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The hospitality community in the nation’s capital is preparing for the inauguration of the 47th president on 20 January 2025. This will be the first presidential inauguration the public is allowed to attend since 2017.

Hotels, restaurants, and attractions in neighbourhoods across the city are offering inauguration-related packages, menus, exhibits and tours. As the official destination marketing organisation for the nation’s capital, Destination DC is showcasing this information in a variety of ways, serving as a free resource for potential visitors in the planning process.

U.S Capital Building

Resources:

  • Travellers can find comprehensive information at washington.org/inauguration, including a calendar of events, hotel deals, suggestions for experiencing free (and almost free) presidential history, acclaimed dining and signature DC dishes. An inauguration FAQ will be updated as details, including street closures, are announced.
  • Relevant content makes Destination DC’s website a key tool for those planning a trip to the nation’s capital, with presidential experiences, Oval Office-vetted restaurants, a three-day presidential itinerary, free ways to pay tribute to American history and heritage and more.
  • Inspirational content and important information will be conveyed via Destination DC’s social media channels, including Instagram (@visitwashingtondc), Facebook (@washingtondc) and TikTok (@VisitDC).
  • Visitor services representatives are available via Destination DC’s information line (800-422-8644), staffed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.
  • Local businesses, residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for alerts at alert.dc.gov and refer to inauguration.dc.gov for emergency preparedness.

Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown

Hotel Packages:

  • Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – First Family Inauguration Package
    Lavish package includes roundtrip airfare for four people and their pet from anywhere in the U.S., four nights in the new 2,150 square foot Georgetown Suite, two butlers, USD$25,000 shopping spree at SAKS 5th Avenue, in-room hair and makeup, transportation from all inaugural events, signature cocktail in guest’s name, personal photographer, chef-prepared meals and more. Priced at USD$350,000.
  • The Hay-Adams – Presidential Inauguration Package
    Special welcome amenity upon arrival and inauguration keepsake.
  • JW Marriott Washington, DC – Sky-High Suite Experience
    An exclusive suite for three nights with access to the 12th floor terrace above the inauguration parade route, private in-suite curated dinner for eight, nightly keepsake amenities and roundtrip airport transportation. Priced at USD$20,000.

The Mayflower Hotel

  • Kimpton George – Inaugural Retreat Package
    Custom welcome amenity, inauguration keepsake gift, late check out.
  • Kimpton Monaco – Inaugural Escape Package
    Accommodations in the Robert Mills suite, featuring a corner bedroom, living room and bathroom with 72” deep soaking claw foot tub, VIP turndown service, custom welcome amenity, inauguration 2025 keepsake gift and late check out.
  • Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection – Curated Legacy Suite
    Celebrating 100 years in 2025, the Mayflower’s package includes a private dinner for two, roundtrip airport transportation and accommodations in the reimagined Legacy Suite, which includes a library of books written by famous guests. Priced at USD$25,000.

  • Riggs DC – Inauguration Package
    Luxurious four-night stay in a two-bedroom Riggs Suite, private gathering at the Dishonesty Bar with unique cocktails and canapés and an exclusive watch event for up to 30 guests with champagne, caviar, Silver Lyan Experience Bar and a martini and oyster bar. Priced at USD$50,000.
  • Royal Sonesta-Capitol Hill – Inauguration VIP Experience Package
    Premium accommodations in Presidential or Spa suites, dedicated butler service, exclusive welcome reception, inauguration themed welcome gift and amenities, private watch party and dinner for four on inauguration night at Certo.
  • Salamander DC – Exclusive 2025 Inauguration package
    Stay in the new 3,520 square foot Presidential Suite, with panoramic views, two bedrooms, a dining room, office, media rooms and marble bathrooms. Roundtrip luxury airport transfers, culinary and beverage indulgences, a rejuvenating spa day for up to six guests and 24-hour private butler service. Starts at USD$244,700.
  • Watergate Hotel – Head of State Package
    Extravagant package includes a stay in the Presidential Suite, transportation in a BLADE helicopter and daily chauffeur in an armored Maybach. Starts at USD$73,500.
  • Westin DC Downtown – Celebrate 47 in Comfort and Style
    Presidential suite and four deluxe guest rooms for three nights, in-suite inauguration watch party and champagne brunch for eight, keepsake monogrammed terrycloth robes with No. 47, welcome basket, USD$500 credit to hotel’s restaurant, Root and Vine. Priced at USD$35,000.
  • More hotel deals here.

Inauguration Day 2025:

  • Inauguration Day begins with a swearing-in ceremony at noon, continues with a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and ends with official inaugural balls that will be confirmed by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
  • Special events are planned throughout the city, including unofficial ticketed balls that are open to the public. Destination DC will share event details and practical considerations as they are announced.
  • The election certification (6 January) and inauguration (20 January) are designated National Special Security Events, which means the U.S. Secret Service leads a detailed security operation in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department and many others.

Things to do in DC:
Travellers will find exciting new developments, including the NoMa/Union Market, Wharf and Capitol Riverfront neighborhoods. New and updated hotels include the Salamander DC, Royal Sonesta-Capitol Hill and the city’s first Arlo. Acclaimed chefs and restauranteurs continue to inflame DC’s world-class culinary scene. New and upcoming openings include Dōgon (Kwame Onwuachi), Arrels (Pepe Moncayo), Press Club (Will Patton, Devin Kennedy) and Osteria Mozza (Stephen Starr, Nancy Silverton).

New and free attractions include a striking centerpiece to the National World War I Memorial and “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” a cutting-edge educational experience one block from the Executive Mansion. The Folger Shakespeare Library and National Museum of Women in the Arts have undergone top-to-bottom renovations in the past year.

Local museums and attractions are expected to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with special programming on and leading up to 20January.

The giant pandas are set to make their long-awaited debut to the public four days after inauguration, 24 January, making the Smithsonian’s National Zoo the only place in the U.S. to see them for free. There are 19 citywide conventions planned in 2025, generating more than 340,000 total room nights, with an additional 52 scheduled over the next three years. Major events on the horizon include WorldPride (17 May to 8 June 2025), the FIFA Club World Cup (Summer 2025) and America’s 250th anniversary in 2026