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When supply and demand becomes gouge and pilfer
January 20th will be a pretty big day for any business in the Washington DC area. It probably doesn't matter whether you are selling doughnuts or special inauguration plates, people will be heading to DC in the millions ready to buy whatever it is you are selling.
With that many people, it is only logical that many of them will plan to stay the night, so naturally that drives the price of accommodations up a little. However, it appears that most hotels in the area have taken "a little" to a whole new level, way beyond what they usually do for special events.
Take for example the Crown Plaza Hamilton, a fairly basic 3 1/2 star hotel in the downtown area. This hotel normally charges between $85 and $100 for a standard room. Care to guess what they want for a night in a standard room during the inauguration?
That's right, $1000 bucks. And not just anyone can get that rate, you'll need to reserve at least 3 nights to get that "special rate".
In their defense, they are by far not the only ones cashing in on this event, even suburban 1 star hotels are charging a staggering $699 a night (compared to their usual $59 rate).
Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rob Dec 21st 2008 4:44PM
When checking in at this rate, look at the plaque behind the door.
If they're charging more than the plaque says, they're breaking the law :)
Richard Dec 22nd 2008 11:42AM
More corporate america greed in action.
mongoose1 Jan 16th 2009 3:54PM
A coworker has friends visiting who had surprisingly cheap credit card confirmed hotel rooms. Had being the operative word.
Last week, the hotel contacted the visitors and told them they had to commit to staying in the hotel the entire week (at a higher rate) or lose the room.
They declind and no more inauguration visit for them.
It's terrible that the hotels are gouging this way.