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Inauguration Packages for Those With Their Own Mint
With Inauguration Day fast approaching, Washington hoteliers want to remind their fellow Americans that although not everyone can become president, anyone with enough cash can live like a child-of-privilege-turned-leader-of-the-Free World. Packages cost as much as $200,000 -- or half the prez's annual salary.
Here's our exclusive breakdown of the highest-end offerings:
? The Fairmont's "President for a Day" -- or rather, four days (must stay four nights between Jan. 17 and 21). Includes: Two actors posing as Secret Service agents to "guard" you during your stay, Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon "state reception" for 10 in the presidential suite, chauffeured Rolls-Royce to and from an inaugural ball, in-room massages and other salon services for "The President" and "First Lady." Price: $10,000 per night. (Still available.)
? "The Hay-Adams Inauguration Package," four nights, Jan. 19-23. Includes: Cristal champagne upon arrival, a Cadillac sedan on call 24 hours, in-room salon services for one day, presidential cuff links and a Tiffany commemorative keepsake. Price: $25,000 (sorry, this one is booked).
? The Ritz-Carlton's "Presidential Package 2005," four nights, Jan. 17-21. Includes: First-class airfare to and from Washington; a $20,000 set of luggage from Saks Fifth Avenue, packed before you travel by a hotel-supplied butler; 24-hour on-call chauffeur and personal massage therapist; "daily selection from the hotel's extensive menu of butler-drawn baths"; his and hers ballroom garb from Saks, including white gold diamond earrings and necklace; two tickets to one of the official inaugural balls -- and two weekend stays per year until Inauguration 2009. Price: $150,000 (available).
? The Mandarin Oriental's "Presidential Privilege 2005," four nights, Jan. 17-21. Includes: Private jet service to and from D.C.; guest's choice of chauffeured Maybach, Rolls-Royce or Hummer for duration of visit; a private dinner for eight guests; 20 "Washington-based movies" on DVD; daily supplies of Krug champagne and Beluga caviar; tickets to an inaugural event; designer fashions from Neiman Marcus, including (for her) an Oscar de la Renta gown, Manolo Blahnik shoes, a mink coat, and (for him) a Kiton tuxedo, David Yurman cuff links and 18-carat gold Cartier watch. And an American flag, flown over the U.S. Capitol. Price: $200,500 (still available!).
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