Bergamo - where to stay for a very short visit?

Sylvia, I'd stay in Città Bassa (below) to make departure the next morning most efficient. Choose a hotel not far from the train station, drop your bags, and take a city bus up to Città Alta for exploring and dinner. We thought it was at its medieval best after dark! We had a really fun dinner under the terrace vines at Il Circolino Citta Alta one night. Your waitperson may not speak a lot of English - at least ours didn't - but you'll be fine. They also provide valuable services for the community so you'd be doing your bit for the locals! :O)

https://www.visitbergamo.net/en/object-details/428-il-circolino-di-città-alta/
https://www.ilcircolinocittaalta.it/proposte/la-nostra-cucina.html
https://www.facebook.com/circolinocittaalta

"Choose a hotel not far from the train station"*

I can vouch for the Best Western, right across the street from the station. Nice room, nice bar for a night cap and a nice breakfast in the morning to send you on your way.

Straight shot walk to the funicular or transit (which I never rode)

Staying closer to the station is the best idea. Stroll up Viale Roma to reach the funicular that will take you up to Città Alta. Try Ristorante la Tana, near the park for lunch or a late(r) dinner.

Thank you for your responses! I will stay in the lower city and head up the funicular to wander through the maze of streets in the upper city and to eat! Looking forward to my short stay to check it out. More time in Bergamo on another trip?!?

While I love the town (Go Atalanta!), Bergamo is really no more than a day and a half, at best, for sightseeing.