AROUND D.C.

Friday, January 16, 2009 5:00 PM

Hey, Big Spender! Where Are You?

By MICHELLE WILLIAMS

You know that times are hard when even the high rollers are pinching their pennies.

With just days left until the inauguration, some upscale D.C. hotels are still looking for people to buy their luxury packages celebrating the historic event.

The Fairmont's $40,000 Eco-Inaugural Package, which includes organic spa treatments, a custom-tailored green ball gown and use of a chauffeur-driven Lexus LS 600h, has yet to inspire the environmentally conscious to partake in the inaugural activities in style, according to Diana Bulger, the hotel's director of public relations.

The Omni Shoreham Hotel, which is offering one of the most expensive inaugural packages at $440,000, has not had much luck either. No one has bitten on this ultra-lavish offering that comes with a private jet for traveling to and from D.C., a $44,000 shopping spree from a designer jewelry collection, a private performance by political satirist Mark Russell and a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. Paul Sharp, the hotel's marketing director, said Thursday that although they haven't been able to sell the package yet, there is a Hollywood couple taking a serious look at it.

Meanwhile, a D.C. businessman is also considering the Omni's more modest $58,000 inaugural offering, Sharp said.

But the Mandarin Oriental, located in the heart of the city, is faring slightly better. Although the hotel hasn't been able to sell its $200,900 Presidential Privilege Package -- which includes a four-night stay in the 3,500-square-foot Presidential Suite, designer outfits for inaugural balls and a chauffeur-driven Maserati Quattroporte -- they did find a taker just for the suite, said hotel spokeswoman Jessica Kumins.