Crowne Plaza Times Square Launches Program for New York Novices

Armchair travelers who have seen New York City's myriad attractions through a lens on everything from "Law & Order," "Sex and the City," "Seinfeld" and "Ugly Betty" to (most of) Woody Allen's films, "Ghostbusters" and "Sex in the City," the movie, but have not ventured into the five boroughs, are now enabled by the Crowne Plaza Times Square's new First Time in New York package. It assures Big Apple virgins see all of the sights of Manhattan and beyond and provides a vehicle for showing off their memory-making sightseeing experiences back home with: two 48-hour passes for the Classic New York Double Decker Bus Tour; tickets to the Empire State Building's Observation Deck, ferry to Statue of Liberty and the Natural History Museum; a detailed New York City sightseeing map; a New York City's Official Visitor Guide; the opportunity to see themselves embedded in the bright lights of Broadway at Hershey's Times Square; and a commemorative picture frame. The two-night package starts at $598, double occupancy.

Grayline's Classic Double Decker Bus Tours offer continuous hop-on-hop-off service at more than 50 stops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, so First Time in New Yorkers can decide what to see and when according to their own interests throughout a full 48-hour period. And the Crowne Plaza's location in the heart of Times Square on Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets, just steps from one of those 50 stops, makes the hotel an ideal base from which to explore Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as satisfying chocolate cravings. Hershey's Times Square, where package participants will see themselves displayed on the store's massive LED light display and receive a half-pound Hershey's milk chocolate "Photo Bar" sporting their picture on the wrapper, is on the corner; M&M World is across the street.

The First Time in New York package starts at $598 for two, including: two-nights in one of the Crowne Plaza Times Square's 770 rooms - all with sweeping cityscape and/or Hudson River views; 48-hour tour bus pass; tickets to the Empire State Building's Observation Deck, Statue of Liberty and Natural History Museum; sightseeing guide and map; Hershey's "Photo Bar" sporting First Time in New Yorkers on the wrapper, a picture that will also glow in the giant LED display on Hershey's Time Square store; and souvenir picture frame. The package requires at least seven days advance booking and a deposit. For reservations, call (800) 972 3160 or visit http://www.cpmanhattantimessquare.com/.

Having recently completed an $85 million renovation, the Crowne Plaza Times Square, 1605 Broadway, between 48th and 49th Streets, sits at the crossroads of the world ready to welcome the most discerning travelers. The hotel boasts 770 well-appointed guest rooms outfitted with fresh contemporary accents and plush Sleep Advantage(TM) beds. On-site options abound, including relaxing in the sleek new lobby lounge, having cocktails in Broadway 49 Bar, savoring elevated comfort cuisine at Brasserie 1605 and working off some of the consequent calories in the 15,000-square-foot fitness center.