Jul 4, 2025

Back to the 60s: TWA Hotel on JFK airport terminal 5

If you ever find yourself spending a night (or just a few hours) at JFK airport in New York, check out the TWA hotel in terminal 5. How to get there? Follow these instructions:

map of JFK

OK, that map is a bit much - so I asked one of the friendly folks working JFK, and they told me to go the luggage carousels, and then follow the TWA Hotel signs to the elevator, which takes you to the skyway and back to the 60s:

Elevator buttons saying '1960s TWA hotel' and 'Present day JetBlue'

Right outside of the elevator is a reproduction of Howard Hughes’ office:

A desk in an old 60s style office

It’s like you’re transported back in time with the music, but especially with the styling. Like this ramp taking you into (and out of) the hotel:

a long ramp with white walls and bright red carpeting. People are walking away into the distance pulling luggage along

The entire hotel gave me Disney vibes, despite not being about any cartoon character. I think it’s the immersive environment, and great attention to detail. Oh, and there are plenty of spots to hide from everyone and get some of your writing done too 😅👋.

There are old car experiments, lots of vintage posters, and a rooftop pool with a view of the planes. Combine that with a constant barrage of 60s tunes and I had a blast: so go explore! Just keep an eye out on your boarding time, as the hotel is before security.

Oval-shaped split-flap display at an airport showing "I ❤️ NY" using flight-style lettering under "Departs" and "Arrives" header

Interior of the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, featuring sweeping mid-century modern architecture with red carpeted walkways, curved railings, and a large window wall overlooking the tarmac. Guests are seen in the lower lounge area with vintage-style white and red furniture.

Exhibit of vintage airline stewardess uniforms displayed on mannequins in a mid-century modern terminal. The uniforms range in colors and styles, including blue, green, yellow, and coral outfits, some with hats and scarves. The display sits on a white platform with period luggage and bags placed around it, set against a red carpet and curved architectural backdrop.

Airport terminal interior with a large vintage-style split-flap departures and arrivals board displaying flight information. To the left is a red vintage airport cart with a striped canopy, and to the right are luggage carts. The curved glass walls and retro design suggest a mid-century modern aesthetic.