Thanks for that info. IIRC, they also have a multiple (5?) day metro cards instead of buying one every single day.

Last time I went, I booked a hotel before on Priceline, got a 4* for $98+taxes (credit card is charged straight away and no refunds). With so many airlines having multiple flights to JFK/EWR, I wasn't too concerned about not getting there.
On previous trips, never got anything for under $200 with airline rates.