Marriott upper east side NYC
 

This one is in the right price. I called them and they are a 15 min walk to the 86th and Lexington subway stop. Less than 1 mile she said. I guess we could cab in with bags (1 rolling carry-on size) but had planned to train/subway from JFK. I don't really mind the walk...anyone find this hotel inconvenient due to location?

It's in a residential neighborhood. What is it you're coming to do??? How many of you are traveling? If it's 4 people, why not just split a cab from JFK?

We are celebrating my dad's 60th. Mom and dad get there 1 hrs before me and sis and we are surprising him (me and sis) as he doesn't know we are coming along too. We are doing the touristy stuff...staten island ferry, time sq, central park, rockafeller ctr, empire state bldg, dad and I are going to a jets game sun afternoon...i do want to hit madison and do some shopping...

It's a busy commercial and residential area near the 86th/Lex subway, but it's manageable walk with a single roll on bag, assuming good weather. 15 minutes sounds about right. It's not the most central location, but if you don't mind that 15 minute walk PLUS another 15-30 minutes by subway to get to any of the tourist destinations, it'll be fine

Sorry - the problem is that it's not really near the 86th St subway. those blocks from east to west are long and it's at least a 15 minute walk unless you are quite brisk.

Also - this is purely residential with local services (supermarkets, drug stores, local restaurants etc) - not a lot of shopping until you get to 86th and 3rd.

If it's this or staying outside Manhattan, imo, this is a better option, but it's less than ideal for a typical tourist visit to NYC.
Why don't you book this if it's affordable and cancelable and try bidding on Priceline for 2 rooms?

Is this the one on 92nd and First? That's definitely not so close to the stuff you want to do, and a pretty long walk to the subway. The shopping that is to be found on 86th street is not going to be the kind you want to do. But that area at least would be safe and quiet.

The UES Marriott is in a "quiet" residential neighborhood; most people would consider it "inconvenient" to public transportation & tourist sites.

DEFINITELY take a taxi from JFK.