Kristine, do not hesitate to take the airtrain. Perhaps by accident, you have chosen a hotel near Penn Station, which is very convenient for air train users. When you get to JFK, follow the signs to ground transportation; this may be a long walk, but part of the way will be moving sidewalks and escalators. Look for signs to the airtrain and follow them. The airtrain is elevated there. Take the airtrain to JAMAICA STATION, where you will transfer to the Long Island Railroad, which takes you right to Penn Station. You have to pay for the airtrain and the LIRR ticket but contrary to everything you may have heard about NYC, you will find a couple of uniformed attendants whose job it is to help confused travelers, and who are courteous, patient, and eager to help you. They will show you what to do. And, reverse this process on the way back to JFK. The hotel btw is right across the street from Penn Station.
airtrain to manhattan