Valentine's Day 2010: Fall In Love With New York City, The Nations Number One Travel Destination

VALENTINE'S DAY 2010: FALL IN LOVE WITH NEW YORK CITY, THE NATION’S NUMBER ONE TRAVEL DESTINATION

—From Hotels and Restaurants to Iconic Sights and Attractions, NYC Offers Unlimited Options for Both Couples and Singles Alike to Celebrate Your Romance with New York City—

New York City (January 14, 2010) — This Valentine's Day is the ideal time to fall in love with New York City, which offers some of the world's most iconic romantic sights. There are many reasons to love New York City—the nation’s number one tourist destination—whether you’re single, visiting friends or surprising your loved one. Pop the question while dining at the Central Park Boathouse, ice-skating at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center or taking in the view from the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge. Or simply explore all that the City has to offer at one of its many hotels, restaurants or sights. NYC & Company is the source for what you need to know as you plan your Valentine's Day weekend in the City.

"With all of its iconic romantic spots, New York City delivers the best Valentine's Day experience for both singles and couples alike," said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, the City's marketing, tourism and partnership organization. "To encourage visitors to choose New York City as their getaway, the City is offering great options, packages and promotions for those looking to celebrate their love for the nation's number one destination."

NYC Valentine's Day Happenings:

Take a luxurious, romantic cruise with Bateaux New York, the ultimate New York City indulgence. Valentine’s Day brunch and dinner cruise packages are available February 13–14. Book your cruise at spiritofnewyork.com.

Experience the beauty of Central Park by taking the requisite horse-drawn carriage, perfect for a pair of lovers or friends. For more information, visit .

Take the On Location Tours Gossip Girl Valentine's Day Tour, and when you buy one ticket, get one 50 percent off from February 12–14 (use the promotion code VDAYGGCOUPLE). Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Gossip Girl couple. For single ladies looking to hang out with their girlfriends, take the Anti-Valentine's Day Sex and the City Hotspots Tour (use the promotion code ANTIVDAYSATC for 14% off your ticket February 12–14). You can order tickets for both tours at screentours.com.

Experience New York City from the sky with Liberty Helicopters, which is offering a 25-minute Romance over Manhattan tour. The helicopter seats up to four people, and at the end of the tour you’ll get a souvenir photo of you and your guests. Price is $995, plus $30 per person for facility/security fee. For more information, visit libertyhelicopters.com.

Singles need not spend Valentine's Day alone. Join others in a crash course on dating from 7–9pm on Thursday, February 11, at the restaurant and bar Havana Central Times Square, featuring relationship experts Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus on dating dos and don'ts. Tickets start at $15 each, which include one Love Potion Cocktail. Look for love at the Find Your Valentine Speed Dating event from 7:45–9:45pm Friday, February 12, at Havana Central at The West End. Tickets are $59.95 each, including tax, hors d’oeuvres and one Havana Central Classic Cocktail. For more information and reservations, visit havanacentral.com.

Whether the motive is romance or relaxation, couples can luxuriate in a side-by-side massage with the special Park Avenue Romance Package at Oasis Day Spa on Park Avenue, which includes a gift certificate for dining at nearby restaurant Artisanal. Price is $300. If you're not part of a twosome, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a day of pampering. Select from four services (Aromatherapy Massage or French Wine Facial for women and Muscle Meltdown Massage or Dead Sea Salt Scrub for men) and receive complimentary champagne and chocolates. Prices range from $70–$125. For more information, visit oasisdayspanyc.com.

NYC Valentine's Day Hotel Packages:

Partake in truffles and sparkling wine at the Crowne Plaza Times Square with their Romantic Escape Package. Rates vary by availability. For more information, visit cpmanhattantimessquare.com.

Indulge yourself at the Hotel Gansevoort from January 15–February 21. Included in their special promotion are a dozen roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne—and the game Twister. Prices start at $615 per night. For more information, visit hotelgansevoort.com.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée has special packages between February 11–16, including Valentine's Day breakfast in bed, La Perla gift bags and more. Packages start at $825. For more information, visit plaza-athenee.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula New York with their special Romance Package between February 12–14. Prices start at $825 per night. For more information, visit peninsula.com/newyork.

Book the two-night Valentine's Day package at The Pierre from February 12–14, and get dinner for two at Le Caprice (exclusive of alcohol), a bottle of champagne, a special creation from The Pierre’s pastry chef delivered right to your room and breakfast in bed. A suite with a view of the City starts at $1,100 per night, with a two-night minimum. For more information, visit tajhotels.com/pierre.

Mandarin Oriental New York offers a complimentary night after a two-night stay February 13–16. Also, from February 12–14, the hotel's award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental is featuring the Midnight Magic Over Manhattan spa experience. For $1,750, plus tax and gratuity, get exclusive access to the VIP Spa Suite, with stunning City views, two-hour Signature Spa Therapies for two and lobster, caviar and champagne service. For more information, visit mandarinoriental.com/newyork.

NYC Valentine's Day Dining:

Aldea Restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day six-course chef's tasting menu from 5–9pm. For more information and reservations, visit aldearestaurant.com.

Enjoy the iconic NYC restaurant at the Central Park Boathouse. For more information and reservations, visit thecentralparkboathouse.com.

Delmonico's offers a special Valentine's Day tasting menu with two complimentary Agave Kiss Martinis as well as a signed copy of Dining at Delmonico's cookbook. Priced at $125 per person. For more information and reservations, visit delmonicosny.com.

Enjoy Valentine's Day cocktails at Intercontinental The Barclay's Barclay Bar & Grill, where the mixologist will be infusing drinks with Latin love potions. Enjoy a Latin Lover Mojito, Pink Latina or Bittersweet Love throughout February for $14 each. For more information, visit new-york-barclay.intercontinental.com.

Perfect for a genteel afternoon outing for the ladies, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is offering a Valentine’s Cupcake Tea, available 11am–4pm, Saturdays and Sundays, from February 5–28, in the hotel's Star Lounge. Priced at $28 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, which are required, call 212-521-6125. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.

Tocqueville Restaurant is blending performance and culinary arts in a "Food and Romance"–themed Valentine's lunch featuring Broadway performers and award-winning playwrights. Prices start at $195. For more information, visit eatingtheirwords.com.

For more information about what to see and do in New York City, visit nycgo.com. When in NYC, stop by the Official NYC Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

NYC & Company:

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information on visiting NYC, visit nycgo.com.

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For more information please contact Marjan Inbar at 212.484.1270 or minbar@nycgo.com.