D.C. Officials: Obama’s 2nd Inauguration Won’t Be As Big

Second inaugurations tend to drew fewer spectators

Looking for a D.C. hotel during President Barack Obama’s second inaugurations? You may not have trouble finding a good deal, says city officials bracing for the momentous occasion. Officials are expecting 600,000 to 800,000 visitors for the Jan. 21 inauguration, far fewer than the 1.8 million people who flooded the frosty National Mall four years ago. Still, Obama’s second inauguration could be the last time the country swears in a black president. In 2009, some hotels sold out months in advance and visitors paid an average daily rate of $600 for the night before the inauguration. Elliott Ferguson, CEO of the tourism bureau Destination DC, said he expected demand for hotels to pick up after Christmas. (Associated Press)

[ALSO READ: Inauguration Plans? A Guide To Getting A Deal]

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]