Hotel or Even Hostel NYC (New York)

Hi there,

I'm going to NYC on 29 Feb but still have no idea where I should stay.

I'll go travelling alone and I don't really mind staying in any area in NYC as long as it's safe and public transportation is reachable from EWR - liberty since my flight is to there.

I don't really have a budget but still prefer some safe, clean and economical places. I've never stayed in a hostel before but guess I could also experience that if there's anything really nice.

Any suggestions? I'll be all ears. And thank you very much in advance^^

PS: It's my first time travelling abroad and I don't even really speak the language (I'm from China..) so am pretty worried about the whole thing. I have friends there but still I'd rather get the accomodation solved by myself, but of course, with recommendations from you^^