bargains in New York.

For a New York hotel group is launching a "Big Apple Getaway'' promotion between January 1 and April 1.

Under it, Bermuda residents can receive a ten percent discount on their room rates at Apple Core Hotels' three properties in central Manhattan.

The properties -- near the Empire State Building -- are the Best Western Manhattan Hotel, Americana and Hotel Wentworth.

Room rates start from $99. The discount would bring the price down to about $90.

"After the Christmas holidays, all the sales start in New York City,'' said Apple Core Hotels' corporate marketing director Henry L. Butler.

"It is a time when the city is most alive, with operas, ballets, jazz clubs and theatres. While the promotion should appeal to shoppers, it could also be of interest to businessmen.'' He added: "All people have to do is show their passport at the hotel check-in and they will get the ten percent discount.'' Mr. Butler said he planned to visit travel agents during his short stay in Bermuda.

"It is not our intention that people taking advantage of the promotion should bypass travel agents. We want to work with them.'' He added Apple Core would pay a fee to travel agents -- if people booked their hotels through them.

Anyone interested in the promotion can contact Apple Core Hotels' reservations desk on 212-790-2710.