Manhattan Hotels Get in on Glamping Trend

Sept. 14, 2012— -- Call it urban glamping, the travel industry's latest twist on the trend of glamour camping. Three Manhattan -- yes, as in New York City -- hotels offer their guests the opportunity to sleep outside, under the stars of the urban jungle.

Now, this is Manhattan after all, so don't expect to be handed a tent and sent on your way to Central Park with a flashlight. No sir, these glamping packages come with all the bells and whistles ? from gourmet s'mores to wood-burning fireplaces to plasma TVs, all adjacent to a luxury hotel room if even this form of camping is too much like roughing it to you.

Affinia Gardens, Upper East Side

This package from Affinia Gardens is geared toward families with kids. Set up on the 600-square foot terrace of your hotel room (that's bigger than some New York City apartments, for you non-natives) is a s'mores kit; a tent with sleeping bags and a flashlight and binoculars for the kids; and for the adults, spa services upon request. Cost: From $309 per night.

Hyatt 48 Lex, Midtown

The Hyatt 48 Lex Suite Glamping package is geared towards couples. The hotel staff will set up an aero-bed for you with full bedding on your room's terrace. Package includes a bottle of wine upon arrival (red or white, your choice), plus a picnic from Dean & Deluca for those who love to dine al fresco.There's also a selection of books and lanterns to read by.

Cost: From $509 per night

AKA Central Park, Upper West Side

Think of this package from AKA Central Park as a special occasion opportunity. The price tag is high, but so is the luxe factor. AKA Central Park will set up a luxurious bed in front of a wood-burning fireplace on your penthouse suite's 1,000-square-foot terrace. There's wine, cheese, a fruit platter, and of course, gourmet s'mores from Jacques Torres to put that fire to good use. Plus, there's a 42-inch plasma TV and a selection of movies to watch under the stars. There's also candles, mood music, lanterns and a state-of-the-art telescope to "stargaze."

Cost: From $1,999 per night