BUCKINGHAM HOTEL INVITES MARINERS TO

“SAIL THROUGH CENTRAL PARK”

NEW YORK, NY, July 25^th, 2005 -- Buckingham Hotel is calling all yachting enthusiasts to enjoy a mini-regatta in Manhattan.  Marking the height of the summer season, the historic property is offering a "Sail Through Central Park" weekend package for only $499, which represents a 40% savings (double occupancy, taxes not included).

Guests who purchase the package will enjoy two nights in one of Buckingham’s spacious one-bedroom suites – which average 700 square feet.  The stay also includes a remote control model sailboat rental at Central Park’s famous Conservatory Water, brunch for two at The Central Park Boathouse and a one-hour rowboat ride.   The “Sail Through Central Park” package is available now and ends August 30^th, 2005, before Central Park’s leaves turn color.

For more information, travelers can visit the Buckingham Hotel web site at http://www.buckinghamhotel.com/ or call toll free at 888-511-1900.

About Conservatory Water

Conservatory Water, Central Park`s famous model boat pond, owes its existence to 19th century City budget cuts in the building of Central Park. An example of how financial constraints can inspire creative alternatives, Conservatory Water was Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux`s response to Park Commissioners` demands that they abandon their original plans to build a massive conservatory on that site. The designers then looked for their inspiration to model boat ponds in Paris, where wind and children with rubber-tipped poles propelled tiny yachts. Much larger than its Paris counterparts, however, Conservatory Water invited American-style modifications. Soon radio-powered sailboats skippered by adults joined the child-prodded versions. Today visitors can watch a radio-powered racing regatta between members of the Model Yacht Club (a wing of the Kerbs Boathouse food concession), or cheer on children with their tiny wind-powered sloops, or even rent a miniature boat from a nearby concessionaire`s wagon. (Visitors familiar with E. B. White`s eponymous Stuart Little will remember the dapper mouse piloting his own yacht in a Conservatory Water regatta.)

About the Buckingham

Now celebrating its 75^th Anniversary, the Buckingham is perfectly located on 57th Street and 6^th Avenue in Manhattan.  With décor that echoes the red velvet and dark wood of the famed concert hall, the Buckingham has been host to the world`s top classical musicians and other celebrities for generations. 

-more-

Buckingham 2 / 2

Amenities at the Buckingham include a complete pre-arrival concierge service, full-service business center, in-room high-speed anywhere-Internet connection, wired meeting space and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center with private shower and sauna.

The Patrons` Lounge offers a flat-panel television that screens CNBC by day and Carnegie Hall-themed movies by night.  The Buckingham also offers a lending library of live Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center music and performance on CD and DVD.  

The property is just seconds from Central Park, David Letterman`s Ed Sullivan Theatre, Steinway`s piano gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, the renowned 57^th Street art galleries as well as shopping destinations like Tiffany`s, Prada, Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman`s and Barney`s.

Stylish and smart, the public spaces of the Buckingham are filled with music and commissioned artwork from the property`s own permanent collection - starting right at the front door with the Buckingham`s signature stained glass "Dancing King" and eleven unique installations of deconstructed musical instruments ("Bounce Fugue") that line the entrance way.

For more information visit the Buckingham Hotel Web site at http://www.buckinghamhotel.com/ or call toll free at 888-511-1900.