VALENTINE’S DAY 2009: NEW YORK CITY SET TO WOO COUPLES AND SINGLES ALIKE

02-05-2009

—Locals and Visitors are Invited to Embrace the City’s Romantic Backdrop—

 

 

New York City (February 5, 2009)—Offering some of the world’s most iconic sights, from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge to the downtown harbors with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, New York City provides the perfect romantic backdrop for couples and singles alike. Couples wishing to spend time together and celebrate their love will be spoiled by the variety of special packages offered at the City’s hotels. Also, the newly renovated Manhattan Marriage Bureau reopened on January 12 in Lower Manhattan just, in time for a Valentine’s Day wedding. Singles can take advantage of all that the City has to offer as well as enjoy its unique energy at this romantic time. There is even a package created for guests without a Valentine at the Mandarin Oriental and at The Ritz-Carlton.

 

"We invite locals and visitors, couples and singles alike, to experience Valentine’s Day in New York City and to indulge in the romantic energy and all of the free and low-cost activities that can be enjoyed, in addition to the many special packages and promotions offered throughout the City’s hotels and restaurants,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization. “New York City is one of the world’s best walking cities, allowing all of the great romantic sights to be experienced by foot and at no cost. And whether it’s a visit to one of the City’s superb cultural attractions or a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry, New York City promises to deliver a romantic and affordable Valentine’s experience.”

 

“New York City is already a legendary location to tie the knot – last year, approximately 70,000 people got married or filed for domestic partnership here – but the new City Clerk’s office makes the experience even more memorable,” said First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris. “At the new Marriage Bureau, you can take care of all your business – with one clerk – comfortably seated at one station. We welcome visitors from around the country and the world and encourage them to get married at our magnificent new facility this Valentine’s Day.”

 

The Mandarin Oriental, New York, (mandarinoriental.com/newyork) is offering a Valentine’s Day “Single in the City Celebration” package, which includes one night in a two-bed bedroom, two rounds of cocktails in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, a collection of classic “chick flicks” and the hotel concierge’s Pampered by Appointment shopping service, available at a collection of select boutiques and shops, such as Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Chopard, Harry Winston, Etro and Baccarat. Pampered by Appointment guests of the hotel will receive VIP shopping services such as priority tailoring, personalized shopping and complementary courier service to bring purchases back to the hotel. The “Single in the City Celebration” package costs $1,025 for accommodations in a Standard Double Room and $1,105 for a Deluxe Double Room.

 

Couples at the Mandarin Oriental can enjoy “Midnight Valentine Magic over Manhattan,” which includes three hours of late-night pampering for two in the hotels spa’s VIP Spa Suite, together with Champagne and other delicacies, an overnight stay and a romantic in-room breakfast the next morning. The package costs $9,325 for accommodations in a Central Park View Room and $10,325 for a Premier Central Park View Suite. Both Valentine’s Day packages at the Mandarin Oriental are available on Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15.

 

Dedicated to single ladies looking to treat themselves along with their friends, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park (ritzcarlton.com/centralpark), is offering the “Boyfriend Not Included” package. Encouraging females to celebrate their friendship, the hotel’s adult version of the sleepover includes accommodations for four in a Parkview Suite with connecting City View Guestroom; access for four to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, featuring complementary food and beverages throughout the day; four in-room manicures provided by La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a choice of evening activities: a night “in,” featuring a selection of favorite movies, music and snacks served en-suite, or a night “out,” including private car service to a concierge-recommended hot spot and late-night gourmet snacks served upon return, followed by a late checkout of 2pm. The “Boyfriend Not Included” package starts at $599 per guest, based on four-person occupancy, and requires a seven-day advance reservation. It is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the month of February.

 

The City’s new Marriage Bureau, located at 141 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan, is a perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day wedding. The new 24,000-square-foot facility offers a stylish new design and enhanced customer service. A new line-management system tells customers their wait time; they can process their applications online at 14 computer kiosks; and with one-stop service windows and credit card processing, customers no longer have to visit multiple windows or bring a money order with them. Other improvements include large restrooms with vanities and full-length mirrors, refinished and decorated chapel space, an area to take photos in front of a backdrop of City Hall and a branch of the City Store, where fresh flowers can be purchased, as well as other sundries, such as disposable cameras, film, costume rings and NYC merchandise. The wedding chapels feature artwork on loan from the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the City Hall backdrop was supplied by Duggal Visual Solutions. Literature in the new Marriage Bureau is available in English and Spanish. Customers can also speak to clerks in their preferred language using a telephone interpretation system available in 170 languages. The design and construction of the project cost $12.3 million. By New York State law, after obtaining their marriage license, brides and grooms are required to wait 24 hours before the ceremony can be performed. More information about the marriage bureau can be found on nycgo.com.

 

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park (ritzcarlton.com/batterypark), is offering an “NYC Nuptials Wedding Night” overnight package for couples who are married at the new Marriage Bureau. The package includes accommodations for one night, a complementary room upgrade and two glasses of champagne upon arrival.

 

For more information on what's happening throughout New York City and to plan a visit, go to nycgo.com.

 

About 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.

 

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