The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport looks incredible in photos. And, honestly, itโs just as fun in real lifeโฆespecially with kids.
If you’re thinking about booking a stay at this one-of-a-kind hotel, there are a few things you’ll want to know first.
From what the rooms are really like to how the TWA Hotel rooftop pool works, this guide covers what to expect, whatโs worth doing, and how to make the most of your visit.
TWA Hotel FAQ: Real Answers for First-Time Visitors
You donโt walk through here. You make an entrance.
Where is the TWA Hotel?
The TWA Hotel is located at 1 Idlewild Dr. at JFK Airport in Queens, New York. Itโs directly connected to Terminal 5 (JetBlueโs terminal), making it incredibly convenient for travelers flying in or out of JFK Airport.
Is the TWA Hotel inside JFK Airport?
Kind of! The TWA Hotel is located on JFK property and attached to Terminal 5, but itโs not past security. So, yesโฆ itโs a hotel inside JFK Airport, but no boarding pass is required.
How do I get to the TWA Hotel from New York City?
The easiest way is to get from New York City to the TWA Hotel is to take the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica Station.
The train from Penn Station to Jamaica Station takes about 20 minutes and costs $5โ$10 per adult, depending on the time of day.
From Jamaica Station, you will hop on the AirTrain to Terminal 5, which takes another 15โ20 minutes. Youโll need to buy a ticket for the LIRR, but the AirTrain ride between terminals is free.
Once you arrive at JFK Terminal 5, follow the signs for the TWA Hotel.
Need some fun ideas for your time in New York City with kids?
Here are our go-to picks for free things to do in NYC that are genuinely worth checking out.
The vintage luggage display deserves a moment.
When was the TWA Hotel built?
The TWA Hotel opened in 2019, but itโs set inside the iconic terminal designed by Eero Saarinen, which first opened its doors in 1962.
The mid-century design has been fully restored, and stepping through the doors feels like walking onto the set of Catch Me If You Can…minus Leo, unfortunately.
What to Know About the TWA Hotel Before You Book
A check-in desk, but make it classic.
What are the rooms like at the TWA Hotel?
The rooms are funโฆ but not flawless.
Vintage vibes? Absolutely. Modern comfort? Kind of.
Expect rotary phones, mid-century details, and a whole lot of throwback style. But youโll also get frosted-glass sliding bathroom doors (read: minimal privacy) and rooms that stay a little too bright at night. Eye masks are a smart move.
If your kid loves planes, this room is the jackpot.
Are the rooms family-friendly?
The rooms at the TWA Hotel work best for families of three or four. Most rooms accommodate a maximum of four guests, and rollaway beds are unavailable. Pack and plays are available if youโre traveling with a baby.
Need more space? Youโll need to book a second room.
Connecting rooms do exist, but they canโt be booked onlineโฆ youโll need to call the hotel to request them and follow up before your stay.
Is the runway view worth it?
If your kids love planes, a runway view room can feel like having box seats to the best show at JFK.
Itโs nonstop takeoffs, landings, and wide-eyed window-watching… and honestly, itโs pretty fun for grown-ups, too.
Just note: lower floors can be noisy thanks to the passenger drop-off zone below. Want the view without the soundtrack? Ask for a higher floor.
Is early check-in guaranteed?
You can pay for early check-in starting at 8 amโฆ but that doesnโt guarantee your room will be ready.
Itโs not uncommon to still wait until the standard 4 pm check-in, which can be frustrating if you were counting on nap time, hoping for extra pool hours, or just trying to keep tired kids entertained.
If timing really matters to you, donโt bank on this perk.
How much does it cost to stay at the TWA Hotel?
Rates at the TWA Hotel typically range from $400 to $500 per night, with off-season weekdays sometimes dipping to around $350.
During peak travel times, prices can climb even higher. Itโs definitely a splurge, and while the rooms arenโt especially luxurious, youโre paying for the experience and airport convenience, not just the bed.
Want to know more about booking a stay at the TWA Hotel? Check out the TWA Hotel website for current rates and availability.
What are the parking options at the TWA Hotel?
Valet parking is available directly at the TWA Hotel. Parking is $65 for overnight parking, $50 for 4 hours and $75 for the day.
You can also park in any of the JFK airport parking lots and take the AirTrain to Terminal 5. Just build in a little extra time for the walk from the AirTrain station to the TWA Hotel.
Pro Tip: Discount parking for the TWA Hotel can often be found on SpotHero.
Can I visit the TWA Hotel without staying overnight?
Prepped and ready for a quick trip.
Absolutely! The TWA Hotelโs Daytripper Stay lets you reserve a room for as little as 4 hours or up to 12, with full access to the hotel and all its amenities.
What is a Daytripper Stay?
Hereโs the thingโฆyou donโt need to spend the night to get the TWA Hotel experience.
In fact, if youโre not flying in or out of JFK, a TWA Hotel Daytripper Stay might be the way to go.
You still get the retro charm, the rooftop pool, and the red carpet vibesโฆminus the 4 pm check-in and hotel price tag.
โ Bookable in one-hour blocks from 4 hours to 12 hours.
โ Includes access to a hotel room of your choice during your time slot.
โ A solid backup if early check-in isnโt guaranteed.
โ Great for layovers, birthdays, or just something different to do.
โ Gives you time to enjoy the best of the hotelโฆ from rooftop pools and vintage photo ops to scavenger hunts and cocktails on a plane.
Is the TWA Hotel kid-friendly?
Giant Twister, because why not?
The TWA Hotel might look like a stylish throwback for grown-ups, but itโs packed with interactive, kid-approved fun.
Think vintage cars you can climb into, a scavenger hunt around the property, a free photo booth, lots of room to play and even a giant Twister room.
Itโs quirky, fun, and full of space to explore.
Map in hand and ready to explore.
TWA Hotel Amenities
The TWA Hotel isnโt just about the rooms, itโs the extras that make it feel like a destination.
From the rooftop pool to the cocktail lounge inside a plane, hereโs what to expect from the hotelโs most popular amenities.
Does the TWA Hotel have a Pool?
Pool, planes, and sunshine. Name a better combo.
Yes! The TWA rooftop pool is one of the hotelโs most iconic spots.
The shallow swimming pool is heated year-round with front-row runway views. It’s the perfect place to lounge, splash, and plane-watch at JFK.
How does pool access work at TWA Hotel?
Night swims and plane views... this pool is next level.
The TWA Hotelโs rooftop pool is included for overnight guests most of the yearโฆ
But, from May 1 to November 1, it switches to reservation-only, with entrance fees starting at $25 per adult and $10 per child for a 90-minute session.
TLJ Pro Tip: If pool time is a priority, book earlyโฆsummer weekends fill up fast.
Outside of peak season, the rooftop pool is open for guestsโ unlimited use and at no extra cost.
The rooftop pool is on the smaller side and shallow throughout, but itโs still a fun spot to splash around with the kids… margarita in hand and planes taking off overhead.
What is Connie the Cocktail Plane?
Yes, thatโs a real airplane. And yes, you can go inside.
Connie is a vintage TWA plane turned cocktail lounge that is parked right outside the hotel and is open daily, starting at 4 pm.
Youโll find grown-up cocktails, sodas, juices, and classic TWA snacks served right from the galley.
Kids will love spotting the retro details (yes, those really are ashtrays in the armrests) while you kick back with a drink in one very cool piece of aviation history.
Cocktails and vintage vibes, boarding pass not required.
How's the food at TWA Hotel?
The vibe at The Paris Cafรฉ is everything. The menu? Depends on who you ask.
If thereโs one area where the TWA Hotel falls short, itโs the dining.
The Paris Cafรฉ is beautiful and buzz-worthy, but itโs more form than function. Think pricey plates, a slower pace, and not exactly kid-approved.
The TWA Food Hall, located in the old baggage claim area, sounds fun in theory but feels more like a basic snack bar. It works in a pinch, but itโs not something you plan your day around.
Your best bet is the Sunken Lounge or Rooftop Pool Bar. They share the same menu with small plates, wraps, and snacks…and the vibe is more relaxed.
In short…most of TWA’s dining spots feel like great places to grab a bite and people-watch rather than a true mealtime solution.
Thinking of heading to Manhattan for a meal instead? Weโve rounded up Times Square restaurants thatโll actually wow your kids…and wonโt leave you regretting the NYC crowds.
Is the TWA Hotel Worth It for Families?
Just a kid, a blowout chair, and a little TWA lore.
If you’re coming for the experience, the TWA Hotel absolutely delivers.
It’s fun, memorable, and full of kid-friendly touches you wonโt find at your average airport hotel.
Think vintage cars you can climb into, rooftop pool time with runway views, scavenger hunts, and yes, snacks served on a plane.
Itโs also a smart move if youโve got an early JetBlue flight out of JFK. Being connected to Terminal 5 means you can skip the morning chaos and stroll straight to security.
That said, this isnโt a luxury hotelโฆ itโs a destination.
Come for the atmosphere, the nostalgia, and the unexpected surprises.
Whether you book a room, a Daytripper Stay, or pop in for a pool day, it’s a unique way to turn airport time into part of the adventure.
Happy Travelsโฆ
