
Washington, DC is witnessing a sharp rise in hotel reservations as President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches. New data from the analytics firm STR shows that 70% of the city’s hotel rooms are already booked. While this figure is lower than the 94% occupancy rate seen during Trump’s 2017 inauguration, local officials expect more last-minute bookings.
Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, noted the growing interest in the event. “People are still interested in coming, and we’re seeing more and more momentum from hotels,” he said. Ferguson emphasized the positive impact this event has on the local economy, pointing out how important visitors are for creating jobs and boosting business for hotels, restaurants and other local services.
DC getting ready for inauguration- this is famous Willard Hotel on Pa avenue pic.twitter.com/84U2s6durj
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 16, 2025
Historically, inaugurations for first-term presidents attract larger crowds. Former President Barack Obama saw a 97% hotel occupancy rate during his 2009 inauguration, but that number fell to 78% for his second term in 2013. While Trump’s second inauguration isn’t matching his first in hotel bookings, it’s still drawing a large crowd.
Hotel prices are soaring as the event nears. A night at the Marriott Marquis near the Washington Convention Center is priced at more than $1,500, with only a few rooms left. The Windsor Inn and The Poppy Georgetown are charging close to $900 per night, reflecting the strong demand.
DC’s hospitality industry is eager to bounce back after years of economic challenges. President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration was scaled down due to COVID-19 restrictions and heightened security after the Jan. 6 protests, resulting in significant financial losses for local businesses.
This year, around 250,000 ticketed guests are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, offering a much-needed economic boost. Ferguson expressed optimism, stating, “The hotels, the restaurants — all those who actually work in hospitality are banking on people showing up.”
City officials are ramping up security and preparing for road closures as the nation’s capital prepares for the flood of visitors.