With a whopping 512 soundproofed guest rooms, the TWA Hotel—JFK’s only on-airport hotel—has opened with much fanfare, breathing new life into a world-renowned architectural landmark as it undoubtedly confirms itself as a one-of-a-kind destination for the contemporary Jet Set.
The New-York Historical Society have curated exhibitions celebrating TWA’s history.
Occupying the former Trans World Airlines terminal designed by Eero Saarinen in the early 1960s in a fantastical fusion of modernist and space age Googie architecture, the iconic building epitomised the glamour of the Jet Age before its closure in 2001; its elegant and outlandish curves influencing midcentury architecture the world over.
Today, that glory returns, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners having now reconditioned it by constructing two new hotel wings—designed by LUBRANO CIAVARRA Architects with interior design by Stonehill Taylor—that add to the splendour of this historical landmark. The addition of a 50,000-square-foot events centre, dining and drinking spaces, an outdoor pool, and curated retail ensure Saarinen’s wonder will be enjoyed for decades to come.
With views of the runways, bedrooms feature Fabbrica glass which—measuring seven panes and at four-and-a-half inches thick—ensures the floor-to-ceiling, full-width windows cancel all aircraft noise. Midcentury modern furniture adds to the glamour-puss style evoked throughout the hotel, whilst vintage pieces, a warm wood colour palette and huge beds make for an exceedingly comfortable stay.
TWA Terminal Interior ‘Sunken Lounge’ 1956—62,
Photo by Balthazar Korab
Each room at the breathtaking TWA Hotel features a martini bar custom built from walnut, glass, mirrors, brushed brass and crystallised glass, which is very in keeping with the glitz of the Hollywood-style bathrooms; dotted with terrazzo tiling and a custom vanity with bubble lights inspired by Philip Johnson’s iconic ladies lounge in New York City’s former Four Seasons restaurant.
A rooftop infinity pool with runway views and enlightening museum exhibitions on TWA, the Jet Age and the midcentury modern design movement mean that those waiting to board their flights or resting on stopovers need never get bored. A Shinola watch bar and leather goods store; Warby Parker Pencil Room; Phaidon + Herman Miller Reading Room; and host of dining options—including the Paris Café; reimagined Sunken Lounge; and Connie, a cocktail bar located inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane—add an additional smattering of excitement to one of global architecture’s most awaited restoration projects. And remember, travelling to and from the TWA Hotel and JFK should always happen with class and as such, there is no other choice than with a professional JFK limo service company.
Photography © TWA Hotel/David Mitchell / Max Touhey / courtesy, TWA Hotel
