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, and 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.

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.

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President Trump's hours-long July Fourth extravaganza — live from a stage on the Monument lawn — coincides with dangerously high temps in Washington.

The big picture: A humid "heat dome" is setting up a high near 101°F on Independence Day, per the National Weather Service, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

What they're saying: Teasing what's scheduled as a 45-minute speech, the curtain raiser to a massive fireworks, Trump on Wednesday said: "It's going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I'm gonna go, and I'm gonna make a really long speech."

• Arms outstretched, Trump declared: "Just to show that I can do anything."

👮 On the National Mall, security will dial up to presidential inauguration-levels. Guests will go through TSA-style security, the Secret Service has said, and only a small clear bag or clutch is allowed.

🎬 Here's the run of show, per Freedom 250:

• 1pm: Guest entry begins, between 14th and 17th Street.
• 1:15pm: Military flyovers will begin and run on the hour until sunset.
• 7pm: Freedom 250 Salute to America program begins.
• 9:45pm: President Trump scheduled to speak.
• 10:30pm: Fireworks, going 40 minutes long, shooting off from the Mall and the Potomac River in a bid to set a Guinness World Record.

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The Kennedy Center's $25,000 July 4 offering comes amid financial crisis.

Why it matters: President Trump planned to shut down the Kennedy Center for a two-year, $257 million renovation on July 5, before a federal judge halted his plans and ordered his name off the building.

Now, instead of going dark, the center is selling premium viewing spots for the fireworks.

• A $25,000 "Presidential Package" (about $19,000 tax deductible) includes premium catering and cocktails, a temperature-controlled lounge and "unparalleled views of the monuments and fireworks."
• The next tier is a $15,000 "Vice Presidential Package."
• General admission starts at $425. Children's tickets cost $125.

Between the lines: Last year's festivities were a free, family-friendly celebration at the REACH with a live concert broadcast from the National Symphony Orchestra, whose future is now in jeopardy.

• The center tells Axios that the REACH grounds will remain open to the public this year for fireworks viewing, but it remains unclear if there's programming or concessions.

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🏟️ Play that John Denver: The Americans beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 last night — despite going down to 10 men — and made it to the Round of 16. The USMNT play Belgium on Monday night in Seattle. Watch above goal

♣️ The Park at 14th, a popular downtown nightclub favored by some local politicians, will pay penalties and employee backpay worth $243,000 to resolve allegations of wage theft. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced the settlement yesterday, ending an investigation. (Washingtonian)

❌ Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is introducing legislation that would ban permanent fencing around Lafayette Square.

• The NY Times reports the Trump administration awarded a $17.4 million no-bid contract to renovate the public park in front of the White House, providing 250th celebrations as justification.

Get ready to party late for America's birthday: More than 325 D.C. bars, restaurants and clubs can serve booze until 4am over July 4 weekend.

Why it matters: National Mall fireworks may not start until 11pm — and between the heat and the no-cooler rules, a cold drink afterward might sound pretty good.

The big picture: D.C.'s "extended hours" program lets approved locations serve alcohol until 4am — and stay open 24 hours — for holidays and major events.

• For Independence Day weekend, participating businesses can keep the party going from Thursday through Sunday.
• Over 325 businesses made the list, from buzzy restaurants like Le Diplomate and Barbouzard to neighborhood faves like Martin's Tavern and Tune Inn, plus late-night clubs including Echostage and Soundcheck.

Yes, but: Just because a spot can pour until 4am doesn't mean it will.

• Many decide based on demand, so check before you head out — assuming you're still making plans at 3am.

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