1stly this Hotel if Im correct is North of Albany which will be way more then 2 1/2-3 hrs from JFK. since its North of Albany that will mean they will drive an hour or so North of where they will have to take the NY Thruway out to Niagara so they will hav eto double back again the next day.

Since this Hotel is a resort , I got the feeling that the OP wanted to get to NF ASAP so I would look for a Motel somewhere along the Thruway rather than a Hotel thats a destination in its own right.

I find most Hotels/Motels that are close to the NYC border to be anything but inexpensive.

I would suggest looking for something on the Western side of the Hudson River, and North of Newburgh NY. It will also be in July which will be PRIME time up there so dont count on $49 rates.

I personally wouldnt book anything, since the OP will be arriving after the Cancelation Time. I wouldnt want to get into NY only to find out that No way can I do the 3-4 hr drive and then have to pay for 2 rooms the one Ill use and the one that will be too late to cancel. I've done these things in the past where I figured I can get a jump start on the Driving only to be so Exhausted that I couldnt drive anywhere. Check roomsaver.com and arm youself maybe with some coupons that you might be able to use, also do your homework be it a Super8 or Days Inn and have a few possible places in mind along the way both in case you cant drive as much as you thought you might be able and in case you can drive further then you thought.

Again Id try and get North of the Harriman interchange, where the NY Thruway heads North to Albany on the Western side of the Hudson River which is after crossing over the Tappen Zee Bridge