Trump’s Upcoming Inauguration Sparks Hotel Price Surge In DC

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office, Washington DC is seeing a significant spike in hotel bookings. New data from analytics firm STR shows that 70% of the city’s hotel rooms are already reserved ahead of Monday’s inauguration. While this is lower than the 94% hotel occupancy during Trump’s 2017 inauguration, tourism officials believe bookings will continue to climb.

Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, emphasized how vital this influx of visitors is for the local economy. “People are still interested in coming, and we’re seeing more and more momentum from hotels,” Ferguson stated. He explained that the event could bring significant financial benefits for businesses across the city.

Hotel prices have skyrocketed due to the surge in demand. A room at the Marriott Marquis near the Washington Convention Center is listed at over $1,500 per night, with very few rooms remaining. Smaller hotels like The Windsor Inn and The Poppy Georgetown are offering rooms for around $900 per night, making accommodations costly for travelers.

Historically, first-term inaugurations attract larger crowds than second terms. Former President Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 filled 97% of DC hotels, but his second in 2013 saw occupancy drop to 78%. Trump’s second inauguration appears to follow this trend but is still drawing a considerable crowd.

The hospitality industry in DC is eager to rebound after several challenging years. President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration was heavily scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions and increased security following the Jan. 6 protests. That limited event had a devastating impact on local businesses that depend on large gatherings.

Roughly 250,000 ticketed guests are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, offering a much-needed economic boost. Ferguson expressed optimism, saying, “The hotels, the restaurants — all those who actually work in hospitality are banking on people showing up.”

Security preparations and road closures are underway as DC braces for large crowds and high-profile events tied to the inauguration.