
Washington, DC is preparing for a surge of visitors ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, with hotel bookings already at 70% capacity, according to analytics firm STR. Although this figure trails the 94% occupancy recorded during Trump’s 2017 inauguration, local officials are optimistic that last-minute reservations will push the numbers higher.
Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, highlighted the growing interest in the event. “People are still interested in coming, and we’re seeing more and more momentum from hotels,” he stated. Ferguson also stressed how vital the event is for the local economy, noting that the influx of visitors brings significant economic benefits through increased spending in hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
DC getting ready for inauguration- this is famous Willard Hotel on Pa avenue pic.twitter.com/84U2s6durj
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 16, 2025
Inaugurations for first-term presidents typically draw larger crowds, which explains why Trump’s first inauguration and former President Barack Obama’s 2009 ceremony reached 94% and 97% hotel occupancy, respectively. Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 saw a decline in hotel bookings, dropping to 78%.
As demand rises, hotel prices have skyrocketed. The Marriott Marquis near the Washington Convention Center is charging more than $1,500 per night, with only a few rooms remaining. Smaller hotels, such as The Windsor Inn and The Poppy Georgetown, are offering rooms for nearly $900 per night, reflecting the intense demand surrounding the event.
DC’s hospitality industry is eager to recover from the economic struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the scaled-back 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden. Strict health measures and heightened security following the Jan. 6 protests led to limited attendance, impacting local businesses that typically benefit from large-scale events.
This year, about 250,000 ticketed guests are expected to attend the inauguration. Ferguson emphasized the importance of this turnout, saying, “The hotels, the restaurants — all those who actually work in hospitality are banking on people showing up. We’re really, really optimistic.”
The city is bracing for road closures and heightened security measures as it welcomes the large influx of visitors for the highly anticipated event.