TWA Hotel: An “Après-Flight” for all Seasons

When the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK International Airport opened last year, it reinvented the concept of the American airport hotel. Created from architect Eero Saarinen’s former Trans World Airlines terminal, the mid-century modern masterpiece has made the hotel a destination in itself.

And this destination is one for all seasons. This winter, the hotel has transformed its rooftop pool and bar into a retro ski lodge with a steaming pool-cuzzi, kept at a sizzling 95º F. The Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar is its very own hot tub time machine transporting visitors to the swinging sixties–except the view trades climbing ski lifts for airplanes taking off. The decor is as kitschy and fabulous as you’d expect from a hotel that honors a time when a glamorous journey was integral to travel.

Experience Après-Flight Delights

Come for a few hours or stay the night at one of the hotel’s 512 brand new rooms. To ensure a warm and fuzzy reception this winter, the hotel is suspending the fee for non-staying guests to enjoy the pool, bar and observation deck as a day excursion. And the Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar is ready to cover your “après-flight” delights, too: the food is sizzling (fondue in both cheese and chocolate varieties), the seasonal drinks are inspiring (innovative hot toddies) and the views of two active runways are soaring (‘cause, you know, the airplanes).

But less you think the TWA Hotel finds inspiration from only one sport this winter, the hotel has also created a Runway Rink for ice-skating near Connie, the hotel’s onsite retired Lockheed Constellation airplane-turned-cocktail lounge. They’re even featuring figure skating performances scheduled through the end of February. Should you want to show off your best Lutz-Salchow-Axel skills yourself, skates are available for rent.

The TWA Hotel is the only in-airport hotel at JFK International Airport. And with the added coziness of a ski-lodge, the sexiness of a rooftop pool-cuzzi and the thrill of an ice-skating rink, you’re going to be hoping for flight delays all winter.