NYC Hotels Offer 'Fashion Night Out' Packages

USA Today: From a third-consecutive year, retailers around the world are getting ready for Fashion's Night Out on Sept. 8, when thousands of stores will stay open late for a major shopping extravaganza.

It's such an attraction in New York City that the city's tourism arm is rolling out exclusive hotel packages for folks who really want to shop 'til they drop. And Hotel Check-In has a first look at some of the offerings. The packages vary, but you will find some interesting perks that I wish more hotels would embrace during non-event periods. Examples: An hour-long blow dry in your guest room and a discount pass at Bloomingdales.

The event was started in 2009 as a way to get people to shop in the midst of the great recession. The response was so positive, that it's now become a tradition that involves designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and more.

Some of the hotel packages last from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, but dates vary since FNO kicks off events leading up to Fashion Week - an even bigger draw for New York City. Last year, about 20% of Fashion's Night Out attendees arrived in the Big Apple from out of town. All the fashion-related events helped New York City hotels fill 89% of their rooms in August and September - about 5% more than the average hotel occupancy in 2010.

As of today, you can visit NYC's special website to see the 29 fashion-forward hotel packages. The full list of Fashion's Night Out events will be posted on this website on August 15.

Elements of a few FNO hotel packages that caught my eye:

Blow out: What's more appropriate than getting a blow out before a big fashion event? The InterContinental Times Square hotel's package includes an hour-long blowout in your room with a personal hair stylist. That's easily worth $100. Why can't more hotels offer something like this?

Fashion portrait: At all four of the W hotels in Manhattan, the FNO package includes a personal portrait by fashion photographer Annemarieke van Drimmelen (limited to first 10 package bookings), among other things.

Spa treatment: At the Hyatt 48 Lex, the city's newest full-service hotel, the package includes a 30-minute, in-room Bordeaux and blueberry smoothie foot treatment.

Bloomie's discount: At the Loews Regency New York, the package includes an all-day 15% discount pass to Bloomingdales.

Chauffer-driven Maserati: At the Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, the package includes access to the hotel's $150,000 Maserati - and its driver. Trust me, this is a fun perk.