If You Can Pay For It, Sparks Will Fly

Leave it to the Ritz-Carleton in Battery Park to come up with one of the world's most luxe hotel packages. The Can't Buy Me Love, But You Can Try is a one-night visit that costs you $40,000.

But don't worry, you'll get your money's worth. For the handsome fee, this package includes:

• limo service to and from the airport
• accommodations in the Presidential Suite.
• a personal fireworks show by the famous Grucci family set to the soundtrack of your choice
  
• private helicopter ride over the city
• private bath prepared by a personal butler
• Dom Perignon and strawberries
• candlelight dinner
• in-room breakfast

According to the hotel's director of guest relations, not surprisingly, only one person has taken advantage of this high-priced hotel package.

Sure, fireworks are fab as is staying at the Ritz, but if you really want to show your special someone that you are at the same pyrotechnically inspired and frugal, here's a slightly lower-budget version of the package:

• One pack of roman candles from a road side stand in South Carolina: $7.50
• One romantic Celine Dion album: $15
• One bottle of pink Andre's "champagne": $5
  
• One night at a Super 8: $65

And finally:

• Not having to fork out $40,000 to get the Ritz to do the work for you: Priceless!