arlington
wed 15-dec-04

This might not be real - it might be an urban ledgend. Goodness knows I hope it isn't real. Hotel packages for BushBoy Redux.

Consider the Mandarin Oriental's Presidential Privilege package Jan. 17-21. A private jet will ferry a couple from anywhere in the continental United States to the 3,500-square-foot Presidential Suite, which has 14 rooms, including a gym, a kitchen, a game room with leather walls and a parlor with 25-foot ceilings, and of course its own butler.

To get around, the couple will have a choice of a Hummer, Maybach or Rolls Royce, with a chauffeur on call 24 hours a day.

There are tickets to "an inaugural event," but don't bother packing. The package includes a wardrobe from Neiman Marcus — Oscar de la Renta evening gown and matching Manolo Blahnik shoes, Judith Leiber handbag, emerald ring and full-length mink coat for the lady, and a Kiton tuxedo, Burberry reversible coat, 18-carat gold Cartier watch and jeweled cuff links for the gentleman.

The couple will host a private, five-course dinner party for eight guests prepared by the hotel chef and sommelier. Every evening, they will be served Krug champagne and Beluga caviar in the suite while they enjoy a panoramic city view.

The cost is $200,500 — not including tax and tips.

Lifted from the Atlanta Constitution...