With Donald Trump's inauguration days away, hotel bookings in D.C. are surging. Travelers are scrambling for places to stay. Currently, more than 70% of hotels in the region have no available rooms. This trend recalls the city's bustle during Trump's first inauguration in 2017.

The quadrennial event, set for Monday, will attract a mix of attendees. Supporters want to celebrate the former president's return to office. Protesters plan to make their voices heard.

On Booking.com, 77% of the 136 listed hotels are unavailable for a stay from Friday to Tuesday. Analytics firm STR, a CoStar subsidiary, confirmed that hotels in the area are about 70% booked. Short-term reservations are gaining momentum.

“People are still interested in coming, and we’re seeing more and more bookings from hotels across the region,” said Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination D.C., a nonprofit promoting tourism in the nation’s capital.

Destination D.C. found 86 hotels available for two adults from Friday to Tuesday. Fifty-three hotels have no available rooms. Despite the availability, the demand for accommodations mirrors the record-setting occupancy rates seen during Mr. Trump’s first inauguration, where 94% of hotels were sold out.

Options for Securing Accommodations

For those still planning their trip, several strategies can help secure a place to stay. Suburban hotels in Arlington, Alexandria, and Silver Spring often have more availability. They are also easy to reach by Metro or public transit. Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer alternatives. They provide private rooms to full homes, often at competitive rates.

Regularly check booking platforms. Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com often update availability due to cancellations. Travel agencies and online platforms often bundle hotels with flights or train tickets for major events. This may include lodging in nearby cities with provided transportation.

Visitors can consider nearby cities, like Baltimore, Annapolis, or Philadelphia. They can commute to D.C. by train or bus. For those seeking affordable, flexible options, there are alternatives. Extended-stay motels, hostels, and vacation rentals are available. Setting alerts for cancellations can also help travelers secure last-minute accommodations.

Diverse Demand for Accommodations

Midscale hotels are also seeing more bookings during big events. Luxury hotels often see a boost.

“Candidly, we’ve seen midscale hotels get busy whenever there are events associated with the former president,” said Thomas Penny, president of Donohoe Hospitality Services. “We anticipate a diverse mix of customers for this inauguration.”

The rush for accommodations shows the event's historical significance. It also reflects the polarized reactions it evokes. This has drawn a wide range of visitors to the capital.

With less than a week remaining, travelers should take prompt action. They should explore all options to secure a place to stay.