Arrival time of VS017 and EWR hotel

I have a trip to Washington later this month but work commitments currently mean that the only way to get there is to get the last flight out, economy class, to New York (VS017) and then the first plane out the next morning. That means not much sleep at EWR so I want to do what I can to make the night as easy as possible. Couple of questions:
1/ I've been looking at the actual VS017 arrival times over the past two weeks and it always seems to be late! Generally by at least 40 mins and occasionally longer. Even when the Virgin website shows it takes off before the scheduled departure time its been 30 minutes late at EWR. Can anybody who has used this flight explain why?
2/ Any suggestions for the most convenient airport hotel to use at EWR?
3/ Any other tips for making the EWR as easy as possible?
Thanks in advance for any help.
1/ I've been looking at the actual VS017 arrival times over the past two weeks and it always seems to be late! Generally by at least 40 mins and occasionally longer. Even when the Virgin website shows it takes off before the scheduled departure time its been 30 minutes late at EWR. Can anybody who has used this flight explain why?
2/ Any suggestions for the most convenient airport hotel to use at EWR?
3/ Any other tips for making the EWR as easy as possible?
Thanks in advance for any help.