I thought about asking this in the rental car forum, but since this isn't specific to a brand, I'm posting here. If it's more appropriate for somewhere else, please move it.

I'm travelling to NYC in late September and spending 6 nights at the NY Hilton (by the plaza). Following that, its a driving trip through New England to view the changing of the seasons. I want to wait until the end of the NY portion before renting the car to travel North.

Any tips or advice on renting a car near the hotel, but returning it to EWR for our flight home? The rates that I'm finding are about $60 per day (it appears mostly due to an upcharge for not returning to the rental location).

The other option in my mind was to taxi back to EWR and rent from there but in order to rent at ERW, the sites I've checked indicate I need to provide proof of being on an incoming flight on the day of rental.

Looking for ideas???