TWA Hotel: The Perfect Landing Spot

I can’t guarantee you’ll run into Leo DiCaprio or time travel back to the Mad Men era, but I can guarantee that if you’re looking for a place where productivity meets pleasure, then the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is your new go-to. This iconic hotel is more than just a layover—it’s a destination designed with bleisure travelers in mind. Here’s why the TWA Hotel should be at the top of your list for your next work-meets-play adventure.  Whether as a layover on your way to a far-flung adventure, or as a convenient place to meet colleagues for an in-person event, you’ll find yourself wanting to extend your trip to soak up all that the TWA Hotel has to offer.

A Historic Building, Repurposed

Originally opened in 1962 as the Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight Center, the terminal was the brainchild of famed architect Eero Saarinen, who crafted its futuristic design with sweeping curves and a distinctive winged roof to embody the spirit of the Jet Age. After TWA was acquired by American Airlines, the terminal closed in 2001 and remained unused, at risk of being demolished. However, in 2015, plans were unveiled to transform the historic terminal into a hotel, preserving Saarinen's architectural vision. The TWA Hotel opened its doors in May 2019, meticulously restored to reflect its original design while offering modern comforts. Today, it stands as both a luxury hotel and a tribute to aviation history, immersing guests in the nostalgia of the 1960s.

Fun Facts: Saarinen, one of the 20th Century’s most heralded architects, also designed the passenger terminal at Dulles Airport in Washington DC, as well as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

A Workspace with Runway Views

Forget the typical hotel desk; the TWA Hotel offers something far more inspiring. Imagine setting up your laptop with a direct view of the runway, where you can watch planes take off and land while you tackle your to-do list. The hotel’s thoughtfully designed workspaces combine mid-century modern charm with all the modern amenities a digital nomad could need—think ultra-fast Wi-Fi, ample charging stations, and comfortable seating, often featuring chairs designed by Saarinen. And if you need to take private calls and meetings, the property's stunningly designed Small Meetings Rooms & Skyboxes offer a stylish retro backdrop. So, whether you’re prepping for a big presentation, hosting a meeting, or catching up on emails, there is a workspace that will work for you. 

Seamless Connectivity

When you’re on the move, staying connected is non-negotiable, and the TWA Hotel understands that. Not only does the hotel offer lightning-fast Wi-Fi throughout the property, but its prime location at JFK Airport means you’re always just steps away from your next flight. This makes it incredibly easy to transition from work mode to travel mode, whether you’re heading to your next meeting or taking off for a well-deserved vacation.

Vintage Vibes Meet Modern Comfort

It’s easy to think of the TWA Hotel as a convenient stopover for that long-distance trip, but the property is all that and more.  Stay at the property and you’ll be transported back to the golden age of air travel—but with all the modern comforts you need. The rooms are a perfect blend of retro style and contemporary convenience, featuring sleek Eero Saarinen-designed furniture, rotary phones (that actually work!), and TWA’s vintage travel posters. But don’t let the throwback decor fool you; each room is equipped with blackout curtains, plush bedding, and high-tech amenities to ensure a restful stay, whether you’re catching up on sleep after a red-eye flight or unwinding after a day of work. 

Networking Opportunities

The TWA Hotel isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a hub for like-minded travelers. The hotel regularly hosts events and gatherings where you can meet fellow digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the globe. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the iconic Sunken Lounge or mingling at a rooftop event, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your network and make meaningful connections.

Recreation and Relaxation

All work and no play? Not at the TWA Hotel. When you need a break from your laptop, you’ve got plenty of options to recharge and refresh. Take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool with a panoramic view of the runway, work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or simply relax with a cocktail at the rooftop bar. The fitness center, at over 10,000 square feet in size, is the largest hotel gym in the world.  And if you’re looking for a unique experience, don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s on-site museum, where you can dive into the fascinating history of TWA and mid-century modern design.

Dining and Drinking Delights

No bleisure trip is complete without some culinary indulgence, and the TWA Hotel delivers on that front too. From the Paris Café by Jean-Georges to the Connie Cocktail Lounge housed in a vintage Lockheed Constellation airplane, there’s no shortage of dining options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite between meetings or a leisurely dinner after a day of productivity, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

BRYAN’S MUSTS:

• Get inspired: Set up your workspace with a view of the runway. Nothing fuels creativity like the energy of the airport.

• Network: Head to the Sunken Lounge for a cocktail and chat with fellow travelers. You never know who you might meet!

• Unwind: Take a swim in the rooftop pool, especially at sunset. The views are unbeatable.

• Indulge: Treat yourself to a meal at the Paris Café—because bleisure is all about balance.

I think you’ll find that after one stay at the TWA Hotel, you’ll be planning future trips with an intentional layover at JFK. With its unbeatable location, inspiring spaces, and top-notch amenities, it’s the perfect spot to land for digital nomads and bleisure travelers alike.