As Washington D.C. gets ready to celebrate Inauguration Day on Monday, the political and the powerful are flocking to the District’s best hotels to enjoy unforgettable packages. While a president might be inaugurated twice in his lifetime, these six hotels have crafted once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their inauguration-weekend guests:
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star boutique hotel boasts the biggest inauguration bundle in town — a $201,300 group package that reserves two floors in the hotel’s private West Wing. Also included: 24-hour butler service, special inauguration amenities each night, a one-of-a-kind necklace by local designer Dina Mackney, a $20,000 shopping spree at Bloomingdale’s and an inaugural ball (with a five-course meal) for up to 75 guests.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.
Not to be outdone by its Georgetown sister, Ritz-Carlton’s Four-Star Foggy Bottom hotel is home to a $100,000 Access Washington package for two that includes a four-night stay; round-trip, first-class airfare; and special access to the Capitol, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Treasury and Arlington National Cemetery. Access Washington guests will also enjoy a private cupcake-decorating party at Georgetown Cupcake, a style session at Saks Fifth Avenue, an inaugural watch party at the Newseum and plenty of other presidential perks.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
The Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.’s $15,000-per-night inauguration package is code-named “POTUS,” or “Presiding Over The Ultimate Suite.” For four nights, two lucky guests will stay in the hotel’s 3,500-square-foot presidential suite while enjoying 24-hour butler service, use of the house car and a VIP gift. Their presidential perch offers panoramic views of the city, from the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial.
With a prime Pennsylvania Avenue address along the inaugural parade route, the view from the Four-Star Willard InterContinental can’t be beat. The view of the hotel is impressive, too; outside, red, white and blue bunting and hundreds of flags will set a patriotic scene. Inauguration packages include a four-night stay (deluxe rooms start at $1,149 per night) and an inaugural viewing party with an open bar and appetizers. The hotel will also give out themed take-home amenities each night, and the concierge team will see to guests’ every whim — even if it means finding a Learjet to get them from their homes to an inaugural ball on time. (Yes, this happens.)
Those booking an inauguration package at the historic Four-Star Jefferson, Washington, DC have three fabulous options when it comes to accommodations: a classic room (starting at $799 per night), the Tiffany-blue Martha Jefferson Suite (starting at $6,000) or the balcony-bedecked Thomas Jefferson Presidential Suite (starting at $8,500). Every package comes with on-call concierge service, access to Neiman Marcus gowns and suits, breakfast in the Greenhouse and daily gifts. Stop by The Jefferson’s Quill for a taste of its limited-edition, bourbon-based Presidential cocktail.
There are three swearing-in packages at this stately Four-Star hotel off of Dupont Circle, but those looking for extravagance are reserving the Historical Inauguration Package. Starting at $6,999, it includes four nights in a suite, daily breakfasts, a six-course inaugural dinner in 2100 Prime with wine pairings, and private tours that include a nighttime monument drive and a picnic at Mt. Vernon. The cherry on top? An inauguration gift bag, of course.
Photos Courtesy of Intercontinental Hotel Group, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
