Between 4 million and 5 million visitors are expected to visit Washington during the four-day inaugural celebration next month. You may be one of the fortunate ones who've snagged accommodations at one of the area's best luxury hotels, which are offering special packages for the inauguration bash:
The Ritz-Carlton's Politically Correct Package: This package, priced at a cool $50,000, mixes luxury with philanthropy, which is a good thing if you're trying to justify spending that much dough during a recession. A portion of the proceeds will go to a charity of the guest's choice. For four nights, guests will stay in a luxury suite; have access to a 24-hour, on-call chauffeur in a luxury hybrid vehicle; be outfitted in a designer dress or luxury tuxedo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue; and receive a "Heart of the Nation" pendant, which retails for $8,000. More important, the package includes seating at the inaugural parade, two tickets to the official inaugural ball, and—my favorite—a private dinner for two specially prepared by chef Eric Ripert.
The Fairmont Eco-Inaugural Package: This ecoconscious package, priced at $40,000, includes four-night accommodations in a two-bedroom suite that's designed with organic materials and rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo. The package includes personal use of a Lexus LS 600h L hybrid vehicle (with driver), organic spa treatments, a custom-tailored ball gown by designer Linda Loudermilk, two personal butlers, and a midnight organic supper. To top it all off, a $2,000 donation will be made to the National Geographic Society.
The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel's Ultimate Presidential Package: This hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is offering the $51,000 Ultimate Presidential package, which includes a three-night stay in the hotel's Presidential or Mayflower suite; limo service; an in-room massage for two; Dom Perignon champagne with Baccarat toasting flutes from Tiffany & Co.; 24-hour butler service; and inaugural garb from Burberry.
Mandarin Oriental Presidential Privilege Package: For $200,500, guests will receive four-night accommodations in the hotel's presidential suite, which has pretty amazing views of the city's monuments. This package isn't as ecofriendly as the other packages, but it includes private jet service to and from Washington on Blue Star Jets and a chauffeur-driven Maybach, Rolls-Royce, or Hummer. Guests will also receive a private five-course dinner party prepared by chef Eric Ziebold and sommelier Christopher Hile, spa treatments, designer fashions from Neiman Marcus, a makeover from Chanel, complimentary pressing of formal attire, and, of course, tickets to the inaugural event.
Tell me: If you're hoping to visit Washington for the historic event, where are you planning on staying?
On a side note, please make a pit stop at Lussorian, a great resource that focuses on the most luxurious private residences and accessories worldwide. The site also provides excellent tips on how you can live the luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank.
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John Lee of IN 8:33AM January 19, 2009