connie does provide non-alcoholic drinks if you’re bringing your children.
Espresso by Intelligentsia is served all through the resort and is completely scrumptious. There are each espresso bars and low carts serving no matter espresso drink you favor.
As a result of we have been unable to eat at Paris Cafe on our second morning, we walked into the JetBlue terminal and acquired Dunkin’ Donuts. It’s a great possibility if you would like a lighter breakfast and is just some steps from the resort.
General, I’d undoubtedly suggest a keep on the TWA Resort if you’re an aviation or 60s lover, or have an early morning flight at JFK. The workers was extremely pleasant and the theme/decor completely can’t be overwhelmed.
You may e book the TWA Resort right here and browse extra evaluations right here.
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