The mid afternoon EWR is my favourite flight, always a CS aircraft and touch wood never a queue at immigration. The later flight at the moment is occasionally swapped to old CW and is probably a bit later arrival than preferred for a leisure trip. It's very easy to get into the city using public transport or get an Uber.

One option for a hotel depending on your NYC plans is to stay at either of the Hyatts in Jersey City which are even closer to Newark Airport - very easy to reach Manhattan via the ferries or PATH depending on your destination. But really landing at Newark is no reason not to stay in Manhattan if you so wish.

As you're flying from London then if there is any disruption you'd have plenty of options for an alternative flight (to JFK if needs be)