TWA Hotel - The Ultimate Airport Hotel

In this video, join me for a stay at the iconic TWA Hotel and explore all the amazing features in this AvGeek friendly hotel. It has some of the coolest aviation feature include the best JFK airport spotting location.
TWA Hotel is a hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York that opened on May 15, 2019. It utilizes the headhouse of the TWA Flight Center airline terminal, designed in 1962 by the architect Eero Saarinen.
For more information and full written review: samchui.com/20...

[@v1pa]

That hostess in the Valentino Uniform looks gorgeous and makes the uniform look so classy. 😍😍🥰

[@manuelkiatoko]

Yeah she's absolutely gorgeous.

[@KP-dd2ci]

100% Poly...eww

[@wizardmix]

Now if only you could get the guests not to dress like shit HAHA!

[@JasonB808]

yeah, she could be a model.

[@garycharles8649]

she is hot!!

[@Krazede]

I was fortunate enough to be a Flight Service Manager for TWA until 1989. This was our international terminal. The long tunnel with the red carpet led from the ticketing area to the gates. Sure brings back memories thinking about all the times I walked that tunnel. This was easily the best times of my life working and flying for TWA. When Carl Icahn bought our beloved airline in 1986 it was the beginning of the end for those of us who loved this airline. Thank you for the video, I most certainly intend to visit, if my heart can stand it!

[@mustafaabidrahman1161]

@samchui

[@spikesandcurles961]

My dad works for aa and former twa, and took my family to the twa terminal when we had a connection. I still love that place.

[@panampia]

Sam, nice video review. Thank you. I was a Pan Am Stewardess based in JFK from 1979-1991 and I cried like a baby when Delta and the Port Authority let the Pan Am Worldport deteriorate to the point where they demolished it. We former employees always felt there was a new use for it. I am grateful the TWA was saved. How many times I too ran through those tubes to my gate to commute home to another state!! Big fan of yours, keep it up!

[@pandersonnike]

To be fair, Carl Ichan destroyed TWA. I grew up in St. Louis in the 90s, and flew them often. The crews and staff were really nice, and they did a lot to save the airline which sadly folded to American who treated the former TWA employees poorly. I wish PanAm's history lived on in a similar fashion like TWA.

[@christopherdaniel4841]

I was also upset when PanAm's Worldport was demolished. Another great icon from the dawn of the jet age.

[@brmnyc]

I can still remember the sense of awe I had as a small child entering the Pan Am Worldport in 1971 to board a 707 bound for Tokyo (via Fairbanks)! Yes, it's a travesty what happened to that iconic building, but I agree that we are very fortunate TWA was saved, preserved, and re-purposed.

[@federicozimerman8167]

Wow! how nice for you to enjoy it as a former Stewardess, what a shame the great Pan Am Worldport is gone.

[@AirConditionerReview]

i use to fart on the plane

[@CrazyDash9]

Random people: it's just a fancy hotel next to an airport Me: this is heaven

[@robinsdibiase]

Lol MEE TOOO

[@spikesandcurles961]

Me: it was an iconic terminal used a long time ago and it is heaven 😃

[@Commander-cat466]

bro is speaking facts🔥🔥🔥🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@Jackhodges17]

Fr

[@Jackhodges17]

Fr

[@mukifx]

no one: Mr. Chui: *Proceeds to enter the swimming pool with a T-shirt*

[@westcoastfrisco]

muki1337 were you surprised one bit he wore it tho😂

[@TwoTwoFourSix]

He’s probably not comfortable with showing his body on camera, it’s up to him to do what he wants

[@westcoastfrisco]

Tentacles45 cool story bro

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@westcoastfrisco Shut up, 'bro'.

[@westcoastfrisco]

ColtraneTaylor Did my comment trigger you bro?

[@truthseeker7184]

$8 for orange juice. Does it have jet fuel in it to increase price😳😵

[@johnfarr2738]

Truth Seeker and almost $30 for a tee shirt!

[@johnfarr2738]

Truth Seeker not exactly 1962 prices

[@brkitdwn]

Your whole stay you'll be emursed in the smell of kero fuel

[@riofaleafa1286]

Truth Seeker they have to sell the food at high prices because the airport takes a cut

[@hillyslinky5770]

John Farr that’s a good price as in the UK that’s only around £15

[@masonvandergrift5312]

Sam:What’s the best plane you’ve seen Kid in life jacket: Delta Me: 😂😂😂

[@jamesgreenhalgh7168]

He’s a kid how is he supposed to know, come on don’t be harsh just cos your an aviation genius X

[@jamesgreenhalgh7168]

Terminal-mace- YT he’s a kid fuck sake just shut up ahhaha

[@dillhatesyou9617]

He’s starting out great

[@ParallaxRS]

@@mvnts27 You'd need his life jacket though...

[@planecrazy3808]

NO ONE: ME: I'VE SEEN BETTER

[@szot104]

5:38 Sam: "It's so classic!" Random Car: BEEEEEEEEEEP

[@depdarcsoft7648]

I get it LOOL

[@PlatinTVGaming]

😂😂

[@nebiyu7001]

Guest at the hotel: ahh I'm going to sleep now. 777 engine starts roaring

[@paulsz6194]

wait till you hear the 777X ! Then you will really hear the rumble!

[@deanhe2934]

I took a 777 from can to JFK

[@KP-dd2ci]

@@scotttild Muffle but not block.

[@Gusttox]

Rear of the 777 is the worst place to sit at. Noise is too loud.

[@deanhe2934]

@@Gusttox I sat In the rear of the 777 it wasn't that loud

[@adventureswithbl2497]

Amazing! I could stay in the pool the whole day. This is great place to for aviation fans indeed.

[@TheKaiTetley]

Adventures with B & L. Watching planes land and take off? Yes, I concur. That would be awesome.

[@-pigoftheorder2-66]

Yes but you would get alot of wrinkles and it feels weird

[@SassyFunke]

The killer view does make up for the small room size. AND THAT POOL VIEW 💯

[@TheKaiTetley]

Sassy Funke. Yes, a fantastic view indeed.

[@robinsdibiase]

Ikr!

[@TheSheiban]

too bad we can't use our TWA frequent flyer miles 😂

[@AusNetFan13]

I wonder if TWA lifetime Ambassadors Club members would get a discount.

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

mo.r.on

[@richschindler8731]

So nice to see the TWA terminal open once again after all those years it was closed. I flew in and out of that terminal many times over the years before the demise of TWA. I will without a doubt, spend a night there on my next trip in or out of JFK.

[@AusNetFan13]

Yeah, those long tunnels makes one seem that they're boarding a spaceship. I remember flying with TWA going through Terminal 5.

[@javierherreramane3229]

I am an architect and an airplanes lover. Imagine how much I enjoy this video!! Thank you very much Sam for share it. Incredible!!

[@pandersonnike]

I love this theme hotel idea! It's cool to see it revolve around the golden age of flying, and for one of the best airlines ever. I still miss TWA, and if it wasn't for Carl Ichan it may still be flying. I am glad they are finally reusing one of the most iconic terminals in aviation.

[@sheilamiller6435]

My dad flew for TWA for 30 years and he HATED Carl Ichan. At my dad’s retirement we made a big sign that had Icahn’s name with a line through it like a no-smoking sign. If I saw that man now I would bitch slap him. Shame on him.

[@HardRockMaster7577]

When I couldn't get out of JFK one night, in the 90's, I slept in the terminal. Not a hotel. Just in the terminal lounge. You're doing much better Sam!!

[@MGCanavan]

Great Sam. My dad was a TWA pilot (B707, B727, L1011 and B747) for 30 years and growing up I took many flights to and from the TWA Flight Center at JFK. I love that the terminal has been preserved and repurposed as a hotel and I look forward to staying there myself sometime.

[@albertlilly]

Just checked the prices...high, but not beyond the New York range for a decent hotel. Definitely not any different from several hotels I have stayed at on airport grounds in other cities. Very interesting...too bad TWA is gone, but at least it lives on here in this hotel.

[@R-ty4mo]

its 250 a night not exactly cheap...

[@jandom9008]

Just 250 damn hahaha thats way too cheap. I work in ihg hotel in cleveland it is 300 a night. For presidential suit it is about 4000 a night. I'm guessing Nyc hotels are much higher in price i guess..

[@SamChui]

Hotel rate is high for JFK Airport but it is the only hotel at the terminal. The amazing feature and view is a MUST experience for anyone visit or stay at this hotel.

[@AlmostMonumental27]

I paid exactly the same thing to spend the night at the JFK Hilton across the expressway last Christmas coming in from Paris. This would be well worth it, not only for the nostalgia and the architecture, but because you can take the AirTrain, walk or otherwise avoid a taxicab. Eight bucks for orange juice is pretty standard in New York City. Cough it up, people. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

[@albertlilly]

@@AlmostMonumental27, exactly the reason for my comments. It's a rare opportunity, it is not that much different from hotels on the airport grounds in places like Dallas, and it is unique and saves high travel costs in NYC.

[@tom58358]

2:00 'Oh my god', door literally falls off, *WHAM*

[@torontoaviation2295]

😂

[@pauljean-pierre7254]

I became a Travel Agent because of "TWA" I got trained on PARS, System One and Sabre those were the Days I certainly missed working for the Airlines Thanks for the memories.

[@reneecollin2460]

Awesome video & gorgeous hotel!! Soooo proud to have been a TWA Gate Agent (early 2000's) miss you💕

[@federicozimerman8167]

People desperatly look for better times and the 60’s were the pinnacle of cool design. Not only the buildings and the fashion, also music, movies, cars, you name it. Our age is not nice at all. Nice video, thank you.

[@chrisberger6987]

Thanks for this video. I've been considering staying for 2 or three nights with my mom. We are both former TWA employees. You gave us a great video tour.

[@johndfink6880]

What an amazing memory! Thank you so much for sharing this! Been in "the terminal" in the 70's and early 80's. I've followed you for years, but this video spoke to my heart. Thank you Sam. You're the best!

[@TheWang168168145]

Those uniforms probably really expensive to make Thanks, this is the most likes I have ever got

[@czechdronepilot7201]

It goes a small way to explaining the 8 dollar juice!

[@antonioszytulskyj8165]

I like even numbers😅 make it 60!

[@WANDERER0070]

Expensive?LOL Probably made in China

[@TB-if7px]

@@WANDERER0070 You don't know Valentino then..

[@dukke888]

@@TB-if7px definitely does not have a single clue about luxury Italian fashion.

[@s4und3rs_highhms47]

This is avgeek heaven I wish the lockdown ended so I could go here

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

I remember that terminal as a kid in the 80s traveling TWA with my parents. So damn chill!

[@anitamilligan8149]

Omg the era when i grew up is now in museams. Love the vidio. Brought back the excitement of air travel when i flew to europe i my twenties. Back in the sixties and seventies. Thank you for this. Another place to put on my bucket list. Just recently reconnected with my american cousins whom i have not seen for decades.

[@jithinjose7515]

Good to see a hotel like this... people will definitely come here to see planes , they can make a lot money... because we humans love airport and aircraft in our life...

[@AlexWong]

Sam I love your work and you show us so much about the aviation field. Keep it up! Let’s travel together!

[@thenature295]

Nice

[@xplorar1]

I love how Sam calls it a "V" Log

[@CrystalClearWith8BE]

I really love the architecture of this hotel in JFK Int'l Airport. When it was opened in 1962, it used to be a terminal building as TWA Flight Center. It was shut down in 2001. In the late 2010s, it was converted into a hotel as TWA Hotel. What a nice improvement of JFK Airport we have here!

[@SabitTSDM07]

Even it is made in 1962, still a beautiful piece of creation

[@sherrielong6795]

That's funny, I was born in 1962.

[@ericzimmerman6831]

I stayed in the Howard Hughes suite a couple of weeks ago for a night and it was beyond worth it. The level of detail in this hotel is impeccable, I just wish the staff were more attentive and caring about their jobs.

[@tonyb8757]

Sam you keep us surprised every time. Love your positivity. You re showing luxury and also economy. Thank you for your hard work.

[@csunil9963]

Wow; the erstwhile TWA terminal at JFK with those retro designs !! And a pool with an apron/runway view - simply fabulous !! Thanks for your coverage, Sam

[@najibalhashimi9]

Hey Sam Chui u are my inspiration for aviation and u made me realise how Interesting aviation is !!😂 Thank u and keep up with the enjoyable Content 😂💙👌🏽

[@jvw1973]

I traveled through the TWA Terminal in 1984 (10 years old) from LHR to DTW and watched TV for $0.25 on one of their many TV seats...now I fly professionally through JFK for a major cargo operator and enthusiastically watch your documentary of this iconic building...keep it up Sam, love your genuine passion for aviation (like many of us).

[@MoQambique]

Went mobile to book a room... My damn phone with auto-correct almost booked me a room at TWAT hotel >:(

[@r_ewusie]

😂😂😂😂

[@Methis170]

How was TWAT hotel?

[@anguslam9525]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MichaelBSteeleAviation]

LMFAO

[@yiannisgaming03]

lmao😂😂

[@CarlosOliveira-cf6pr]

I'm from Brazil, this channel is excellent. Excellent content. I take the opportunity to learn English. thanks

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Next time I have business in NYC, I'm staying there.

[@steve3ri]

Some of the best flights I have ever had were on TWA first class back in the 70s and 80s. I still have an amenity kit, overnight kit and socks from back then. I can't upload the pictures because youtube does not have the option. Great airline which is greatly missed.

[@traceyturner9428]

SAAAAMM!!!! You cane to my airport!!! JFK Yay!!!! I was waiting for this!! ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍😀😀😀😀😀 My husband works for Jetblue and I work in Terminal 4. I wish I could have meet you.

[@SamChui]

Next time I pass T4 and T5, I will look out for you and say Hi!

[@traceyturner9428]

@@SamChui 😀😀😀😀That will be awesome!!

[@sentientvendingmachine639]

I'm crying so bad right now! I just wanna go there and start watching all the planes takeoff and land!!! ;-;

[@louis8668]

Incredible vid, I can’t believe they did it ! I’m so fascinated about the hotel, the way they preserved their patrimony!

[@netdog713]

I just watched a documentary about Eero Saarinen the other week so I got to watch it being built. I am glad they took the path they did in restoring it rather than tearing it down and replacing it with something totally boring. :)

[@rmknicks]

I'll be staying overnight there in five weeks before my flight to Montreal. I can't wait to buy the hell out of the gift shop. Probs after too many drinks at the pool bar. Stoked!

[@olympicfan9732]

I'm surprised Howard didn't think of adding a hotel and living in it. :) Also, I think the silverware is Vignelli. Nice touch!

[@matthiashaenni]

The hotel is definitely on my bucket list 😍 I especially liked the wonderful Lockheed L-1649A Constellation Starliner ✈🥂 Amazing report Sam! 👍 Huge like! Cheers Matt

[@zacharyphillips8141]

Matt's Aviation Channel did you know hars air museum Albion park Australia has the only flying super constellation

[@matthiashaenni]

@@zacharyphillips8141 Yes, thanks. I know. I flew even twice in the Super Constellation HB-RSC in Switzerland.

[@Richborg44]

I grew up around TWA. My dad worked for TWA at DAY and BNA from the 1950s to 1980s and retired. He aways brought me to the airport.

[@sentrax1496]

When you see Thomas cook: WAIT A MINUTEEE

[@coreyhollett9118]

This is now a bucket list item for me.

[@BT-dh1jb]

I have a genuine TWA Junior Pilot wings that were given to me in a flight from London to Chicago in August 1965!

[@DELA.I.HATE.SOUNDCLOUD]

so retro and so 50s like, I love it

[@oats2069]

love the rotary phone of my childhood

[@sherrielong6795]

Me, too.

[@DJ_afroASH]

That was my grandmas house right there always enjoyed when a number had a 9 because it got to spin the whole way around

[@oats2069]

@@DJ_afroASH yep 😉

[@about30llamas]

When i was going to school to become a commercial pilot at Vaughn Collage right across the Parkway from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) I stayed in the doorms for three semesters and i was lucky to have an amazing view of Runway 4 from my doorm room window! Unfortinatly i figured out mid way through Chollage that i didnt want to keep persuing that career and i unfortinatly dropped out and persued a career as a Auto CAD Opperator, and Technical Draftsman. I will say that some of my best memories is laying in my crappy doorm bed listening to either Ground ATC or Music and watching those planes take off and land for hours on end.

[@scottmasterson599]

Keep up the good work, good content :) I have subbed for about 3 years now.

[@andrewcuber8968]

Sam: Hey guys, whats the best plane you've seen? Kid: DELTA, DELTA!!!

[@ReallyFarFarAway]

🌟 This hotel looks really cool : thanks for making a video about it 🌟

[@snoop738]

Sam ur videos always make me feel happy, u must have a positive impact on ppl. 💜

[@Goncalvesnunoc]

I love the smell of Avgas with my martini by the pool in the morning😎

[@KarlDahlquist]

I was gonna say......must be some serious fumes in the pool area

[@KG-ut7kl]

I was there in june and i highly recommend this hotel not even if u are plane spotter but only to see how amazing it is

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I’ve been requesting you do this and glad you finally did! Welcome back to my neck of the woods. Nice hotel

[@nikolasavic781]

2:26 Air Serbia Airbus A330 Nikola Tesla-JFK

[@francissmith9443]

I flew from this terminal on a trip to Spain in 1994. This brings back memories of that trip, my first 747 and first overseas trip. I'm glad this terminal has a new life as a hotel and continues to honour TWA history. One day I will stop there for a night, hopefully.

[@markanderson6133]

"Nationwide, worldwide. depend on TWA". Man, do I miss my hometown airline!

[@ahuehuete4703]

In Spain, when TWA the airline still existed, its name was pronounced "too-ah", instead of pronouncing each letter individually as we do in English. When I first head that pronunciation I was surprised.

[@JetstreamAviation747]

I have never wanted to stay in a hotel more in my life. Wow. Also you should stay at the new Hilton garden inn at Heathrow T3

[@thomastillman7076]

Mr plane I think I stayed there recently it was fantastic experience

[@chorltonville]

When I was a kid TWA's were regular at Manchester Airport. My folks flew with them!

[@Andygarrett357]

Do the rotary dial phones come with instructions for anyone born after 1980?

[@lukebattersby9179]

Nice Save Goalie I was born in 1981 and grew up with one until later in the decade.

[@Eckerd84]

84 and I just used it to call the front desk.

[@philipn5223]

Whit a T-shirt in a pool😂 i love your videos

[@AD_381]

Mikael Nyman sam is a fluffy man, doesnt want his viewers seeing his rolls

[@russefrance4869]

Stunning. Many is the time in the 80's that I would hurry down the red carpet in the original building on a Friday evening to catch the last flight to Heathrow so I could be home for the weekend.

[@leopeake8357]

7:22 do you think Sam purposely chose that camera angle.

[@neerajtolani1986]

It is indeed really enjoyable :p

[@SamChui]

hahaha, I've only just realized what's behind lol

[@audrey.c1]

That location! and I love how retro it feels!

[@WODEMAYA]

Damnnnnnnn😍😍😍😍

[@paulfazi]

Great review, I was able to hop in there before my JetBlue flight the other day. Very cool setup, brings back a lot of memories as a kid flying out of there.

[@gosya1]

6:58 That’s me, the kid to the left. I even filmed Sam for some parts

[@typical9339]

Then why did you comment 4 weeks ago 🤔🤔🤔

[@gosya1]

@Typical I commented on two accounts becuase they was some glitch

[@davidne659]

I think we can give an award to this video and channel to make the most satisfying videos EVER!!!!

[@dwaynethewokjohnson6646]

Absolutely fantastic...

[@srqlisa7881]

TWA I still have an original blue TWA bag from the late sixties or early seventies. What fun you had as always. :: )peace

[@drakesmith7293]

HEY SAM! love your videos, :)

[@kori5679]

Geeeeez man!! T-shirt in the swimming pool. What a heck!

[@CaptainM792]

The airline was no more, but at least there’s still a hotel.

[@josephrubin5821]

Wow! I live less than a 20 minute drive from JFK airport. Yet I had no idea this hotel just opened. What great airport views! Amazing. I needed a Chinese American world traveler to show me my own backyard. Hehe

[@donaldknowles9640]

Please Sir do a review of Air Force One

[@opalfruitcake]

Lol

[@quadmax4583]

u wot lmao

[@miroslavmilosevic1040]

I will be more realistic....please Make review of Doha Airport Amiri terminal.

[@deltavee2]

Wait a few years until they get rid of the giant cockroach.

[@jokerman213]

I remember flying back and forth to Hawaii on TWA a lot in the 1980's. If you are ever in Kansas City you should come to the airline museum and the TWA museum at Wheeler Airport .

[@isaac7769]

Why do i always get excited when i get notifications from Sam's channel..?? 😃😃

[@SamChui]

Thank you for the excitement!

[@millionmilerclub]

Sam your videos as always are hard to stop watching until it's finished. I will have to try this.

[@bestespotterin]

I would be so exited if I would go there because it's soooo BEAUTIFUL! 😍❤️

[@clausstimpfig3803]

I visited the hotel in may. as a former T.W.A. European emplyee. Was just like coming.. Fantastic Project. Thanks to everybody who had been involved. Thanks for that report

[@clausstimpfig3803]

employee

[@yverose8355]

Brilliant concept! They should do airline food plans, economy, business and first to help budget. 8 dollars for oj in the us, criminal!!

[@zk9058]

I used to fly into and out of terminal 5 back in the day....when it was home to TWA. Brings back great memories. Fantastic job as always Sam. Keep up the great work.....travel safe!

[@qxe1328]

looks at board: Flight: 800 Airline: TWA Destination: Paris person: seems familiar....

[@frenchchicken2799]

It would of been more weird if the Destination was Rome.

[@qxe1328]

French Chicken the flight was New York to Paris to Athens

[@frenchchicken2799]

@@qxe1328 TWA 800 you talking about the one that exploded. It was going to Italy.

[@qxe1328]

@@frenchchicken2799 oh ok

[@emangabetv5039]

Bruh The one that exploded?

[@TheKlolikewhoa]

I never knew this place existed until a couple months ago and got really excited. I’m from NY originally and fly back and forth for work, and i stay with my family. I can’t wait to just stay there just to experience it now. I’ll definitely spend the money for a night for the experience!

[@lukebattersby9179]

*T* hat *W* as *A* wesome!

[@donaterobuxtolellesavvon3758]

l0l

[@shmuelosina9099]

L augh O ut L oud

[@frankgrimesification]

I assume you were a fan of the TWA tea, too!

[@s4und3rs_highhms47]

I love how the board still says dead airlines like Pan Am,TWA and Continental

[@ai_rbus2452]

Early Nice Videos Sam The Hotel looks nice It’s nice for plane spotting Also I got in A Business class lounge using a credit card and I was plane spotting

[@MichaelBSteeleAviation]

Amazing. Cant wait to check this place out. Probably be at the pool all day and night LOL

[@leooooo337]

me: opens my phone, opened hotels.com app, check for room. mum: look at your credit card and tell me how many money you have. me (with only 10 pounds): 😪, can’t even afford a flight to JFK

[@samtoo2010]

its good to see the abandon terminal being use for somthing meaningful again