At JFK, decide whether the first meal or overnight stop is airport-side or city-side before taking AirTrain to Federal Circle. Hotel shuttles and the rental-car transfer are different connections; confirm the current airport path before travel.
An airport-area hotel may help with an early departure, but verify whether its shuttle serves the terminals, Federal Circle, or both. A Manhattan-only stay may make a rental unnecessary once parking and tolls are included.
Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, and family-gear itineraries create a stronger rental case than a short Manhattan visit. Choose the vehicle around the first route, not the airport label.