D.C. hotels roll out lux $250,000 July 4 packages
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D.C. hotels are ringing in America's 250th birthday via lavish offerings with price tags that would make our Founding Fathers freak.
Why it matters: While Washington's 250th celebrations have been plagued by some less-than-stellar headlines — reports of anemic crowds and offerings at the Great American State Fair, locals dreading all the hubbub — it seems plenty of visitors are still coming to town for the big milestone.
The big picture: President Trump has spent much of his second term bringing spectacle and gilded grandeur to Washington — along with the wealthiest-ever presidential cabinet and a line-up of billionaire tech advisors.
- And many D.C. hotels seem to be catering to this aesthetic and group with their July 4 offerings.
- To quote American icon Paul Revere: "The one-percenters are coming."
State of play: Several of D.C.'s fanciest hotels are in something of a lux amenities arms race, each offering multi-night holiday stays with themed price tags rivaling that of a four-year liberal arts degree: $250,000.
- The Rosewood: Round-trip first class airfare, a driver, a 41-foot private yacht on the Potomac, and a parting gift of 18-karat gold and gemstone "bespoke fine jewelry keys."
- The Willard: Round-trip PJ service, a chauffeur, a private tour of D.C. in a Model T, spa treatments and a private in-suite dinner from their executive chef.
- The JW Marriott: Private access to the 250-person terrace for firework viewing, with a $100,00 food and beverage credit, and three lux suites and six balcony rooms — plus 20 additional guest rooms, per a spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the downtown Westin has a $25,000 package that looks like a bargain in comparison, with Presidential Suite lodging, a "chef-led American chocolate experience," 18th century-inspired food and drink, and a private moonlight monument tour.
Zoom in: And it's not just hotels that are cashing in on celebrating democracy:
- The Kennedy Center will let you and your 36 BFFs watch the fireworks on its roof with food and drink, lounge access and parking — for $25,000.
- And Michelin-starred restaurant Jônt will host a $375, five-course Americana-inspired dinner with an optional $950 wine pairing of rare U.S. vinos.
By the numbers:: July 4 D.C. hotel bookings are up 17.1% compared to last year, per CoStar data shared with Axios.
- And July 4 weekend demand at Marriott's D.C. hotels is outpacing last year's, and the group expects many of its locations to sell out, a spokesperson tells Axios.
Zoom out: Local Airbnb owners are also seeing a July 4 boost, reports NOTUS.
- 87% of D.C. short-term rental properties are booked for July 4, up from 72% last year, according to AirDNA data cited by the outlet.
What we're watching: How the city continues to celebrate in over-the-top style throughout its jam-packed summer.
- Marriott is already seeing increased year-over-year bookings corresponding to the August Grand Prix, the group tells Axios.