The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.
Photo Courtesy of DC Cap Hotelier LLC
There’s no shame in wanting to escape this election season’s mayhem, so you might as well do it in style. A handful of hotels is smoothing out the road to the White House with some fun, witty specials. Go ahead and book your getaway today before seeing how everything turns out on November 8.
The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.
This stately Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property is just four blocks from the White House and is named after our country’s third president, so head here if you’re looking to stay somewhere with some deep American roots. While you’re at it, study the hotel’s D.C. Inauguration Syllabus, a fun refresher on our country’s history.
Just a quick perusal of the guide and you’ll learn who added the Oval Office to the White House (William Howard Taft) and which spouse disliked the term “First Lady” (Jackie Kennedy). Finish two of five sections and you’ll score a glass of bubbly at Quill, the hotel’s refined bar, where you’ll find parquet flooring modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s designs for his Monticello home.
If you want to make your history lesson even more fun, our vote is for you to be a part of the 2017 Jefferson Experience. This year-long celebration — the winter stay includes four nights in the Presidential Suite and a private dinner for 10; in the spring, you’ll rest in the Nature Suite and go zip-lining; come summer, you’ll sleep in the Butterfly Suite and have a spa party for four; and next fall, expect a two-night stint in the Wine Suite and a day of vino sipping in Virginia wine country — may cost $80,000, but everyone in D.C. agrees that memories created from it will be truly priceless.
Rosewood Washington, D.C.’s The Rye Bar, Photo Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts LLC
Rosewood Washington, D.C.
This hotel in the nation’s capital knows how to toe both party lines: lunch guests at its sophisticated American restaurant, The Grill Room, can indulge in prix fixe specials that feature dishes from traditionally Republican and Democratic states. For instance, the red side of the menu has a Texas-style pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast, and the blue side has Maine lobster salad — both are good enough to have you reaching across the aisle.
And if this election season really has you needing a drink (or two), order one of three specialty cocktails at The Grill Room or at The Rye Bar. Our pick? The Thyme to Decide, made with gin, honey syrup, lemon juice and blackberries.
Willard InterContinental
Despite the heated battle lines, come January, we will have a new president, and this historic Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue is taking advantage of its “Residence of Presidents” nickname with the Stay Like a President promotion.
Available January 17 to 21, the special includes a host of supremely luxurious amenities and has a price to match: $450,000 for four nights in one of four Presidential Suites. Some of the POTUS-approved perks include round-trip airfare on a private jet, lunch with Larry King (he’s interviewed five sitting presidents), a five-course private dinner for eight people that includes wine pairings of specially selected vintages and private limo transportation around town.
The Watergate Hotel
For a hotel with a sordid political history, The Watergate Hotel is an intriguing option. After being closed for about a decade, the infamous address marks the inauguration with its Unapologetically Presidential Package, which gives you the head of state treatment.
Aside from overnight accommodations, you’ll get a half day at the spa (indulging in a 90-minute massage and a facial), custom monogrammed robes with a special 2017 inauguration logo, champagne and caviar, a whiskey and cigar turndown service (along with a pair of Christofle whiskey glasses), priority use of the chic hotel’s house car and a photographer to document your whole trip.
The Spa at Condado Vanderbilt, Photo Courtesy of Condado Vanderbilt
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
The name of this Four-Star Puerto Rico resort’s campaign-themed package says it all — the Vote to Escape special grants you a chance to jet out of town when the political warfare at home is just too much to take. Escapees will get splashy accommodations, two American breakfasts, a party-centric cocktail at Ola Restaurant, 20 percent off a red or blue LED facial at Four-Star Spa at Condado Vanderbilt and a few special snacks, too.
Use your time away from the D.C. noise to relax by the oceanside infinity pool and stroll the streets of San Juan, where the nearly 100-year-old, storied hotel stands.
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Need to bone up on the most pressing political issues? This Four-Star hotel in Arlington, Virginia, comes to your aid. The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City partners with the Washington, D.C. Newseum for its Presidential Inauguration Celebration package January 18 to 21.
You’ll receive a pair of VIP passes to the Newseum’s 2017 Presidential Inauguration Celebration Experience. There, enjoy a day of sipping cocktails and noshing on dishes by Wolfgang Puck Catering (no one said that learning couldn’t be tasty); exclusive programming with journalists and newsmakers who will discuss the election and issues; all-access passes to the Newseum’s theaters, galleries and special exhibits; and gallery talks with Newseum curators. The museum also will give you panoramic views of the inaugural parade.
Of course, as part of the deal, the Ritz-Carlton will provide suite accommodations, club access, daily breakfast and a GoPro camera to capture all of the political festivities.
