Sorry, I was too busy the last days...
Budget: still all-in for less than 1k$
Star rating: just got back to the ground. Everything > 3* and a proper review should be fine :)
Zones: Well, personally I'd like to stay central. Nevertheless, if adjacent zones provide better value or a better price, I would go for it. We arrive to NYC with Megabus to "New York, NY, 7th Ave and 27th St". I think something between the bus stop and the central park should be nice. Would you agree?