Eco-political luxe travel: $99,000 Ritz-Carlton inauguration package in Washington, D.C.

What timing! As the nation undergoes a financial meltdown, Ritz-Carlton is offering a $99,000 “eco-luxe” package for revelers at the inauguration of the new president — whomever that may be.

This “Red, White, Blue and Green” vacation lends a whole new meaning to green travel. Perfect for departing CEOs who grab golden parachutes.

Here’s what’s included at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown in Washington, D.C.: a four-night stay in a presidential suite, a sustainable luggage set from Gucci, first-class airfare with carbon offsets, a chauffeur-driven hybrid SUV, two seats at the inaugural parade, two tickets to an inaugural ball, a private dinner with organic food and wine, organic slippers and robe, and a four-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, featuring an eco-adventure program.

Did I mention that the $99,000 cost, the total for two people, is nonrefundable?

Update: Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman Colleen Evans called to say that the $99,000 deal was actually put together in January, then released to coincide with the presidential debates. Meanwhile, another Ritz inauguration package for a mere $50,000, which Evans joked was for departing CEOs “who only got a silver parachute,” got a taker today, two days after it went on sale. The buyer? An unnamed Southern Californian. That package, at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., has its own perks.

— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor

[Photo: Ritz-Carlton Georgetown. Credit: Ritz Carlton Hotel Co.]

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 12:03 pm by Jane Engle and is filed under East Coast, Eco-Travel, Luxury Travel, Washington D.C.. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.