Inauguration Day Hotel Rates Hit $1,500 Per Night

Those who want to visit Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump can expect to spend a lot of money on their accommodations. According to the latest survey conducted by CheapHotels.org, hotel rates are reaching record heights in the nation’s capital for Inauguration Day.

Most hotels are already completely booked, or have blocked their remaining rooms from booking by websites. According to the survey, about 10 percent of hotels in central Washington are still offering available rooms for January 20, 2017, the day Trump will be sworn in as America’s 45th president. On average, they are charging guests rates that are 367 higher than usual (compared to the same week last year).

Some hotels are hiking up their rates by a lot more than that.

One such example is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar. Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from Dupont Circle, the Kimpton is charging $1419 for a room on Inauguration Day. That figure represents an increase of more than 800% compared to its regular rates. An even bigger price gouger is the Liaison Hotel Capitol Hill, which is located just three blocks from the United States Capitol Building. It is charging guests $1,549 for a room, a price tag that is almost ten times (or 1000%) more than the typical weekend rate at the hotel.

Virtually all hotels in central Washington D.C. will cost visitors at least $500 per night. A few relative bargains still exist, however, if the traveler is willing to stay 20-30 miles away. The cheapest available room at that distance is about $100.

“Never have hotel rates been pricier in the history of Washington, D.C.,” said Barbara Adams of CheapHotels.org. “So attendees will have to spend even slightly more than for Obama’s inaugurations in 2009 and 2013.”

The full survey is at: http://www.cheaphotels.org/press/inauguration-day.html

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