A hotel built into the landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center at JFK Terminal 5, with a rooftop pool overlooking runways. Best for early or late flights.
The TWA Hotel is at One Idlewild Drive, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. The hotel is built into the landmark TWA Flight Center, the 1962 terminal designed by the architect Eero Saarinen, and is directly connected to JFK Terminal 5 by a short walkway, and to the AirTrain, which links the airport to the subway and Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. Midtown Manhattan is roughly 45 to 75 minutes away depending on transport and traffic, so the hotel functions primarily as an airport base rather than a sightseeing location.
The Flight Center's sweeping, winged concrete shell has been restored, with the original Sunken Lounge, departure board-style displays and mid-century details returned to a period-accurate condition. Guest rooms are housed in two newly built wings behind the terminal, with soundproof windows that overlook the runways. Categories include King rooms, Queen rooms and Suites, furnished in a 1960s-inspired style, and the hotel offers day-use stays for layovers.
Dining and drinking options include several restaurants and cafés in the terminal, along with lounges styled after the jet age, including a cocktail bar in a restored Lockheed Constellation aircraft parked outside. The rooftop pool sits above the runway with views of aircraft taking off and landing, and a fitness center is available. Wifi and an airport shuttle are provided.
Service is efficient and geared toward travellers with early or late flights, long layovers and aviation enthusiasts. Nightly rates usually range from about $250 to $500, depending on day and season. The hotel is one of the few in New York City where an airport-focused stay is also a design and history experience, and it is worth visiting even for those who are not flying out. Guided tours of the terminal's architecture and exhibitions on aviation history are sometimes offered, and the concourse itself is open to visitors at many hours of the day.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | One Idlewild Drive, JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430 |
Room types
- King Room
- Queen Room
- Suite
Amenities
- rooftop pool
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- wifi
- airport shuttle
Location
One Idlewild Drive, JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430
40.6461, -73.7797 View on map
Highlights
- Built inside Eero Saarinen's landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center
- Rooftop pool overlooking JFK's runways
- Rooms with soundproof windows facing the airfield
- Walkway link to Terminal 5 and the AirTrain
Tips for visiting
- Allow travel time from Manhattan via AirTrain and subway or LIRR when planning a day trip.
- Use day-use rooms for long layovers at JFK.
- Explore the terminal's restored Sunken Lounge and the aircraft cocktail bar even without a room.
- Book runway-facing rooms for planespotting.
- Check that the rooftop pool is open for the season before arrival.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn suits the rooftop pool and plane-watching. Book flight-linked stays midweek for lower rates.
Accessibility
The hotel is connected to JFK Terminal 5 by a walkway and has elevator access to guest wings and public areas. Guests needing an accessible room should confirm details with the hotel directly.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the TWA Hotel?
It is at One Idlewild Drive at JFK Airport in Queens, connected on foot to Terminal 5 and near the AirTrain.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, the hotel has a rooftop pool with views over the runways. Seasonal opening should be confirmed with the hotel.
Is it close to Manhattan?
Not especially; Midtown is roughly 45 to 75 minutes away by AirTrain, subway or LIRR, depending on route and traffic.