Hotel rooms in Washington, DC are quickly being reserved as President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration nears. Reports from analytics firm STR reveal that 70% of the city’s hotel capacity is already booked for Monday’s event. Although this is below the 94% occupancy for Trump’s 2017 inauguration, tourism experts expect demand to increase.
Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, sees the growing hotel interest as a positive economic sign. “We’re waiting to see exactly what will happen in terms of short-term bookings,” Ferguson commented. He stressed that the return of visitors means more jobs and income for local businesses that have struggled in recent years.
DC getting ready for inauguration- this is famous Willard Hotel on Pa avenue pic.twitter.com/84U2s6durj
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 16, 2025
First-term inaugurations often draw larger crowds, as demonstrated by former President Barack Obama’s 97% hotel occupancy in 2009. However, his second inauguration saw bookings drop to 78%. Trump’s second inauguration mirrors this trend but still promises a substantial turnout.
Prices for accommodations have skyrocketed. The Marriott Marquis near the Washington Convention Center is offering rooms at over $1,500 per night. The Windsor Inn and The Poppy Georgetown have rates nearing $900, leaving few affordable options for visitors.
DC’s hospitality industry is banking on the influx of guests to help recover from financial losses caused by COVID-19 and the scaled-back 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden. That event had strict attendance limits due to the pandemic and increased security after the Jan. 6 protests.
An estimated 250,000 people are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, delivering a major boost to the local economy. Ferguson highlighted the significance of this event for businesses, saying, “The hotels, the restaurants — all those who actually work in hospitality are banking on people showing up.”
City officials are finalizing security measures and managing traffic control to accommodate the large number of visitors arriving for the event.
