www.applecorehotels.com
www.hotelstanford.com are 2 that come to mind

there are a slew on West 32 street that are acceptable.

I like the LaQuinta. It sounds like just what he is looking for.

Just avoid the Hotel Pennsylvania, and they'll probably be fine.

Are you sure that NJ Transit or the Path train will get him to the meeting? If so there are a few decent hotels close to Penn, like the Raddison on 34th and 8th or the Ace at 29th and 6th. I don't like the hotels on 32nd in Little Korea. The street is noisy all night/day long.

The Hilton Garden Inn on 35th Street is pretty nice. I stayed there for a weekend last winter.

The Roger Williams, a short walk and in a great Murray Hill location.

The Hilton Garden Inn will probably be nicer than the LaQuinta but compare the rates. At times the LQ is under $100/night. It is on 32nd, in the middle of Koreatown, but I kind of like the bustle but it wasn't noisy to me. In any case, I didn't notice noise once I was in the hotel. A family member lived on 33rd for a while and really enjoyed the location.

I ilike the Element. Close to Penn Station, kitchenettes, morning breakfast

The NY Manhattan hotel is one of the applecore hotels (link posted by Rhea) and I think as nice if not nicer than the La Quinta. The Affinia Manhattan is directly across from Penn station and a nice suite hotel where most rooms have small kitchenette.

FWIW the LaQuinta IS an applecore hotel. I was surprised when I saw their logo when I checked in.

The first time I stayed there, I stayed on La Quinta points (and then moved to the Hilton on 6th with a Priceline win). I've returned since because I like the hotel - basic, clean, free breakfast, rooftop bar, free access to the business center (to check the internet and print out theatre tickets), close to the subway and usually a great price point.

I have no idea how the LQ compares to the other applecore hotels.

http://applecorehotels.com/la-quinta-manhattan/