They've already begun constructing the inauguration platform in D.C.

[DrPresident]

The Presidential, Please
A Ticket, a Hotel Room and an 'I Was There' Moment

By Michael E. Ruane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, October 26, 2008; C01



Want to attend the big inauguration?

No matter who wins the presidential election, it will be historic and stirring, so get ready to speed-dial your favorite Washington hotel, or maybe the old college roommates.

Call your member of Congress, who, eventually, will have the tickets to distribute. Those tickets will be free.

Coming to town for the Jan. 20 inauguration of the next president could cost some people a mint.

Those interested in the Royal Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel will pay $15,000 a night, with a five-night minimum.

If they spring for the Ritz-Carlton Washington, it's $50,000 for the four-night package.

Also available at the Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue is a $1 million extravaganza -- you get 300 rooms!

Sure, the event is three months away, and many details are "outcome dependent," as the military's inauguration planners say. But the buzz is on, tickets have been printed and workers are already nailing together the giant inaugural platform at the Capitol.

For some things, it's actually late in the game.

The 80-year-old Hay-Adams Hotel, for example, with its primo pedigree and location across Lafayette Square from the White House, already has sold out its inauguration packages. "Because of our location, we tend to get booked pretty quickly," a spokeswoman said, declining to go into detail "because of the clientele."

The Creative Coalition, an arts advocacy group, has lined up movie types including Spike Lee, Susan Sarandon and Barry Levinson for its ball, no matter who wins. Location to be determined, but the price is set. For $100,000 you get 50 tickets, for $50,000 you get 16.

Read the rest here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/25/AR2008102502065.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. How about a tent on the Washington Mall??

[Bicoastal]

2. All of the hostels are all filled up...

...even the scary muderous ones. :(

[Dangerously Amused]

3. No, there is a decent one with beds open.

I'll PM you.

ETA: If you can't find one now, try again right after the election because some of the people getting room reservations are probably McCain/Palin supporters who want to attend that inauguration and will cancel their reservations.

[Bicoastal]

4. Please do.

[Dangerously Amused]

5. Done. Good luck!