Washington Hotel Prepares for Inauguration with 'Tweetbar,' Obama-Themed Amenities
Looking for the perfect present for a presidential history buff this holiday season? The Ritz-Carlton in Washington's Dupont Circle has just the thing - but it will cost you a pretty penny.
With packages starting at $1,095 per night, guests staying over inauguration weekend can enjoy a four-night program featuring the extravagant tastes of presidents past and present.
Each night has new activities and amenities. On Friday, guests are welcomed with pillow cases with an inauguration seal, a picture of the president in an edible chocolate frame and a Saks Fifth Avenue wine cork. Dine on black and white macaroni and cheese with white cheddar and black truffles in the West End Bistro to celebrate the black and white themed night.
Saturday, take away two engraved wine goblets, specialty cheeses, and wines from two vineyards with connections to Thomas Jefferson. While there are no wines from Jefferson's Monticello estate, Jefferson originally designed the home on the land where Octagon wines are produced. The second wines come from Jefferson Vineyards, which use land Jefferson sold to a grape grower before the American Revolution.
Day three prepares guests for the next day's festivities with an inauguration survival kit, including a coffee tumbler and signature blue shawl. Adults can relax in the lounge that night with whiskey, while the little ones can read Obama's children's book in their room.
While many of the features are distinctly Obama-inspired, these ideas have been in the works for almost a year. That means that up until Nov. 6, there was a Romney-themed selection of festivities on the table, too.
On the day of the inaugural ceremony, D.C. Central Kitchen pairs up with the the Ritz-Carlton to bake guests cookies inspired by first lady Michelle Obama's recipe.
Each morning, guests can start the day with a spritz of cologne or perfume selected to match the scent of a past president or first lady, and every night visit a Twitter bar complete with specially-prepared "tweetinis," sharing their experience using the hashtag #RCInauguration.
But why exclude the kids and in-laws from this historic event? For just $201,300, a family or other group can reserve a block of suites and guest rooms at the hotel. The complete inaugural package includes transportation to and from the hotel, a private tour of the city, a $35,000 inauguration pin, a trip to the popular Georgetown Cupcake - line-free - to design your own cupcake, which the shop will feature on Inauguration Day and a view for two of the inauguration from the Newseum, several blocks from the Capitol.
None of these packages, however, includes a ticket to the inauguration itself.