Every winter, during what is the slow season for almost everyone in the tourist industry, New York City tourism authorities run promotions to lure visitors in. This year is no different with the reintroduction of the "Paint the Town" program.
Paint the Town packages are produced by NYC & Company. The packages include 1-, 2- or 4-night accommodations at a choice of three different hotel price levels, ranging from affordable to luxury. Thrown in to the mix are tickets to Broadway shows, dinner at one of the city's great restaurant, a city tour, discounted parking and the opportunity to take advantage of the hundreds of discounts offered through the "Do It Yourself" promo.
While the Paint the Town deals are available to anyone, the 350+ Do It Yourself deals there are exclusively for holders of American Express credit cards. Some samples of special offers:
- 2-for-1 admission to the Gotham Comedy Club, Stand-Up New York Comedy Club and the Iridium Jazz Club.
- 2-for-1 admission or specially priced tickets at over 50 attractions, museums and tour companies, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Bronx Zoo, the Museum of Modern Art (temporarily located in Queens in the revamped Swingline Stapler factory), Lincoln Center, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum (it's worth a go, but never at the ridiculous $22 admission) and New York Movie Tours.
- $35 to $60 tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, including Cabaret, Chicago, Forbidden Broadway, Tartuffe and more.
- 15% off purchases at Bloomingdale's, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa & Salon, Liz Claiborne and others.
- Free gift with purchase at Macy's, Tag Heuer SOHO Boutique, Century 21, J&R Music World and museum gift shops all over the city.
For more information and to book Paint the Two discount travel packages or to receive your free copy of the Paint the Town guide detailing the Do It Yourself savings, call 800/NYC-GUIDE or click on www.nycvisit.com. You can also get information at NYC & Company's two Official Visitor Information Centers, midtown at 810 Seventh Avenue (at 53rd Street) and downtown at City Hall Park, corner of Park Row and Broadway.
