Holiday Inn New York JFK Airport Area

Built in 2013, this Holiday Inn feels as fresh and new as you’d expect, though the decor is mostly standard chain-hotel fare. A few design-conscious touches, such as drum pendant light shades and a mid-century-style couches, take common spaces in a slightly more stylish direction. Peacock and gold velvet cushions (here and there) and mismatched ornaments punctuate a neutral palette of blues, greens and taupe browns. Walls pay homage to the JFK area location with black and white photographs of airport scenes, and the huge mural of TWA’s space-age terminal in one public sitting area would make "The Jetsons"proud. Other than that, decor is unsurprising. Flooring alternates between wood tiles and busy abstract carpet. The lobby, with its faux succulents garden and wraparound bench seating can become a little cramped with luggage-laden flight crews, and travelers awaiting the shuttle. Brookville Bar & Restaurant takes decor in an all-American direction, with its sports-style bar, and diner-esque restaurant -- with ketchup and Presidents placemats on the tables, and TVs everywhere you turn.

Situated at the busy intersection of Rockaway and Brookville Boulevards, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from John F. Kennedy International Airport, and offers a free regular shuttle service to and from the AirTrain. While the location isn’t exactly picturesque, and there aren’t any nearby tourist spots to speak of, there is a shopping mall and a bevy of fast-food eateries nearby. It’s a 11-minute drive to Green Acres mall, and other local time-killers in driving distance include the Seawane Golf and Country Club (17 minutes), Resorts World Casino (13 minutes), Aqueduct Racetrack (12 minutes) and Belmont Park Racetrack (11 minutes). Tennis fans may appreciate a stopover here during the US Open, given Flushing Meadows Park is only a 19-minute drive away. But the Holiday Inn’s main draw is its short distance to JFK. The hotel is also 25 minutes from LaGuardia Airport and 30 to 45 minutes from Manhattan in a taxi, without traffic. Just don't get confused with the smaller, not-as-new or stylish, nearby Holiday Inn Express. This, apparently, happens a lot.

Like the lobby and common areas of the hotel, guest rooms, available in Double and King categories, are clean, contemporary and new -- but darker in decor tone. Deep gray carpet, taupe walls and chocolate timber furniture are accented with bold splashes of red and orange in carpet, bedding and artworks. Beds are comfortable and dressed in crisp white, with a mix of soft and firm pillows, and rooms are well-equipped with 39-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, large work desks, irons and ironing boards, and a good number of power outlets. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are also provided, along with Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee. Large windows (with black-out curtains) let in plenty of light, although views are somewhat uninspiring given the location -- just low flying planes and (distant) city views if your room faces Manhattan. All bathrooms feature black granite vanities, combined shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and a selection of individual toiletries. Rooms are soundproofed, but light sleepers may want to request rooms that are removed from high-traffic main roads, and from staff congregating areas, which can become chatty.

This Holiday Inn offers all the features expected of its brand, with services that cater to airport-bound travelers. A free airport shuttle travels regularly between the hotel entrance and the AirTrain -- which takes guests directly to terminals. The on-site, American-style Brookville Bar & Restaurant is independently owned, but provides hotel room service. Open for all meals and weekday happy hours, the restaurant features American and Italian dishes, including pasta, burgers, salads and pizza. It serves a free breakfast as well. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, equipped with modern cardio- and weight-training equipment. Self-serve laundry facilities are available, as is a same-day dry cleaning service, and free outside car parking. The meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people, and the business center shares a lounge waiting area equipped with comfortable sofas, a TV, and a selection of magazines to flip through. An ATM, tourist brochures and free newspapers are all provided in the lobby, where a flat-screen TV displays up-to-date flight departure details, and the Corner Market Place (mini market) offers snacks, beverages, and basic pharmacy products. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.