How Washington’s Hotels Are Readying For Inauguration: Our Favorite Luxury Packages

by McLean Robbins on

Election day has come and passed, but hotels in Washington are still racing the clock to ready their hotels for inauguration on January 20. We reported earlier on what hotels in the area are doing to freshen up, but now we’re telling you which properties are going to go all out with posh packages for guests.

Here are a few of our favorites, ranked in order of price.

Putting on the Ritz (Carlton)
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC is offering an exclusive “Access Washington” package for high-rolling guests. The $100,000 price tag includes four nights in a luxury suite, round-trip first class domestic airfare for two, a private fitting for designer inaugural wear, special behind-the-scenes tours, a cupcake decorating class from cult favorite shop Georgetown Cupcake, a one-of-a-kind diamond and ruby pin from jeweler Ann Hand, gifts each night and a special dinner, the value of which will be donated to a local charity.

More Than a Fair Deal
No expense will be spared for the Fairmont’s “President and First Lady” during their visit to Fairmont Washington, DC for inauguration. This package also tops the price list at $100,000, but includes a fair-ly awesome array of amenities, including four nights in the Presidential Suite, Fairmont Gold floor access, and two “Presidential Detail Agents” to assist and consult with guests throughout their stay. Other perks include use of a 7 series BMW with driver, a $5,000 Shopping Spree at SAKS Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase with personal shopper, champagne, and lunch, a visit to “First Ladies Exhibit at The Smithsonian,” daily in-room breakfast, in-room hair styling, a private makeup consult and application, a midnight buffet for up to 20 after any inaugural balls, and matching Rolex watches for the “President” and “First Lady.” The completely pet-friendly package also includes perks for the “first dog” if you’d like to bring along Fido or Fifi.

P.O.T.U.S Worthy Pampering
The Mandarin Oriental’s “P.O.T.U.S.” (Presiding Over The Ultimate Suite) Package ($15,000 per night) features four nights in the three-bedroom Presidential Suite, the largest suite in the city. In addition to panoramic views, guests will enjoy 24/7 butler service, house car use, a keepsake amenity, and the option to host a private dinner at CityZen, the city’s only AAA five-star restaurant, for up to 80 people.Getting Glam at the Park Hyatt
Stay in style for the weekend of inauguration at the Park Hyatt Washington, DC. The $57,000, four-night package includes four nights in the hotel’s presidential suite, daily turn-down amenities, chauffeur-driven, round-trip, airport transfers and daily sedan transportation, a private Kennedy Center tour, spa treatments, a handcrafted American rocking chair and much more. To add a fashionable element to the package, guests will enjoy a custom styling session from Saks Fifth Avenue to include clothing for the entirety of their stay as well as to personalize the room itself with a variety of home goods. Guests will also enjoy a cheese tasting party for 12 from the hotel’s cheese specialist, including wine and selected accompaniments. All meals are included for the duration of the stay, including a private chef’s table in Blue Duck Tavern for up to 12 one evening and daily in-room or restaurant breakfasts. A donation will also be made on behalf of the guest to the U.S.O.

Go A-List at AKA
Also honoring the 57th inaugural with a $57,000 package is AKA Washington DC. The over-the-top package includes occupying the entire penthouse floor with a seven-night stay in two, one-bedroom suites and two, two-bedroom suites (total occupancy of 12 people), which comes with 1,100 square-feet of outdoor terrace space to enjoy memorable views. Guests also enjoy a 24/7 on-call butler and driver, a two-hour cocktail party for up to 25 with open bar and appetizers, a fully stocked fridge and welcome grocery package, 12 robes and daily breakfast served en-suite for up to 12 people.

Presidential Style at The Jefferson
This intimate 99-room hotel is just four blocks from the White house. During the week of inauguration, The Jefferson is offering a four-night minimum stay ($950-$8,500 per night) that includes daily breakfast for two, an on-call concierge assistant, access to the Neiman Marcus satellite store in the St. Regis for evening gowns and suits and gifts including a silk and cashmere scarf, sea salt caramels and a large graphite writing quill.

[Image Credit: Mandarin Oriental Washington DC Presidential Suite Dining Room]

Birth Of A Hotel: Washington Area Hotels Primp For Inauguration

by McLean Robbins on

It isn’t just the Capella that is racing to spruce up their hotel before the 2013 inauguration. Hotels all over the nation’s capital are preparing to greet visitors with new welcome spaces, updated decor, special amenities and in-house food extravaganzas.

Inauguration is one of Washington’s biggest hotel events. In 2009, when more than one million people journeyed to the inauguration of President Obama on the National Mall, DC hotel rooms generated more than $100 million in revenue, states data from Destination DC, the city’s marketing organization. Since that time, more than $250 million has been spent to refresh or update hotels throughout the city.

Although the Capella Washington, D.C. Georgetown is the only hotel scheduled to open between the election and the inauguration, other area properties have also made efforts to step up so that guests will “elect” them for their inaugural home away from home.

More than a dozen properties are expected to be refreshed or updated in time for the inauguration. As we already know that you’ll be shelling out the big bucks (often more than $300 per night) to stay in the city during this prime time, you might want to consider those properties that have had a recent update, including:

  • W Washington DC
    This hotel just barely missed the last inauguration, opening in summer 2009. Previously the Hotel Washington, the Starwood branded hotel has played host to Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift since its reopening.
  • Avenue Suites completed nine months of renovations early this year, including its façade, lobby and patio and rebranded from the Washington Suites. The property has quickly become a local favorite, and draws a crowd at its on-site bar, A Bar.
  • Capital Hilton spent two years completing its $30 million in renovations, including a new spa, lobby and the Statler Lounge, its lobby bar. This centrally located hotel is often a popular location for inaugural events.
  • The DoubleTree by Hilton Washington finished a design of its lobby, lounge and entrance. This hotel is likely one of the more reasonably priced in the city during inauguration.

  • Embassy Suites D.C. Convention Center is in the midst of a 384-room update, as well as changes to its lobby and reception area. Conveniently located in downtown, this hotel is walking distance from many inaugural events as well as public transportation.
  • The Fairmont Washington D.C. invested $2.6 million in its function space including its meeting room and ballroom. The hotel’s proximity to posh Georgetown is a draw for many guests.
  • The Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC invested $1 million to expand and update Seasons Restaurant, a noted power breakfast spot, this year. The hotel completed a massive overhaul before the 2009 inaugural, and is likely the pre-eminent “see and be seen” spot for celebrity spotting during the 2013 inauguration.
  • The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Washington, DC was refreshed in the spring-summer of 2012 and shows off its Art Deco form to great advantage.
  • The Hay Adams transformed their rooftop deck into an enclosed private events space atop the historic Hay-Adams Hotel was so extensive that the hotel essentially added a ninth floor and a dedicated elevator. If you can attend an inaugural event here – do it.
  • The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel invested $6 million in updating its guest rooms. Conveniently located near the hill, this hotel is walking distance to the actual inauguration.
  • The Madison is the final stages of completing a $22 million revamp of its entire property, including its restaurant and guest rooms. The hotel will celebrate its 50th birthday throughout 2013. A bit “under the radar” in DC’s luxury hotel scene, this hotel hosts an annual inaugural event that is one of the city’s most coveted.
  • The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, D.C. re-opened the Promenade Ballroom, the site of presidential affairs including Calvin Coolidge’s inaugural ball. This hotel is just a few blocks from the White House.
  • The Park Hyatt Washington updated their lower level last year, and recently unveiled catering from their famed Blue Duck Tavern (where the Obamas celebrated their 17th anniversary).
  • The Renaissance Washington Downtown will finish up a multi million-dollar renovation of its 804 guest rooms by mid-October. The proximity to public transport and the ability to use your Marriott Rewards? A match made in bi-partisan heaven.
  • The Washington Hilton, whose $150 million redo wrapped up before this year, added a coffee shop – the first Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in the city – this spring. Angelenos, take note. You’re also likely to find at least one inaugural event in this hotel’s ballroom.

We’ll be bringing you lots of news about what’s happening in DC over the coming weeks and months, both as our focus property, Capella, prepares to open, and as hotels unveil their over-the-top packages and events surrounding the big day. In the meantime, remember to get out and vote tomorrow!

[Image Credit: Nick McKeta Photography]

New Website Maps The DC Area Homes Of Stars And Politicos

by Melanie Renzulli on




What do Bill Clinton, Sylvester Stallone and Sandra Bullock have in common? In fact, all three have lived in the Washington, DC, area, according to Bigwig Digs, a new website that maps the former homes of celebrities.

OK, so the term “celebrity” is used loosely here. While Hollywood stars like Bullock, Stallone, Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn have called Washington and its suburbs home, most of the stars on Bigwig Digs’ maps are government-related, from former presidents to political strategists and insiders such as Karl Rove, Rahm Emanuel and J. Edgar Hoover. But there are also musicians (Duke Ellington, Dave Grohl), journalists (Bob Woodward, David Brinkley), sports stars (Mike Tyson, Alex Ovechkin), and more.Bigwig Digs, founded by real estate news website UrbanTurf, launched on October 1 with about 80 bigwig listings, a number that they hope to grow with help from the public.

As a 20-year resident of DC, I’ll add a couple homes to the list right now: during the early Clinton years, then White House Communications Director George Stephanopoulos lived in a flat above Kramerbooks and Afterwords. Also, during the George W. Bush years, Donald Rumsfeld’s house across from the French Ambassador’s residence was a point of interest during walking tours of the Kalorama neighborhood, mostly because of the 24/7 (not so) secret security detail outside.

In addition to adding more celebrity addresses, Bigwig Digs could enhance its user interface by adding a full metropolitan DC map and neighborhood maps so users can see celebrity homes in context. But all in all, it’s a fun site to browse.

Hotel 101: So, You Want To Open A Hotel? (Part One)

by McLean Robbins on

Let’s say that one day you woke up and decided you wanted to build a hotel (hypothetically, of course). Where would you begin? What’s next? That’s the fundamental question we’ll be asking of hoteliers and hospitality experts over the course of the next few months in “The Birth of a Hotel” series on Gadling.

To illustrate our point, we’ll be following the development, from conception to opening, of Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown, a boutique luxury property in DC that will serve as the brand’s US flagship. We’ll go inside to show you the construction process, introduce you to the key players and show you not only how a hotel is built, but how a brand establishes its presence in a new market. And, to add in a little twist, we’ll showcase the hotel in its race to the finish line, as it prepares to open in time for one of DC’s biggest events – the presidential inauguration – in mid-January, 2013.

Think of the series as a hotel reality show: “How It’s Made” meets Bobby Flay’s “Three Days to Open” meets (just a little bit) of “Hotel Impossible.” Only we won’t be giving out cash prizes and we hope to keep the on-camera hissy fits to a minimum.

So let’s begin at the beginning.

“One of the biggest misconceptions people have about the hotel business is that it’s simple,” says John Hughes, Ed.D., CHE, industry veteran and the director of hospitality management and associate professor of hospitality at the York College of Pennsylvania. “It’s not.”

We’re inclined to agree.

Hotels are often a losing gamble. The hotel industry took a huge hit post 9/11 and has been slow, particularly in the luxury sector, to recover. Choosing a location that can support your endeavor is often the first and most important step.

Step One: Where Am I Building?
Capella’s decision to establish their U.S. flagship in Washington was a smart one. While New York City is often thought of as a more traditional choice to launch a brand (and, in fact, Capella manages The Setai in the city), Washington is a grounded market offering opportunity for luxury brands.

According to Smith Travel Research, Washington, DC’s overall hotel occupancy hovered around 70% in 2011, up from just 66.5% for the nation overall. Revenue, which declined in 2009, grew in 2010 and 2011, and is predicted to grow again in 2012. Supply is also growing, showing the market is expanding, although not fast enough to meet demand. Despite the recession, opportunities in the luxury market remain high in Washington.

Step Two: Show Me The Money.
Hotels aren’t cheap – the 49-room Capella Washington will cost about $45 million, The Washington Business Journal estimated. In comparison, Donald Trump will open a $200 million, 250+ room hotel in a historic post office in 2016, and $547 million, 1,200 room Marriott Marquis is currently under construction.

Capella Washington will be a privately owned hotel, property of Castleton Hotel Partners, LLC. Capella Hotels and Resorts will manage the property, but does not have an ownership investment in it.

Step Three: What Am I Building?
There are many opportunities to build hotels at any level of service in the DC market. This year, 23 hotels are currently in the development pipeline in Washington, adding to those 121 properties and 28,000 hotel rooms in DC proper and more than 660 properties and 106,000 rooms in the greater Washington Metropolitan Region.

In contrast, 379 hotels comprising 38,909 rooms opened in the United States in 2011, STR data showed. New York’s pipeline exceeds Washington’s only slightly, with 172 hotels in development.

Step Four: What Flag Do You Fly?

Hotels can be owned by an individual, a management firm or a brand. Many names, such as Marriott, Four Seasons and Hilton, are primarily management companies – they often don’t own the hotels they operate, instead securing multi-year management contracts. Others choose to operate as independent properties. Around 70% of US hotels are branded, STR data shows.

Ownership groups, which often have multiple brands at differing levels within their portfolio, spend significant time weighing the pluses and minuses of each.

Capella Washington managing partner Bruce Bradley says that he believes Capella represents a high-quality product that is not in any way standardized, instead melding to fit the country or city the property is located in.

In terms of popularity, IHG or InterContinental Hotels Group, is the largest hotel brand worldwide, with over 650,000 rooms and more than 4,500 hotels worldwide. You may not know IHG, but chances are you’ve heard of their properties: Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Crowne Plaza, as well as their more upscale or boutique brands, InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Even and Hualuxe. Each brand has unique selling points.

Names like Marriott (which also owns Ritz-Carlton, Autograph Collection, Bulgari and Edition) and Starwood (St. Regis, Westin, and W) are also in the top ten. Capella, in contrast, has just five open properties, with four more to come by 2014. Only one, The Setai, is currently open in the United States.

Nick Gregory, general manager of boutique brand Kimpton‘s newest property, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, says that a brand name can have distinct advantages, ranging from corporate structure to a deeper talent pool to economies of scale on the sales side. The lessons learned from previous mistakes can also be valuable. And, of course, brand recognition doesn’t hurt.

Bradley agrees. The ability to cross-market and leverage Capella’s strong client base in a global capital like Washington was an important part of the decision-making process.

Many more properties operate without branded names – for various reasons. “We like to start with a blank slate,” said Abigal Tan, Director of Corporate Affairs and International Investments for London-based St. Giles Hotels. Currently, the company is renovating The Tuscany, a former Starwood property.

“I’m very hands-on,” says Hank Fried, President of The Impulsive Group, a New York-based ownership and management firm that operates, among others, independent luxury property the Sanctuary near Times Square. The freedoms afforded by eschewing a corporate brand let him incorporate the best of his travels and experience in hotels into his properties. Operating as an independent “lends itself to a much more family friendly hotel – everything is a little bit warmer,” he says.

Step Five: Where Do We Go From Here?
Think you’re ready to invest in a hotel? We’re just getting started. Next, we’ll begin the marketing, development and planning phase. Find this, and more, in the next installment of the series.

“The Birth of a Hotel” is a Gadling-exclusive series that details what happens as a hotel prepares to open. Follow along with the articles and updates at “The Birth Of A Hotel” page, here. We’d also love to hear from you, our readers. If you have a topic about hotel development or trends that you’d love to see explored, email us or leave a comment, below.

The Birth Of A Hotel: The Beginning

by McLean Robbins on




Welcome to “The Birth of a Hotel,” Gadling’s first-ever series on what it takes to build a hotel from the ground up. For the next four months, we’ll be discussing how a hotel is developed and opened, from the initial stages of financing to the economic impact of a new hotel on a community.

We’ll go inside to learn about how staffers are trained, how a hotel’s brand is chosen, where those fancy bath amenities and crazy shower heads are selected, speaking with people ranging from the concierge to the executive chef and everyone in between.

It’s an exciting series for Gadling, and we’ll be giving readers the first glimpse of the soon-to-open Capella Washington hotel, the luxury brand Capella’s new flagship property. Many thanks to Capella for allowing us insider access so we can photograph, tweet and talk about a real-life example in the series.

Expect to see an article just about every week on some aspect of the hotel development process, all tagged with the handy “Birth of a Hotel” label. We welcome what interests you about the hotel world too, so please feel free to email or leave comments on topics you’d like covered in the series.

We look forward to keeping you entertained and informed over the coming months! Remember, you can always bookmark this link to follow along with the series.