Connie Cocktail Lounge at the TWA Hotel

Queens, NY

Located between Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center and the modern Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, “Connie” is the bar and lounge converted from a 116-foot-long original Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A Starliner—one of only four of its kind left in the world. For the interiors, top New York architectural and interior design firm, Stonehill Taylor, married a contemporary guest experience with design details that evoke the glamour of 1960’s air travel and the industrial marvel of aviation. The inherent challenge was the transformation of the former aircraft into a world-class bar and lounge. The designers were careful to keep the new space in dialogue with Saarinen’s TWA center, while also carefully restoring the aircraft to provide guests a look into the golden era of flight. The final result includes many original elements such as the iconic TWA red carpet in Saarinen's “chili pepper red” , window curtains, passenger seats and the cockpit. The plane's plan pays homage to the architect by including his table designs and references to his architectural works. The interior staging combines a good mix of vintage and modern furnishings to allow guests to travel back in time. Ascending an original staircase with playful “Up, Up, and Away” lettering, guests enter Connie through the forward hatch, arriving just behind the pilot’s cockpit. Once inside, the main cabin echoes the TWA Flight Center’s recognizable terminal “tube” design, with soft glowing ceilings and carpeting running underfoot meant to evoke the plane’s glamorous past and interplay with the surrounding design elements.