SV -
Decent crashpads are moderately difficult to find. The best source are recommendations from colleages at your airline. Usually there is a big bulletin board in ops that has crashpad possibilities listed. Quality can vary from OK, to very bad. I would recommend that you do NOT get into a crashpad with flight attendants - only other pilots. There are numerous crashpads in Queens (Kew Gardens area) just north of JFK and Long Beach area, out Long Island a ways. Crashpads in Queens are good because the bus system is very good - about $1.50 a ride in peak hours, $1.00 off peak. If you have to take a taxi, it's about $12. The going rate for your own bed is about $235/month. Usually there are about 3-5 per room. Since everyone's on different schedules, you'll probably be more lonely than crowded.
Recommend you stop by ops, check out the bulletin boards, and ask around to your company pilots.
Good luck. You'll love NY . . . NOT!