Now featuring Harry Potter ™: The Exhibition & Pompeii: The Exhibit

NEW YORK – March 24, 2011 – The Westin New York and Discovery Times Square are teaming up to bring guests unique and affordable VIP packages for two exciting upcoming exhibits: Harry Potter: The Exhibition and Pompeii: The Exhibit.  In addition to front-of-the-line access, VIP status means that timed entrances and black-out dates won’t apply, even when the exhibits are sold out.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is making one final stop in North America, and this offer will allow visitors to step inside the wizard’s magical world from the Harry Potter film series.  Authentic artifacts from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™-Part 1 and the highly anticipated finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™-Part 2, along with over 200 original props and costumes from all previous Harry Potter films, are displayed all in elaborate settings such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft dormitories, Hagrid’s hut, and the Great Hall.

Pompeii The Exhibit: Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius, a new exhibit featuring the largest collection of victims’ body casts and skeletons ever displayed, as well as more than 250 artifacts, some never-before-seen, is making its world premiere in New York City.  Highlights include a collection of body casts (human impressions created from cavities found in the volcanic matter) and several hundred unearthed artifacts that capture the essence of daily life in Pompeii.  Examples range from gold coins, jewelry and home furniture, to everyday utensils, burial urns and gladiator armor, as well as a perfectly preserved loaf of bread.  In addition, the exhibit features Pompeian frescos that survived the epic explosion.

Rates for accommodations and two tickets start at $339 per room, per night.^* The VIP offer can be booked now through Sept. 4, for stays April 4 through Sept 5.

For hotel information and reservations, please visit www.westinny.com/offers or call 212.201.2700.  Please use rate code HARRY1-2 when booking.  For more information on Discovery Times Square and the exhibit, please visit www.discoverytsx.com.

A distinguished AAA Four Diamond ranked hotel, The Westin New York at Times Square, with its eye-catching façade and signature beam of light, is located at 270 W. 43^rd Street in the heart of the world-acclaimed theater district and within walking distance to many family-friendly sights in Times Square.  The newly-renovated hotel was the first Westin Hotel and first property in New York to receive the GS-33 Lodging Properties Silver certification from Green Seal™.  All 863 guestrooms and suites, including the 126 Atrium Club Rooms designed by Vicente Wolf, feature Westin’s world famous Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath^sm; workstation with task lights, cordless phone, voicemail, data ports, and wireless and high-speed Internet access; dual-line phones; an intelligent refrigerated refreshment center replenishing favorite items automatically; in-room safe that can accommodate a laptop; AM/FM clock radio; deluxe grooming amenities; iron/ironing board; hair dryer; One-Cup coffee maker with complimentary Starbucks® coffee; individual climate control, and most offer incredible views of the city and the Hudson River.   The entire 23^rd floor of the hotel has been converted into Spa Inspired Guestrooms that feature an electronic Shiatsu Massage chair, aromatherapy bath amenities, a mini-bar with healthy alternatives, health and fitness magazines and more.  Nestled atop the 44^th floor with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River is the 1,200-square foot Renewal Suite which features chromotherapy, digital art, a spa bath, tranquil water, and light and music features throughout.  The hotel features New York City’s first Shula’s Steak House; Bar 10, a trendy lounge; wireless internet access throughout; 24-hour room service; a fitness center; a spa with treatment rooms and saunas; a concierge and theater ticket desk, among other services.  The Westin New York at Times Square was named one of America’s Top 11 Healthiest Hotels by Health magazine and AOL CityGuide and is a certified member of the Green Hotels Association.  The hotel is interconnected to E Walk®, a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and retail complex featuring movie theaters, restaurants, and shops.

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*Rates are based on availability and do not include tax and service.