Valentine's Day in New York

Valentine's Day in New York City

NYC.com, the New York City Experts, offer dozens of suggestions for you to woo your sweetheart and to celebrate in style. Below we offer our recommendations for the sexiest hotels, most romantic restaurants, chocolate stores, concerts, sporting events and a guide for the Romantic as well as a Chocolate Lovers' Walking Tour. Please remember to reserve early as popular venues sometimes are booked well in advance!

• Love Rules—Valentine's Week Concerts in NYC • Sexiest Hotels In NYC For Valentine's Day • Romantic Restaurants • Places to Buy Fine Chocolates • Sports Highlights For Valentine's Week

Love Rules—Valentine's Week Concerts in NYC

Moe, one of the preeminent progressive rock bands on the music scene today will play successive gigs at Terminal 5 this month on February 13th and on Valentine's Day.

Eight-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-Platinum rhythm and blues soul singer Anita Baker is scheduled to appear at one of two premier Valentine's Day concerts in New York at Radio City Music Hall. The other major Valentine's Day concert in New York City is certain to be the appearance of Marc Anthony at Madison Square Garden.

Former Harvard Square street performer Martin Sexton has made it to the big time, performing songs from his most recent CD release Solo at Town Hall Theatre.

Seven-piece Irish American Celtic punk band Flogging Molly plays the Hammerstein Ballroom the day after Valentine's Day, February 15.

Commemorated as one of the best singers of his generation with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Al Jarreau brings his jazzy, soulful vocal artistry to the Nokia Theatre this Valentine's season for a feel-good concert for whoever is lucky enough to score tickets at this great New York concert venue.

Conductor Lorin Maazel leads the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, featuring classic works by Barber and Gershwin, concluding with Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring"—a timely concert considering the political and cultural mood swing of the country under the new administration.

Sexiest Hotels In NYC For Valentine's Day

For couples visiting New York in search of a sexy setting to stay around Valentine's Day—or at any other time of the year—NYC.com offers its own list of Sexiest Hotels in New York City, which will appeal to your sensual, aesthetic, and luxury needs. Proximity to hot nightspots, cool restaurants, and celebrity clientele also are key criteria in making your selection. Celebrities traveling to New York City tend to stay at hip locations that offer a more low-key setting and away from the masses of tourists patrolling the streets of the city, qualities which also appeal to couples on the move. The unique qualities of the hotels listed below make them a cut above the rest when it comes to catering to couples who want their stay in New York City to be at locations which are instantly romantic and as accommodating as possible.

The Alex The Alex heralds a new generation of luxury boutique hotels, with impeccable guest rooms, serene suites, and a welcoming, urban contemporary style environment. Its colorful collection of 203 guestrooms, suites, and apartments, beautifully designed by David Rockwell include T1 lines, flat screen LCD TVs, limestone baths and fully equipped gourmet Poggen Pohl kitchens. With its bamboo floors, clean lines, soft velour curtains and fresh orchids The Alex exhibits a tasteful, understated beauty and elegance that the many couples who walk through its doors appreciate.

TriBeCa Grand Hotel Manhattan's TriBeCa Grand Hotel in is in a dynamic downtown neighborhood of trendy restaurants, shops and businesses. Host to Robert DeNiro's annual TriBeCa Film Festival, TriBeCa ("Triangle Below Canal") is a mecca for film notables and creative types, and movie premieres are often held at the hotel's Grand Screen Room. Little Italy, Chinatown, Hudson Square nightclubs, New York University, Greenwich Village and Wall Street are all within three to 12 blocks of the TriBeCa Grand, and couples will find hundreds of eclectic shops, galleries, eateries and clubs within 10 minutes of this hotel.

Mercer Hotel The Mercer is SoHo's foremost luxury boutique hotel and the first hotel of its kind to offer an authentic taste of loft living. Often described as sister hotel to Hollyood's famed Chateau Marmont and the ocean front classic The Raleigh in Miami, it is no surprise that it appeals to so many couples who want to bath in its large oversized marble tubs, to dine in the 200-seat Mercer Kitchen overseen by world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or to relax in its wonderfully laid-back lounges, casually looking around to see what other notables happen to be staying there. This intimate boutique hotel, housed in a 6-story brick Romanesque revival building dating from 1890, was originally built for John Astor II.

Night On the Preferred Boutique hotel registry, Night bills itself as an exercise in Modern Gothic Gotham, a study in the contrast of black and white set against the Technicolor background of New York's Times Square. As a ravishingly dark and beautiful luxury boutique hotel, its 70 guestrooms present the look and feel of private residences, each outfitted with sleekly sophisticated black and white décor and furnishings that evoke a sense of mystery, intimacy, and contemporary sophistication. Night's unique triplex penthouse suite at the top is a frequent setting for photo shoots and exquisite private events. Night's amenities for the mere mortals staying below include valet, bellhop, and concierge services, a 24-hour per day multilingual staff, and an in-house restaurant aptly named Nightlife. To invoke the lyrics of Pat Benatar with a twist, you'll want to stay here because the night belongs to lovers and to those couples who are turned on by a luxurious boutique noir setting.

Dream This 13-story hotel provides 208 guestrooms and 20 suites, all of which represent the quintessence of contemporary, almost futuristic interior design. In additional to all the amenities a luxurious boutique hotel has to offer, Dream features a 1950's style rooftop lounge, Ava, named after movie star Ava Gardner, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Times Square, Columbus Circle and the Hudson River. From the lobby you can take the glass elevator down to the Chopra Center New York, which provides Ayurvedic healing arts as taught by Deepak Chopra. Dream is also home to the Fellini-inspired restaurant, Serafina, designed by the Rockwell Group and serving upscale Italian cuisine. Dream is a truly special boutique hotel selection for the discerning couple if there ever was one.

Hotel Gansevoort Hotel Gansevoort offers a pretty retreat from the urban metropolis, combining downtown chic with uptown luxury in what is generally thought of as a gritty Meatpacking District location. Its 187 spacious guestrooms and 23 stylish suites are sophisticated yet minimalist in their layout, and feature a colorful array of neutrals and grays shot through with a splash of blackberry, lending them a softness and lightness you feel upon entering them. Other features include richly textured walls, ceramic interiors, custom designed stainless steel sinks and Carrara marble. To top it all off, there is a 45-foot heated outdoor pool with underwater lights and music open 365 days a year and a beautiful rooftop bar and lounge with landscaped garden.

SoHo Grand The SoHo Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the exciting SoHo neighborhood, where 19th-century industrial buildings with ornate cast-iron facades house chic galleries, theaters, restaurants and shops. The guestrooms, splashed with palettes of grays and coffee tones, are as eclectic as the neighborhood, with eight-foot picture windows showcasing the unique downtown perspective. Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement of the late 1800s, they include draftsman desks and nightstands styled like potter's tables. Why do beauties Heidi Klum and Gwyneth Paltrow like to stay here? Maybe its because the rooms also come complete with Italian Frette linens and robes, fancy Blisslabs, and Privé bathroom amenities.

Hotel on Rivington This striking boutique hotel's main claim to fame today is that it offers floor-to-ceiling windows in each of its 120 stylish guestrooms. Many of the rooms here boast uniquely designed bathrooms that are equipped with both glass shower stalls and oversized Japanese hot tubs. Easily spotted from the street due to its shimmering, 20-story glass-paneled façade, it is arguably one of the hippest hotels on our entire list, with its famous Thor restaurant serving some of the finest cuisine in all of New York. Its Lower East Side location also makes it in walking distance from some of the coolest nightspots, bars, and restaurants for those couples who want to party late into the night close to their hotel.

60 Thompson Set in the center of Manhattan's SoHo District, 60 Thompson is a small 100-room luxury boutique hotel designed by famed interior designer Thomas O'Brien. It earns its high reputation based on its subtle, sophisticated style and exceptional service. The in-house restaurant here, Kittichai, draws New Yorkers, international foodies, even top chefs to its tables. Couples here enjoy its modern chic environment. A real treat is to head up to the guests and members-only rooftop lounge and take in an aerial view of one of New York's trendiest neighborhoods. Bohemian chic meets art house wise meets quiet yet radical elegance.

The Muse This Times Square beauty, a stylish four star boutique hotel, features 200 uniquely styled guestrooms which are remarkably large by traditional boutique or even New York standards. The Muse attracts couples largely due to its comfort, freshly creative design, and the dozens of amenities it offers its guests which include WiFi and high-speed internet access, complimentary yoga accessories, the Yoga channel on every TV, in-room spa services, and pet-friendly policies. The lighted make-up mirrors are always a big hit with its female guests, and overall visitors here would say that The Muse has a certain contemporary feminine flair. It's almost as if in staying at the Muse you've literally entered the pages of Vogue magazine.

Bryant Park Hotel The Bryant Park Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel centrally located in midtown Manhattan, earned its reputation by being the first exclusive luxury designer hotel. Combining luxury and first-class service, it features 129 oversized rooms with marble baths, deep soaking tubs, and a separate shower. Beds are fitted with 400-thread Egyptian linen, goose down duvets and cashmere blankets, and leather headboards, offering sleeping comfort that is truly unmatchable. In addition to B&B Italia custom designed furnishings and hand woven rugs in its classy rooms, the Bryant Park Hotel's Cellar Bar provides a vibrant setting frequented by a fashionable crowd, live DJs, and dining in the famous in-house Japanese restaurant, Koi.

New York Palace The Palace is known for its luxurious accommodations, spectacular views, spacious rooms and unparalleled service. Heads of state and rock stars stay here. Offering a choice of Deluxe, Executive Club, and Towers guest rooms, all rooms and suites are designed in either traditional or contemporary décor, with marble bathrooms, brocade drapes and classically patterned carpets. Top level Triplex Suites feature rooftop terraces, eighteen-foot windows and Art Deco interior design. The New York Palace is a good choice for couples who'll spare no expense when it comes to finding the most luxurious place to stay during their visit to New York City.

Romantic Restaurants—Wine and Dine Your Love

Consider choosing a romantic restaurant in New York City this Valentine's Day season based on its superb wine list. After all, the phrase is "to wine and dine," and New York City has many superb restaurants featuring just the right vintages to complement your meal and put your loved one in the mood. Look for Valentine's Day specials and delicious chocolate desserts on the menu at these noble establishments (hint: consider surprising your partner at the table with a discrete or lavish flower arrangement):

Cru An extraordinary wine list of over 200 pages gives some sense of the tens of thousands of bottles available at Cru.

Veritas Veritas is known principally for its impressive wine list, certainly one of the best if not the top selection in Manhattan. The list features over 3,000 selections available from a temperature-controlled cellar, containing more than 100,000 bottles.

Morrell Wine Bar & Café Many restaurants pay close attention to their wine lists, looking over what wines are available on the market and tailoring their selections to complement the restaurant's cuisine. The Morrell list offers over 2,000 selections, including over 50 wines by the glass.

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria Otto dedicates a large part of our dining experience to wine. Whether it is the impressive wine showcasing over 700 of Italy's top wines, or the number of expert sommeliers available on the floor at any given time.

Per Se To serve a global clientele, Per Se presents wine from the world's viticultural regions. Their impressive wine list highlights a collection of older wines as well as wines from small producers that are released in limited quantities.

Lever House The emphasis is Burgundy, and California Cabernet and Chardonnay, which go very well with the food because it's Modern American cooking. They also offer their self-produced Lever House brand.

Gotham Bar & Grill Gotham's 30-page wine list features vintage, regional, and dessert wines from all over the world served by the glass or by the bottle.

Adour The knock-out wine list at Adour in the St. Regis Hotel is so extensive it could use its own Google Search. At $45, a bottle of versatile, medium-bodied Trignon Cotes de Rhone is one of the less expensive options on their list.

Aureole Aureole's distinguished wine list of more than 700 bottles mixes American and European vintages in all price ranges.

Chanterelle Chanterelle's wine cellar boasts some 3000 bottles and offers unusual, small producers as well as the best of French wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Places to Buy Fine Chocolates

We recommend the below locales for their high-quality products and ability to impress with distinctive flavors, selection and packaging. Some additional temptations for your sweet might include going together on the NYC.com Chocolate Lover's Walking Tour or indulging in temptations at a number of other Romantic Places we've selected.

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Marie Belle Fine Treats & Chocolates

Li-Lac Chocolates Inc

Dylan's Candy Bar

Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man

The City Bakery

Payard Patisserie & Bistro

La Maison Du Chocolat

Kee's Chocolates

Belgian Neuhaus Chocolatier

Hershey's Times Square Store

Martine's Chocolates

Pierre Marcolini

Vosges Chocolate

Lindt Chocolate Shop

La Bergamote

Chocolate Bar

L'Atelier du Chocolat

Michel Cluizel Chocolates @ ABC Carpet & Home

Dean & Deluca

Australian Homemade

Vere Artisanal Chocolates

Bond Street Chocolate

NYC Sports Highlights Around Valentine's Day

Lovers and sports lovers take note: The NHL Eastern division leading New York Rangers have the busiest home schedule of any New York professional sports team during Valentine's week, facing the Washington Capitals, the Philadelphia Flyers, followed by yet another clash with fellow New York rivals New York Islanders towards the end of the week.

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour to over 200 cities across the United States. They grace our presence in New York City this week with their completely unique brand of exciting trickster basketball that is certain to create comical moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

In the wake of NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, the New York Knicks need to make a serious push if they want to have any shot at this year's NBA playoffs. Unfortunately their first opponent is no pushover. The San Antonio Spurs are healthy and back to the championship form of the recent past, so the Knicks game this week at Madison Square Garden against Tim Duncan and company poses a serious challenge right at the outset of the second half of the Knicks 2008-09 NBA season.

In men's college basketball a perennial powerhouse in the form of the Duke Blue Devils are in town to take on the St. John's Red Storm, a talented New York area team that has slim chances of making the NCAA tournament in March, but could play a spoiler role were they to knock off the Blue Devils at home this week.