I think you're probably right about Hofstra. Like I said, I really don't have any first hand experience with either school (or the NY market for that matter), but I have an old friend who went to NYLS and wasn't very happy with the experience. On the other hand, last I heard she's doing quite well in NYC. Single anecdotal example, but maybe it means something.
It occured to me that Hofstra might have one other advantage: it's associated with a larger university and shares the campus. Compared to stand-alone law schools (like NYLS) it might have a better social life.
OP: really think about what you want to do long term. I know that when you're in the application process you just want to get in somewhere and start, but try to develop at least some kind of plan now. Do you think you want private practice, solo practice, government? See if either school has programs that might help you work towards that goal. Also, can you deal with the very real possibility of making little money plus having large loan payments? For the first couple of years after law school you may very well be in this situation. I'm not trying to either encourage you or discourage you, but it will help to think about these things now.