Thinking about coming to Washington, DC for the
Inauguration? If yes, it’s time to commit to
hotel decisions....even though the election is still about 50 days away!
If you’re very lucky, you might be able to find hotel rooms, the
day after the presidential election results are in, but....if you're reading this now...and are planning to attend Inaug, and don't have a place to stay yet...it's really time to consider options, and what you can realistically afford to pay.
In August, WJLA-TV did a news segment on hotels for the
Inauguration. A month ago, they reported
that hotels are running out quickly and options are expensive. At that time, the Ritz Carlton
Georgetown was selling for $1,000/night for a standard room, with $1,995 the rate
for a suite. Actually, those rates are not bad for the Ritz Carleton
Georgetown.
As I write this today, we found a few good hotels, that still have rooms available, in the $500-$600/night range, a good rate for sold-out weeks in DC. Further, with the average hotel room rate increase of 4% this year, a $600/night hotel room in DC....is...not really unusual and not bad....at.....all! ...(The good news is that rising hotel rates reflect our economic recovery...)
As I write this today, we found a few good hotels, that still have rooms available, in the $500-$600/night range, a good rate for sold-out weeks in DC. Further, with the average hotel room rate increase of 4% this year, a $600/night hotel room in DC....is...not really unusual and not bad....at.....all! ...(The good news is that rising hotel rates reflect our economic recovery...)
Planit Meetings appreciates the dilemma: to book now, to
ensure securing rooms within striking distance of Cap Hill, and the Inaug
parade and parties, that don't cost quite an arm and leg….But what if one's candidate doesn’t win and one is stuck?
The other issue....How far
away from DC does one have to go to find affordable hotel rooms? Remember that
all the schools and groups marching in the parade, the Dem and GOP groups, the special interests, the
states groups etc. have long booked the best, closest-in options. The metro and driving gridlock for the last election was pretty tough.
Most hotels have decided their Inauguration rates, but some
are still waiting to post their rates and policies.
This is the in-general Inauguration hotel deal:
·
Most hotels have four night minimum stay
requirements;
·
Most hotels are pre-pay, or 50% deposit, at time
reservations are made;
·
Most hotels, for the Inauguration, are non-refundable, non-cancelable
My prognostications: balmy, sunny weather for Inauguration 2013!
