The amazing airport hotel with curling rink, plane cocktail bar and infinity pool overlooking the runway
GETTING to the airport is rarely the highlight of anybody’s holiday.
However, a unique hotel overlooking one of the world’s busiest runways is giving people less reason to travel into the city once they’ve touched down.
New York‘s John F. Kennedy Airport was the 13th busiest in the world in 2023, according to passenger statistics, with 62,464,331 people passing flying in and out of the travel hub.
Some of those people will have been lucky enough to stay at the TWA (Trans World Airlines) hotel – the perfect place to stay for any aviation geek.
The hotel has taken over the Trans World Airlines Flight Centre, with the airline using it as an airport terminal until 2001 when it bankrupt.
It remained unused until 2016 when work began on the hotel, converting the empty space into the unique luxury accommodation that it is today.
It boasts 512 guestrooms with “exhilarating” views of JFK’s runways, so visitors can spend their holiday staring out at the planes coming and going.
They’re ultra-quiet rooms as well, for anyone worried about being disturbed by the overhead traffic.
It’s far from the only location for plane watchers to indulge in their favourite hobby either, with an infinity pool also overlooking the same runway on an outdoor observation deck.
Plane fanatics can even go aboard an aircraft and enjoy a couple of drinks, with the Connie cocktail bar built inside an old disused jet.
The plane was once operational and even used by drug dealers to distribute marijuana.
It now seats 75 guests and serves well named cocktails like the Vodka is My Co-Pilot and others.
That’s far from where the quirkiness ends however, with plenty of strange features completely unrelated to aviation.
They include the curling rink and the giant Twister room, allowing guests to play a wall-to-wall version of the 1960s game.
Fitness fanatics can work out in the world’s biggest hotel gym, with a 10,000-square-foot fitness centre housed within the unique accommodation option.
There’s also a museum at the hotel that hosts exhibits on TWA, the Jet Age and the mid-century modern design movement.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
Included in those exhibits is one named the Sweet ‘n’ Glow Salon, featuring a completely rebuilt 60’s beauty parlour.
The quirky guesthouse has been impressing people since it opened its doors back in 2019.
Frequent travellers from God Save the Points said that it “lives up to the hype”.
They added: “The TWA Hotel is unlike any place in the world, and it is one of the best and most unique hotel stays you’ll ever experience.
“It’s a work of art and an immersive experience.
“The TWA Hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooking the runways and terminals at JFK. It’s literally an avgeek’s dream come true.”
Meanwhile, this hotel enables guests to sleep in two different countries at the same time.
And these are the best UK hotels to visit in 2024.