4 Reasons To Visit New York’s TWA Hotel

A nostalgic tribute to the glamour of the Jet Age

Photo 1 of 3 The new TWA Hotel at the JFK International Airport

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1. The striking Neo-futurist architecture

With its wing-like exterior, the Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight Centre harks to the optimism of post-war architecture and the heyday of air travel.

Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, this landmark building at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York has been reborn as the TWA Hotel, with much of its original details kept intact. First constructed in 1962, the former flight terminal now houses the hotel lobby and amenities of the hotel; its 512 rooms located in two new wings next to the landmark building.

Opened on May 15, the TWA Hotel celebrates the glamour of the Jet Age while embracing the nostalgic look of the Mid-Century Modern period. It’s this heady mix of the past and present that this monument continues to celebrate, as it embarks on its next chapter as a revitalised travel destination; it was also recently the venue of the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2020 runway presentation.

Above The staircase that connects the lobby to the Saarinen Wing of the TWA Hotel, named after the architect

Above "The Pope’s Room" banquette area by Charles and Ray Eames

2. The Instagram-worthy vintage vibe

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time with the hotel’s nostalgic look. Paying tribute to the building’s groundbreaking design and aviation heritage, the hotel features Mad Men-esque interiors.

The hotel has been furnished with iconic pieces from the Mid-Century Modern period such as the Womb chairs and Tulip stools by Saarinen, armchairs by Mies van der Rohe; it also features a banquette by Charles and Ray Eames that was referred to as the “Pope's room” during its past life as the TWA Flight Center; it’s said to be a favoured spot of Paul VI and John Paul II in between their flights.

Photo 1 of 2 The chili red lobby retains the original hue inspired by the signature shade created by Eero Saarinen for the former TWA flight center

Photo 2 of 2 The Paris Café by Jean-Georges Vongerichten

3. Lounge in style throughout the hotel

The property’s most distinctive feature is its fiery red sunken lounge, which features an original split-flap departure board and the Paris Café, an all-day restaurant helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Another photo-worthy space is a cocktail lounge at the tarmac; it’s housed within the cabins of a refurbished airplane, the 1958 Lockheed Constellation L-1649A Starliner. Dubbed Connie, the lounge area seats up to 30.

Elsewhere in the property, design lovers will also appreciate the chance to cosy up for a read at the hotel’s Reading room, which is furnished by Herman Miller and features a well-stocked library of design tomes by Phaidon.

Above A collection of vintage TWA crew uniforms on display at the TWA Hotel

In another tribute to its aviation history, you can find TWA memorabilia as well as vintage uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren, Pierre Balmain and Valentino on display while exploring its huge 200,000sqft lobby.

Above The rooftop infinity pool and observation deck overlooks one of the busiest runways at the JFK International Airport

4. The poolside views are like no other

Talk about a pool with a view. Watch the flight landings and enjoy a spritz while having a dip in the water; located beside the 10,000sqft observation deck is an infinity-edge rooftop pool with a front-row view of one of the biggest runways at JFK. Another perk: the pool is open all year round, with the waters heated up Jacuzzi-style in the winter.

Credits

Photography

TWA Hotel/ David Mitchell

Topics

design decor new york twa hotel travel architecture Eero Saarinen

Tatler Asia

4 Reasons To Visit New York’s TWA Hotel

1. The striking Neo-futurist architecture

2. The Instagram-worthy vintage vibe

3. Lounge in style throughout the hotel

4. The poolside views are like no other