Stick The Landing: TWA Hotel Unveils Ice Skating Rink At JFK

by Chris Dong

The TWA Hotel opened earlier this year at New York’s JFK to much fanfare. It’s a stunning property that plays homage to the glamorous golden years of aviation, and even includes a vintage aircraft converted into a cocktail bar.

Hotel management is really trying make this place a destination, not just a place people stay for the night near the airport. While there’s a heated pool with runway views, the hotel is now going for some winter festivities to lure visitors in.

The TWA Hotel Ice Skating Rink (“Runway Rink”)

Starting November 30, the TWA Hotel’s Runway Rink will open for seven days a week with ice skating through the end of February. 

twa hotel ice skating

The rink is custom built and measures 56-by-44-feet, and is located right next to the Connie that is parked outside the hotel. There’s even a “snow-stopping skating show” that apparently the TWA Hotel has produced.

With your skates, you can also grab frosty beers, Sno-Caps candy and other snacks and beverages. Of course, the TWA Hotel also sells a surprisingly impressive large array of branded items, including knitted hats and scarves.

How Much Does Ice Skating At JFK Cost? 

Admission is $15 and $10 for kids under 12. Ice skates can be rented for $10 (kids under 12 rent for $8). Skating aids for children are available.

What Are The Hours?

  • Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to 9 PM
  • Friday from 4 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM

The TWA Hotel Is Amazing, But Also Strange

a room with tables and chairs

TWA Hotel’s Paris Cafe

While absolutely beautifully designed and impressive in terms of attention to detail, I can’t help but also find this hotel slightly bizarre.

Besides aviation geeks who would pay the hotel an occasional visit and a handful of travelers that are transiting, how is this monstrous hotel making any money?

The gym is massively oversized, and is apparently also the largest hotel gym in the world. There’s over 400+ rooms. How would that ever be filled? And there’s a ton of venue and conference space that I’m sure the hotel is also trying to capitalize on.

Image by TWA Hotel

Don’t get me wrong, the TWA Hotel is incredible, and I’ll give credit where credit is due — props to the property owners for at least trying to make this a destination as opposed to just another airport hotel.

Side note — I visited earlier this year for my birthday, and had an amazing experience even though there were a handful of opening week teething issues. Some I’ve heard have been resolved, others like spotty service, have not.

The Upshot

The TWA Hotel is investing in more reasons for me, and others, to come back to the hotel. The opening of rink for ice skating at JFK is such a cool concept.

However, for the general public and city dwellers, would they actually trek to get to JFK for it? Who is this being marketed towards?

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