Getting into the city

Hi! My wife and I are headed Into NYC for 3 nights in April. We will be traveling from Massachusetts (Boston suburbs). Originally I was planning on flying in since it was the shortest commute (1.5-hour flight) But I wasn't considering the transport to and from the airports and to our hotel (Tribeca). Now I'm thinking driving in might just be easier.

If we drove, it's about a 3.5-hour commute without traffic. We would be leaving around 2:45 on a Friday afternoon so I'm sure we would be hitting a bit of traffic on our way, especially in Hartford around 4. How would the traffic in NYC look around 6 pm?

If we drove, is it worth it to pay the $90 per day valet fee at our hotel? Or would we be better off parking outside the city and taking the train for the last leg?

I'm not opposed to one way or the other. Just looking for any advice you may have on commuting into the city from New England. Thank you in advance!!!