Expanded Hotel Fitness Review: TWA Hotel, New York
A Modern Hotel Gym Inside One of America’s Iconic Airport Terminals Turned 60s-Themed Hotel
Two Hammer Strength power racks at the TWA Fitness facility inside TWA Hotel - Christian Pizarro | CP Personal Training
Location: Jamaica, NY
Dates of Visit: June 18-19, 2024
Pros
High quantity and quality of cardio, strength, and calisthenic equipment options
Accessible amenities from toiletries to pre- and post-workout fuel
Easy access for both hotel guests and airport workers no matter what time of day
Cons
Basement location, so no outdoor or runway views
No point-based loyalty programs for staying at the hotel
Disclaimer: I received no compensation for writing this review from the hotel nor for my stay.
I cannot imagine what a hotel fitness center would have looked like in the '60s, with bodybuilding and workout culture starting to emerge and figures like Jack and Elaine LaLanne being the OG fitness influencers. Calisthenics would be the main focus, but so would vibrating bands for fat loss. I can assure you that gym selfies would not exist, though! At least we have an idea with a modern twist and an iconic brand.
Considered one of the most iconic airport facilities in the world, the Trans World Airlines terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) outside of New York City has been converted into a 60s-inspired hotel. Aptly named the TWA Hotel, it contains what is billed as the “World’s Biggest Hotel Gym.” At 10,000 square feet, this fitness center has it all, and you don’t even need to be a guest to utilize it!
The Hotel
An overhead view of the lobby from the balcony - Christian Pizarro | CP Personal Training
This is the only on-airport hotel at JFK, as the rest are more than four miles away. The hotel is accessible via the AirTrain or through the Terminal 5 elevator inside the Departures Hall. If you have a JetBlue flight, you can use the same elevator to enter the terminal without having to step outside.
Designed by Eero Saarinen back in 1962, the TWA Flight Center welcomed passengers into its unique winged structure. After TWA ceased operations in 2001, the head house remained vacant until 2019, when it reopened as a hotel, with two additional buildings for guest rooms: the Howard Hughes Wing and the Eero Saarinen Wing.
With a “transported back in time” feel, the head house-turned-hotel lobby keeps the retro feel and features two flap departures/arrivals displays that can also display messages and larger logos. Exhibits, like a full-room Twister game and a hall of flight attendant uniforms, are also available to discover. Multiple dining options are available, including a food hall with New York-inspired snacks and entrees. You can also purchase TWA-branded apparel and merchandise at their company store.
I’ll keep the guest rooms brief, but even with its NYC-standard size (smaller than an average hotel room), the rooms were elegant, with views of the runway or head house, gold accents, and wood paneling. Think of it as being immersed in an episode of Mad Men, but as a hotel room.
The Fitness Experience
Location: Near the TWA Shop and down the stairs
Hours: 24 Hours (Open Year-Round)
It may be a little tricky to find, but once you see the “TWA Fitness” sign, just head down the stairs and make a slight turn to check in with your room or member number, and you’re in. That’s right, you can become a member and use this facility, which is beneficial if you’re an airport worker who wants to get a lift in before or after your shift. You’ll be greeted by photos of the facility and a check-in desk.
During my visit, only a few guests were working out when I arrived, but with the space and equipment available, I was able to utilize free weights, machines, TRX suspension bands, and sandbags.
The Review
Cardio - 1/1
Where do I begin? Besides the traditional treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, you have a dedicated Peloton room where you can literally hold a class inside. I counted around 18 bikes altogether. Also included were:
Concept2 rowers
Three StairMaster machines
Jacobs Ladder
Endless Rope Machine
Weights - 1/1
A rarity among hotel fitness centers: an even balance of strength training equipment and cardio equipment. Most facilities focus more on cardio than strength training, but the TWA Hotel provides the best of both worlds.
The equipment list includes:
Hammer Strength dumbbells, plates, and Olympic lift equipment
Two Hammer Strength power racks with Olympic-style plates
Kettlebells, in pairs
EZ Curl and Hex bars
Machines for each muscle group
Space - 1/1
My one criticism is the lack of windows because of its basement location. This also means no plane-spotting while you run or lift. Otherwise, it is spacious as a 10,000-square-foot facility should be. Keeping with the red and white aesthetic with brown wooden trim, the retro theme of the hotel seeps into the modern and hip vibes of the gym.
Located in the back is a stretch/core room for yoga, ab exercises, and recovery. Mats, foam rollers, and Swiss balls are plenty in this intimate space. Even with the underground space, it was not enough to give it anything lower than the maximum rating because of the effort placed in lighting the entire space, from the mirrors to the Peloton room.
Amenities - 1/1
Besides the accessible water fountains and racks of towels, you can purchase pre- or post-workout fuel, like energy drinks and protein shakes, and use their locker rooms with your own personal code. The cool thing about the lockers is that if you forget your toiletries in your room or for your trip, they have everything from single-use toothbrushes and toothpaste to razors and shaving cream for a clean shave before your flight or meeting. They also have a hair dryer for use.
Other Equipment - 1/1
To achieve a perfect score in this category, facilities must go above and beyond in terms of variety for their guests. It helps when your space is as large as it is, so this was easy to accomplish.
Included are:
A space for TRX-branded equipment, like their signature suspension bands, dead balls, and kettlebells
A Life Fitness Synergy 360 with battle ropes and medicine balls
A multi-height box for jumps
Sandbags and slam balls of various weights (most slam balls were 12 pounds)
Step Platforms
Resistance Bands
Weight Belts
Final Grade: 5⭐
Conclusion
A reminder that I was not compensated for my review or my stay. This was an opportunity to stay at the hotel due to filming commitments, and to create more content and experience an American aviation icon. With that said, this is one of the most complete hotel fitness centers I have worked out in. It is definitely in competition with the Hilton Chicago and Four Seasons Anguilla facilities, but in terms of airport hotel gyms, this one takes the cake.
Besides the basement facility, the only other gripe I have with the TWA Hotel, and it’s more on the operations side of things, is that there is no loyalty program, nor is it attached to a brand program.
I highly recommend an overnight or Daytripper stay if you are flying out of or connecting through JFK just for the nostalgia and “Catch Me If You Can” vibes. It also comes with access to the fitness center and pool. Whether you’re an AvGeek or a travel addict, or even a fitness guru, the TWA Hotel should be on your bucket list.
You can learn more and book your stay here: https://www.twahotel.com/
To experience other Hotel Fitness Center Reviews, follow my Instagram @cp.personaltraining216 and read my previous blogs about staying fit on the road by clicking here.
References
https://www.twahotel.com/fitness-center
