A Highly Placed Source

In less than three weeks, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as President of the United States, and his inauguration ceremony and the concurrent celebrations are shaping up to be one of the most massive outpourings of emotion in many a decade. We have already begun seeing television commercials hawking Obama inaugural commemorative coins, and that is only the beginning. But who can complain, as the popularity of this man is having a single-handed effect of stimulating the national economy when it most needs jump-starting.

Here is another case in point that only crossed my desk this morning; a luxury hotel in Virginia is offering a “presidential” experience for its guests…

One doesn’t have to be moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue come January to live like the President. Guests of Lansdowne Resort, located in Virginia’s scenic wine country (http://www.visitloudoun.org/) and less than an hour from the nation’s capital, can experience a few days in the life of the commander-in-chief with the Resort’s presidential inaugural package. Extraordinary special features, top-notch service and amenities, round-the-clock private limousine service, personal butler, chef, laundress, seamstress and much, much more!

Priced at $200,900, a portion of which will be donated to the U.S.O., the package includes three nights in a presidential suite for two, as well as three additional rooms for loyal supporters. Guests will fly “Almost Air Force One” with round trip private air transportation for up to eight people, via NetJets, from any destination in the continental U.S.

The presidential suite outfitted with full bar, a selection of imported caviar, Chicago deep dish pizza and a 60-inch flat screen high definition TV is the perfect destination for entertaining and to watch the swearing-in ceremonies.

Presidents-in-training will delight in a daily breakfast buffet, private fitness sessions, nightly premium cigars and brandy by the Great Room fireplace or outdoor fire-pit and a private shopping tour to Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue with a personal assistant.

If that’s not enough, they’ll receive the Spa Minérale presidential treatment which includes massages, facials, manicures and pedicures for the President and his First Lady. They can also bring home inaugural souvenirs from Washington-based jewelry designer Ann Hand and a case of private label Loudoun County Virginia wine.

The experience rounds out with the Hail to the Chief Private Inaugural Ball, where 200 close friends can enjoy the same Hawaiian specialties featured at the President’s Hawaii State Inaugural Ball, as well as dinner, drinks, and a live orchestra.

For more information, please contact Marjorie Lane at 703-729-4129 or via e-mail at mlane (at) benchmarkmanagement (dot) com.

*Package is for up to 8 guests in a total of four guest rooms. Package subject to some restrictions and must be booked in advance.

Somehow I don’t think Barack and Michelle Obama are going to take the hotel up on its offer, but this marketing package does seem more substantial than commemorative coins. But they’re probably not going to be advertising this deal on late-night television.

Hail to the Chief…