twa, new york
Location: New York City, NY
Room Rate: $229.00
Booking Site: Hotel Website
Rating: 6/10
Why I Love It:
The infamous TWA hotel located next to the JFK airport has been repurposed into a large 521 room hotel after sitting vacant for over 20 years. The space was used back in the day as TWA Airline flight center/terminal. The space has also been used over the years for recent films—one of my recent favorites were “Ocean Eight” (which featured the legendary Rihanna)—they filmed a fashion show scene in their lobby area.
I walked over after landing at JFK airport (5min walk) and was greeted to a very long check in line due to a large flight crew checking in—I guess that’s one downside of airport hotels. The hotel lobby and public spaces were beautifully designed but instantly reminded me of a sad theme park—everything in the hotel was spaced out and felt gloomy. The hotel front desk was designed to mock a airport check in desk with a baggage carousel behind the desk— I thought that was really cool. The property décor and style is very fashionable, detailed, elegant and vintage—I loved that every area had a different element to it. In the public areas the hotel featured a small museum showcasing old uniforms worn by TWA flight crew throughout the decades, Shinola store, medium-size rooftop pool and bar that overlooked JFK runway, airplane where guest can walk up, take pictures and have a cocktail inside, food court and vintage phonebooths—many many photo opportunities throughout the hotel. I wasn’t able to visit the fitness center but from the photos it looks big and glamorous.
I was really expecting to love the rooms but was thrown off by the size in person—very small rooms. The first room I received was suppose to be an “upgrade”, however, it was not cleaned properly so I was moved back to a standard room which felt bigger than the upgrade I received. The rooms featured large floor-to-ceiling windows which is always a favorite—however, there’s no tinted coverings, so at night time if you have the shades up everyone leaving the airport can clearly see through your room. I seen a few people changing. The hotel bedding didn’t stand out much to me but I still had a good night sleep. The in-room bar soap and towels are branded with the hotel logo which I thought was a nice high-class touch. The room also included an armchair, desk and mirrored cocktail bar. I would easily rate the rooms a 6/10, nothing that caught my attention or would make me want to return.
I anticipated this stay for quite awhile and sadly, the hotel fell very short of my expectations. The service was horrible and is clearly lacking that hotel manager presence. I booked this hotel to conduct a fashion photoshoot in their public spaces and reached out to the hotel prior for permission—no response which was the first red flag to me. When I arrived, I tried to emphasize that they were overwhelmed from the large group checking in but the attitude from them was thick. I made a mistake (which was completely my fault) and booked the wrong date for my stay (2 days earlier) so I was charged a no-show fee… rightfully so… however, the hotel would not try to accommodate me and transfer that charge/credit me for the day that I arrived or even a discount for the new day that I now have to booked. I ended up paying the standard rate for the day that I arrived (so basically charged for two days), which completely ruined my stay. The first room I checked into was half-clean, I found many noticeable items that were dirty and when I informed the desk, the young lady who assisted me was also rude and unapologetic—probably just a New York thing. Therefore, due to the lackluster service and hotel amenities I would not stay again—the hotel is perfect for a day out/drinks and mingle situation but the value for the room price does not match what they’re offering. I would rather stay at another property where I didn’t have to also walk over 5mins just to reach the lobby from my room. Once you take your Instagram-able pictures in their public spaces, call that Uber and leave!
Three Key Highlights:
Poor Service
Retro Design
Photoshoot Friendly
