My stay at the Residence Inn JFK was brief by design, just a single night ahead of an early morning departure, yet it left a distinctly positive impression. Airport hotels are often chosen for necessity rather than enjoyment, but this property managed to strike a balance between practicality and genuine comfort, making it an excellent choice for travelers flying out of JFK.
Check-in was efficient and professional, and as a Platinum Bonvoy member I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. For such a short stay, the additional space felt like a thoughtful upgrade rather than an excess. The suite was well laid out, with a separate living area that made it easy to unpack, reorganize luggage, and relax without feeling confined. It also created a calmer atmosphere, which is particularly appreciated before an early flight.
The hotel itself feels very new, and that sense of newness carries throughout the entire property. The finishes, furnishings, and overall presentation are modern and well maintained, giving the impression that everything has been carefully considered and recently completed. One of the most notable aspects of the stay was the quiet. Despite the hotel’s proximity to one of the busiest airports in the world, there was virtually no aircraft noise audible from the room. Hallways were calm, and the overall environment felt peaceful, allowing for an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
The surrounding area is clearly designed to serve airport traffic rather than leisure travelers, but for a pre-flight stay, this is an advantage. The short transfer time to the terminal in the morning removed much of the usual stress associated with early departures.
The hotel does not offer a dedicated restaurant. Instead, there is a breakfast room where the standard Residence Inn breakfast is served. Due to my early departure, I was unable to experience this offering, but it remains a useful amenity for guests with later flights or longer stays. For a one-night stopover, the absence of a full restaurant did not detract from the experience, particularly given the hotel’s focus on extended-stay functionality.
One of the more practical features of the property is the laundry facility, which I made use of during my stay. The process was straightforward and efficient, with clean, modern machines that were easy to access. For travelers midway through a longer trip, or those who value arriving home with clean clothing, this is a significant convenience and aligns well with the Residence Inn brand’s emphasis on longer, more self-sufficient stays.
The gym, while modest in size, was well equipped and well maintained. It offered everything necessary for a short workout and felt clean and uncluttered. For an airport hotel, it exceeded expectations and provided a welcome option to maintain a routine, even during a brief overnight stay.
Overall, the Residence Inn JFK proved to be far more than just a place to sleep before a flight. The combination of a new and quiet property, a comfortable suite upgrade, and well-executed practical amenities made the stay feel calm and efficient rather than rushed or purely functional. For travelers departing early from JFK, particularly those with Bonvoy status, it is a reliable and well-considered option that turns an otherwise utilitarian overnight stop into a genuinely pleasant experience.
