For years, I’ve avoided flying out of the chaos of Kennedy unless absolutely necessary, but I finally got to stay a night at the TWA hotel, and it completely changed my mind. If you’ve got an early flight, this is a blissful way to head out of town. Besides the flat-out gorgeousness of this 1962 architectural gem designed by Eero Saarinen, with soaring ceilings and airy spaces, the place is just downright fun.

Go early to sip cocktails in Connie, a restored 1958 Lockheed with vintage seats, retro cocktails, and murals painted by Mario Zamparelli, then laze around in the vast sunken lounge with original chili pepper red carpeting.

Every corner presents a photo op. Absolutely take some pix in the Twister Room (I seemed to be the only one up to the task) and visit the Sweet’ N Glow Salon, a pink vintage hair styling installation. I didn’t make it to the roof deck with the swimming pool heated to a toasty 95 degrees in winter, but we enjoyed a delish dinner at the Jean Georges outpost here. Don’t skip the cauliflower! The rooms are fresh, not out of this world like the rest of the spaces, but certainly comfy for a night of rest before a long flight.

Good to know: Valet parking is available, and if you’re flying Jet Blue, it’s just down the round red-carpeted tunnel to the gates. The museum was closed during our visit, but we’ll hit it up next time.

Find out more: https://www.twahotel.com/