Feeling defeated after missing and paying for a new flight, we weighed our options: make the long, expensive trip back to Manhattan or check out the new TWA Hotel just across from terminal. Is that a pool bar on the rooftop?

This was my first time at TWA Hotel, connected by tunnel to New York JFK Airport. The completely remodeled hotel is an homage to the golden age of flying. Exhibits describe the work of architect Eero Saarinen and the decor and details transport you back in time – there’s even a bar in a 50s-style plane.

Reception resembles an airline check-in counter. Luggage storage is marked with a TWA luggage tag and taken back via conveyor belt. The centerpiece of the architectural lobby is a sunken lounge with vintage flight status board, updated in real time.

Then there’s the amenities: a huge gym with start-of-the-art equipment and a rooftop pool with a view of the JFK runway.

The second time we visited TWA Hotel was in the winter when they were hosting a fabulous New Year’s Eve event. There was an ice rink next to Connie, the lounge-in-an-airplane, and many guests came in their best retro fits setting the vibe alongside costumed entertainers. Live music was fittingly a Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons cover group and although they performed the same six songs on loop, I admit they sounded good every time.

The rooms

Midcentury modern rooms carry charming idiosyncratic touches, like a rotary phone (but how do you use this thing?). Basic rooms start at $250, and I think it’s worth it to pay slightly more for rooms with runway views; I found it quite relaxing to watch the planes as they taxied in and out.

If you don’t need an entire night, TWA Hotel also offers reduced rate stays allowing access to a room and amenities for 12 hours.

Amenities

The fitness center at TWA Hotel is really a fully equipped gym. With all types of start-of-the-art equipment and the most Pelotons I’ve ever seen at once, it could quite possibly be the nicest one you’ve ever been to. If you have JFK long layover and want to get a workout or just shower in, the $25 day pass is a no-brainer.

The rooftop bar is an ideal place to relax before a flight, but you could totally party if you wanted to. Given its popularity, during the summer they charge a cover fee which guarantees seating at the bar. You can make reservations online if you want to visit without staying at the hotel. Pool chairs can’t be reserved and are first come, first served even if you’re a guest.

A towering meeting hall allows for large events in a unique space. There’s also a Jean-Georges restaurant, food hall for quite bites, and themed shops and exhibits to wander around.

Conclusion

TWA hasn’t existed for many of our lifetimes, so this hotel envokes the style and pays tribute to the more glamorous days of flying. It’s obviously the perfect spot if you like airplanes – we met a fun Brooklynite who could name every aircraft that passed by the bar – but also if you’re just looking for a unique experience.

This is the coolest airport hotel I’ve ever stayed at and the first one to make me happy to have to spend the night at the airport. (Still not happy about missing the flight.)