New York City - Sheraton Hotel easy access to JFK and NYC

We are flying in from Milan, Italy and will arrive JFK around 2:00pm - we leave the next morning from JFK at 6:45 am - I'm trying to find which Sheraton hotel would be easy access to both the airport for such an early flight and yet close enough by public transport to go see the city.

It's been 20 odd years since I've been to NYC - any suggestions as to what to see this time around in basically one night??

Stay in central Manhattan and cab it to the airport. Leaving at 4:30am, there won't be any traffic and you'll make it in 35 minutes max for about $55-60 all in (it's fixed rate at $45+tip+toll). All the hotels out near JFK really suck, in Manhattan there are a bunch of Sheratons to chose from.

I think Richard is right. Better to have a base near where you want to explore rather than the airport. You will be getting up a bit earlier, but have more time in the city and can revisit your hotel to refresh/change/etc. during the visit.
Figure out what you want to do and pick the Starwood based on that.
What are your interests?
Lots of great museums, parks, etc.
Do you just want to experience the city life, or see sights?

Probably just want to wander and experience the city life - different neighborhoods, etc. Don't really need to see the tourist sites, again. Maybe a relaxed dinner at some great diner or deli???

I notice some of the Sheratons in the city have terrible reviews -wow....