Originally Posted by keeton

There are no really "lower" category Marriott properties in NYC proper. That, plus the fact that you will be there right before the New Year holiday means you will have to take the leftovers.

The Residence Inn on the Avenue of the Americas would be nearest the designer shopping in Midtown, but not exactly near. The Fairfield Chelsea is further away but would be fewer points.

For the absolute fewest points you would need to stay outside the city and commute in by train. The Couryard Newport (not Newark) Jersey City is just across the river and served by the PATH trains.