If that rate for Chelsea includes taxes, it's a good buy--nice apt pics! great neighborhood, too.Considering any hotel rate adds on 10% + tourist/occupancy fee/bed Our brownstone was 24th @ 8th next to the Krisha center. Yours must be a new bldg--not one I know, but could be rehabbed. Bus runs north at that corner on 8th and subway is both directions right there, too. Ask owner if they'll waive cleaning fee or half it for referrals thru your airline connections.

You might want to get transit/tourist card/pass too if you're 3 going everywhere. word of advice on Empire State Bldg--go early!! it can take hours to get up there. ck out rockefeller observatory instead maybe?? The circle line boat tour pre-sunset is good.

I couldn't find the wsnyc info to compare for you. I spent 15 yrs working the fashion mkts in NYC--paid my own expenses so it had to be reasonable--not sure if I would want to do it again!!

Hope that helps a little. Good luck and keep us posted!!
PS--the train for Long Island/Sunrise Exec Inn Hotels is about $15/day for 3 RT's and the room rate there is around $150 tax incl--laundry facilities, JFK shuttle is free.
About the same for Five Towns Motel but not as nice by any means--they have free shuttle for JFK and LGA but I've never taken the train into the city.