We are going to overnight at JFK, enroute to Milan. Any recommendations on a reasonably priced hotel at or near the airport? Preferably one with a shuttle service. Also any place to go nearby to pass the time?

We had the same problem last May on our way to Istanbul from Phoenix. There is a Ramada Inn only a couple minutes from JFK. Their van picks you up and takes you back to JFK free of charge. The food was quite good and the room was quiet and comfortable. Ramada has a web site, so you might want to check them out for prices, etc. The place seems quite new and is set in a maze of freeways. Otherwise, there's nothing to do except watch TV and get a good night's sleep.

The above is talking about the Ramada Plaza Hotel at JFK. The AAA rate is $145 with breakfast and upgrade where available with advanced reservations. Phone 1-888-JFK RAMADA Website: http://www.ramadajfk.com

Thanks to Arizona and Louis for the information, will follow up on it.

Dear Phil: Don't want to rain on your parade--but the Ramada apparently is the place where airlines which have just had a major accident put up the families of victims. One of the TWA 800 family members complained on TV that it is located between a trash dump and a nest of noisy freeways (families of Swissair victims have not yet complained). Just about any of the major motel/hotel chains with units at JFK will ferry you to and from the airport but I agree with the other two posters: there is nothing to do there overnight aside from watching TV. Get a good night's rest and make your morning flight bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Bon voyage. Joan