We usually stay at Columbia U's guest housing but changed our travel plans and couldn't get a res, so I got on line (for a historic first and I am 80) and found this terrific small hotel in south Soho where everything (staff, location, design,etc.) was perfect.
One proviso, if you ask the desk to reserve you a service to get you to Penn Station early, make sure you get a rate! Ours was $50 for a less than ten minute ride at six a.m. but our night had been so pleasant we didn't really mind and the driver, from Equador, was adorable. But you may not be retired with savings so CHECK FIRST!