Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Obama Inauguration Expecting Upwards of 5 Million

I did something yesterday, because I was curious about the rumors. I tried to reserve a room in the D.C. area (I already have one reserved, fyi). Guess what? The nearest state that had openings was West Virginia. This means, if you have the cash many D.C. area folks are renting out rooms in their homes or their home. Again, make sure you have the cash.

Knox said she didn't expect tickets, rooms or flights to Obama's inauguration would become quite as coveted or pricey as they have. January hotel rooms in the D.C. area are either booked or going for upward of $1,000 a night. Residents in the Maryland and Virginia area are renting rooms in their homes for as much as $5,000.

A seven-bedroom "gated home with chauffeured transportation" has been posted on the D.C.-area craigslist.org site for $25,000.

D.C. residents renting don't care!!! Obviously, the D.C. area folks are having no issue renting rooms or their homes for a shocking sticker price, per night.
Miles is not alone. Scores of D.C. area homes are being rented, including a two-bedroom apartment in one Landover complex, with a view of, not Capitol Hill, but FedExField. The apartment normally rents for $1,275 a month, but during the inauguration week, it's going for $7,000.

Meanwhile, some locals can't believe the price some of their neighbors are putting on their homes. "Whoa!!!," said Landover resident Earl Days. "That is out of this world, $7,000?!"

"And people don't have food here to eat!," added New Carrollton resident Thurman Arrington.

The advertisement for the Landover apartment claims it's just a 15-minute drive from the district. Some fear deals like this take advantage of out-of-town visitors. "With all these people coming here from out of town, want to have a place to stay, if they can get away with it, then that's exactly what's happening," said Days.

"It's ridiculous, that's a lot of money," added Arrington.

The going rate for a one-bedroom residence starts around $375. Entire houses are being advertised for up to $25,000 for inauguration week.

Luckily, a friend booked his rooms in the summer for the Hilton and it was at 275.00 a night. While that is expensive for many, it it PENNIES for the asking price now.

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