Are You Traveling to Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration?by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 06 Mar 2008 11:47 PM If so good luck trying to get a hotel room... Actually, there is some good news on the lodging front, though if you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. during inauguration week there are a few things you should keep in mind... First, if you have not solidified your travel plans you need to do so ASAP. Many hotels in the D.C. area are already booked. Sure, the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2009, is a year away, and the guest of honor is still unknown, but that certainly hasn't stopped travelers from making sure they won't be left out in the cold when history is made. Between the official balls and the hundreds of other related events business in the District is expected to spike regardless of which party wins. For example, managers at Washington, D.C.'s Marriott Wardman Park Hotel say they have sold all 1,340 rooms during the four-day inaugural period at $350 to $400 a night, and that's in addition to hosting a pre-inaugural bash for 2,000 revelers. You'll have better luck if you plan to stay at D.C.'s Hilton Garden Inn. As of this week the hotel still had a handful of rooms available during inauguration week. Another bit of good news is that the D.C. area will have slightly more than 28,000 rooms ready for occupancy by next January, due to new construction and existing renovations, which should be complete by the end of this year. According to local Visitor and Convention Bureau workers, 126 rooms are currently under construction while another 1,000 are being renovated at the St. Regis, Donovan House, Liaison and Jefferson hotels. In addition, the D.C. area will see a lodging boost once the 2,000-room, 300-acre Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center opens next month. It is located eight miles south of the city along the Potomac River in Maryland. The resort boasts 470,000 square feet of convention space and according to managers, it has already has been booked for a January 19, 2009 gala for 25,000. Another option is to seek out hotels that are offering special inauguration travel packages. The Ritz-Carlton Washington is offering a Politically Correct package, which includes four nights in the presidential suite; use of a hybrid limo, organic toiletries and linens; a gourmet all-organic dinner for two; and an outing for 20 people to serve dinner at a shelter for homeless women. A portion of the approximate price tag of $50,000 will be donated to charity. Related Articles: Visiting Washington, D.C.'s Most Popular Museums Hawaii's "Not So Famous" Military Memorials National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Pearl Harbor: An Unforgettable Trip Visiting Pearl Harbor's Newest Attraction More Educational Vacation Destinations Family Friendly Attractions in Baltimore More Of Maryland's Top Family Friendly Attractions Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags D.C., hotels, maryland, presidential inauguration, Washington Discuss this article
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