The TWA Hotel at JFK is a must-see for travel nerds and aviation geeks

The long-awaited TWA Hotel opened Wednesday at JFK International Airport.Located in the iconic Trans World Airlines Flight Center terminal building, the hotel makes use of a classic building that's been abandoned since the airline went bankrupt in 2001.The hotel has six restaurants, a cocktail lounge in a classic Lockheed Constellation airplane, shopping boutiques, and an infinity pool overlooking JFK's runways.Business Insider had an opportunity to tour the hotel during the opening day ceremonies, and it's a dream for any travel geek, aviation nerd, or history buff.After years of back-and-forth, planning, and negotiations, the long-awaited TWA Hotel finally opened Wednesday at JFK International Airport in New York City.The project transformed Eero Saarinen's iconic TWA Flight Center — the main trans-Atlantic hub for Trans World Airlines up until it went out of business in 2001. The original building, which sits adjacent to the newer construction that makes up JFK's Terminal 5, is a New York City landmark and a living artifact from the so-called “Golden Age” of air travel.While the hotel is officially open for business, and most of its 512 rooms and suites are ready for guests, the developers are still finishing up work in the public areas, installing items in kitchens and dining rooms, finalizing the pool, and installing furniture.Even so, the hotel is already an impressive sight. With retro styling, themed restaurants, and a pool that promises to make kids and adult aviation fans geek out, it's worth a visit the next time you find yourself flying into or out of JFK.A ribbon cutting was held in advance of the hotel's first-ever 3 p.m. check-in time, and various media outlets, former TWA employees, and aviation history buffs had a chance to walk through the property. Although it's obvious that work is still being finished, read on for a first look at one of the world's most stylish airport hotels.While the hotel isn't part of any major chain — and isn't bookable through online portals just yet — you can still earn rewards points on a stay by using a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases. Be sure to check out our guide to the best travel credit card rewards here.