D.C. hotels pledge to pamper inauguration guests
From Evan Glass
CNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Supporters of President Bush will be bringing their own fanfare and enthusiasm when they flock to Washington in January for inaugural festivities, but they'll also be generating much excitement for D.C. hoteliers, who promise to pamper anyone willing to pay.
Several of Washington's leading hotels have put together packages catering to inauguration attendees, ranging from a lavish $150,000 stay at the Ritz-Carlton to a more modest $5,000 visit to the Hotel Monaco.
The Ritz-Carlton package includes travel on a private jet, a new set of Louis Vuitton luggage, a personal butler and massage therapist, two tickets to one of the inaugural balls and an Hermes tie and scarf for him and her each month through the next inauguration.
"We expect anyone who purchases this is a Washington-insider type -- a person or couple who wants to have the ultimate experience of an inaugural in Washington, D.C.," said Colleen Evans, a Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman.
Just down the road from the Ritz, the indulgences continue at The Fairmont hotel, which is offering a $10,000-per-day package that will land you in the Presidential Suite, which will be stocked with Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon. Also included is a Rolls-Royce with a personal driver and two bodyguards acting like Secret Service agents.
"Aside from this special package, we'll have nightly-themed amenities for all our guests," said Fairmont spokeswoman Diana Bulger. "It'll be a fun time for any guests who stay with us at inaugural time."
According to the D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation, more than 100,000 people are expected to travel to Washington and spend close to $75 million on the four days of events, which include the swearing-in ceremony, the parade and the lavish galas.
"It's our Super Bowl," quipped Bill Hanbury, the corporation's CEO.
For inaugural attendees worried their accommodations simply won't stack up against the best, there's little need to worry. The Ritz-Carlton has only sold one of its inaugural packages, which they began offering in 1988 for $15,000.
"We only sold one, in 1988," Evans admitted. "We came very close to selling one the last inaugural to a couple from Mexico City, who saw it on CNN."
Revelers with tighter wallets can take ease knowing that many other hotels in downtown Washington have rooms available for around $300-$400 a night. Many hotels are already full.
Hanbury noted that amid all the ritzy parties and elegant hotels, the core parts of the inaugural weekend are free. "It's important to us that these public events be available to the public, to folks who aren't the elite part of the Republican Party, but American citizens who want to partake in American democracy," he said.
Complimentary tickets to the swearing-in can be requested from members of Congress.
