Last-Minute Rooms Still Open As Hotels Prepare For Inauguration Day
That's the view from room 604 at the Hay-Adams Hotel where President Elect Barack Obama is currently staying.
We're just over a week away from Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration, and despite dire predictions to the contrary, there are still rooms available for the big party. As of January 7th (the most recent day for which statistics are available), there were 627 rooms available at 32 properties in the district proper with an average rate of $788 a night, according to Destination DC.
If you're willing to stay further out (within 400 miles of the city), there is an average rate of $199 a night at the 11,627 rooms available at 307 properties. But really, who wants to stay 400 miles from the center of the action? That's a loooooooong post-inaugural ball commute.
If you've booked outside the city but are having second thoughts, consider moving to a room at one of Marriott's downtown properties. The hotel chain has announced that the Marriott at Metro Center and the Mayflower Renaissance have available rooms starting at $799 for a three night stay (still less than your average Craigslist rental). Destination DC, the city's tourism authority, has been keeping track of availability and will assist those looking to book a last-minute trip via their toll-free hotline 1-800-422-8644.
And now, what are hotels doing to prepare for the great Obama influx? We spoke to Heather Shaw Menis at the Liason Hotel on Capitol Hill: "It's an all-hands-on-deck situation. We're setting up cots for staff to stay on overnight in the event that it's too hard for them to get back and forth from their homes."
In addition, their concierge has contacted every guest ahead of time to assist in securing airport transfers as well as transportation to and from events. Because of road closures, Metro crowding, and the scarcity of taxis, the hotel is recommending that guests consider booking car service to and from balls and other engagements.
What are you doing to prepare for your trip the inauguration? Are there any last-minute Jaunted members out there looking to book a trip? Let us know in comments below.
Related Stories:
· Sail To The Chief: Inauguration Transportation Options [Jaunted]
· Inauguration Hotels coverage [HC]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: CourtneyMay]
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