Obamas, Clinton living large in Trinidad

While the U.S. government grills corporate executives for spending on things like retreats in Las Vegas and other high-profile destinations, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are on their way to the crystal clear waters of Trinidad in the Caribbean.

The fifth Summit of the Americas gets underway in Port-of-Spain this week, which will bring leaders from North and South America together to discuss topics ranging from the global economy to social prosperity. And the digs couldn't be nicer.

Accommodations for the [Obamas] have not been officially confirmed, but speculation has them either at the private residence of Prime Minister Patrick Manning or in a large suite at the 380-room Hilton. Clinton will be staying at the 428-room Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the headquarters hotel for the summit.

While I'm sure the summit is all for a good cause, how much work could you get done looking out on this each day?


Note: The Hilton Trinidad is currently closed to the public, as it is hosting only summit attendees while undergoing a complete facelift.

Hay-Adams Hotel Plays Host to Obamas

It's Washington tradition that incoming President's stay at the Blair House for the five days preceding their inauguration. Unfortunately for the Obamas, Malia and Sasha must report to their new school before the 15th and several dignitaries will be occupying the Blair House until that time. So what to do for the two weeks between? Stay at one of the most storied hotels in the country, of course.

The Hay-Adams Hotel, located directly opposite the White House and overlooking Lafayette Park, is drenched in history. The hotel takes its name from two famous Americans who formerly owned homes on the property (the current building dates from 1928).

John Hay, a private assistant to Lincoln and later secretary of state, and Henry Adams, an author and descendent of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, both lived on the site the hotel now occupies.

The two, their wives and geologist Clarence King were a group of friends that dubbed themselves "The Five of Hearts," going so far as to have china and stationary letterhead printed with the nickname.

In 1884, Hay and Adams bought adjoining lots at the corner of 16th and H Streets, and their homes became Washington's leading salons.

Their discussions of politics, literature, science and art attracted the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain and author Henry James.

In addition to all the literary, philosophical and political history that surrounds the Hay-Adams, the hotel is also really really nice.

There are plenty of luxurious rooms and suites from which to choose and all range from 500 to 1,000 sq. ft. Among the top picks is the stunning Federal Suite, with awe-inspiring period decor and a private balcony with a direct view of the White House. Keep in mind, however, that conduct on said balcony is scrutinized with an eye for trouble.

Although you won't be able to stay there for Inauguration Day (the hotel has been booked up for some time now), you may want to pay a visit afterwards. The Obamas' stay has only added to the hotel's already rich history.

Blow Out Your Travel Plans for the Presidential Inauguration

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as President of the United States. Washington, D.C. -- for an entire week prior to that date -- will be hosting an infinite number of lavish parties all across the area. So, yeah, it would be fairly awesome to be up there. And if you're a hard-core Dem (we're Swiss, thanks for asking), you might be willing to drop some big bucks to throw down in the capitol for a week.
The DC Traveler was kind enough to dig up some of the best (and most expensive) Presidential vacations available.

Try the 14-room suite at the Mandarin Oriential overlooking the city and the National Mall for a paltry $200,000. It includes a chauffeur-driven Maserati.

The ritzy Ritz Carlton Washington in Georgetown has a $150,000 package that includes private jet travel, personal butler and massage therapist and tickets to an inaugural ball. Leave for home with a full set of Louis Vuitton luggage as well.

The Georgetown Ritz Carlton [also] offers a $99,000 package that includes first-class travel and a stay at the Ritz in the Grand Cayman Islands, as after all that pampering, I guess people need to relax a bit.

And that's not including a $440,000 "Commander in Chief" package at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, which includes a $44,000 jewelry shopping spree and a ridiculous five day first class trip to St. Petersburg ... Russia.

So, um, yeah, it's pretty obvious that the entire district is set to pamper towards wealthy Dems making the trek to the nation's capitol. If you're so inclined, holler at a hotel. Although maybe we should change "Yes we can" to "Go big or go home." Now get out there and stimulate that economy people!

Illinois Is, Naturally, Now Offering Obama Themed Vacations

In not-so-surprising news, Illinois tourism officials are trying to capitalize on Barack Obama's recent election (Hey! Just like everyone else!) by promoting their fair state to the general public.

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is touting a three-day getaway titled "The Obama Trail" as part of a state wide Presidential Trails series. This three-day itinerary brings you to places like The University of Chicago Law School, The Old State Capitol in Springfield (where then-senator Obama announced his candidacy) and Grant Park, where the president-elect had a small gathering on Election Night, among others.

And of course, it's not all politically oriented; some of the stops, like the South Shore Cultural Center, focus on the Obamas' personal life as well.

This beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style cultural center on the lakefront, once an exclusive 1900s country club, offers performances that range from classical music to African dance. The Obamas held their wedding reception here.

Whether this is a fiscally viable family vacation is an entirely different story, but the nation is kind of caught up in Obama-fever right now. So if you're a history teacher, a poli-sci major or just an Americana junkie, why not at least explore the possibility?

Hawaii Congressman Calls Out Tourism Board in a Political Fashion

A travel blog generally isn't the ideal place to talk politics ... so we're not going to. However, it is kind of interesting to see the latest news that the good U.S. Representative from Hawaii, Mr. Neil Abercrombie, is none too pleased with his home state's [in]ability to promote themselves in the wake of a native Hawaiian, Barack Obama, landing a gig in the Oval Office.

Abercrombie said Obama is an instantly recognizable world celebrity and being from Hawaii should be enough reason for the state and the tourism authority to promote Hawaii during the inaugural week. "It will be amazing, and we are missing out on it," he said.

Naturally, the tourism board is greatly appreciative of this; after all, they've had their hands pretty full lately, having to pay their former president $290k for forwarding offensive emails to friends from his work account and then trying to counter a poor economy by stepping up their advertising dollars and drawing more visitors. But hey, at least it's comfortable under those bus wheels.