Inauguration Hotel Buyouts Cost as Much as $2.7 Million

Oct. 28, 2012— -- A smattering of Washington D.C.-area hotels looking to cash in on January's inauguration are putting entire properties up for booking. But it's going to take deep pockets to buy out a hotel for the ultimate celebration.

The most expensive of the buyouts is priced at $2.7 million -- and that's for just half the hotel. But it's a big hotel. The JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. buyout includes 300 guest rooms and 8 suites, plus $800,000 worth of food and beverage. The customizable, four-night package includes a nightly inaugural keepsake; private access to a heated luxury 7,300 sq. ft. viewing gallery with crystal chandeliers and 52" HDTVs on 12th floor terrace with views of the inaugural parade and D.C. landmarks.

The hotel offered a similar buyout for President Obama's 2009 inauguration. It was purchased by Earl Stafford, a businessman who in turn offered the rooms to disadvantaged people, abused women, terminally ill patients, wounded soldiers and children of poverty.

Rand Goodman, director of sales and marketing, JW Marriott Washington, D.C. said the last inauguration "was great. Mr. Stafford purchased the package and invited individuals, who didn't have the means, to experience such a historical event. We were honored and proud to be part of something truly extraordinary."

Two Kimpton properties, D.C.'s Hotel Madera and the Morrison House in nearby Alexandria, Va., are putting their entire hotels up for sale during the four-day inauguration period.

"This is the first time we've offered a package like this – we think it's a great fit for politicians, celebrities, political organizations, or even charities," said Telesa Via City Director of Sales & Marketing. "Completely buying out a hotel allows for a high level of privacy and truly personalized service and has the added benefit of fostering a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the guests."

The Morrison House is the less expensive of the two options, 45 rooms priced at $200,000 for a four-night stay for up 90 people Jan. 18 – 22, 2013. It also includes 24-hour butler service, transportation for the group to and from Inaugural Balls, pillowcases and silk pajamas monogrammed with the personal initials of each guest and the Inauguration date, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner and drinks with a special performance by former White House pianist Robert Smith, who played for every administration from Nixon through Clinton; nightly cocktail receptions in the Library, featuring a different tasting each evening; late evening reception at the hotel each night tailored to the group preferences.

The Hotel Madera 2013 Inauguration Buyout Package includes the entire 82-room boutique hotel and personalized events for up to 164 guests. The Jan. 18 – 22, $320,000 package includes In-room welcome amenity inspired by the president-elect; a keepsake signature Kimpton animal print robe embroidered with 2013 Inauguration date; etched Riedel wine glasses with either a donkey or elephant, depending upon winning candidate; cocktail party on one evening in Firefly Restaurant, featuring a personalized signature cocktail list; breakfast daily in the restaurant; a four-course dinner with wine pairings on one evening of choice; casual dinner menu available on other nights; and an Après-Inauguration ball social with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. offers the four-day "West Wing" package geared towards a group or group of friends priced at $201,300. It includes five suites, including one luxury suite, and two deluxe rooms; butler service 12 hours a day for four days; a private Inaugural Ball for up to 75 Guests including a cocktail reception with butler passed hors d'oeuvres followed by a five-course dinner with wine pairings; flowers, live entertainment and a photographer; a $20,000 shopping spree at Bloomingdales and more.