A similar package of perks was first offered in 1988 during the inauguration of President George Bush for $15,000. "This package will appeal to people who enjoy indulging themselves in luxury and want to mark the election of the first new President of the millennium in a memorable way," said Mr James McBride, general manager of The Ritz Carlton, Washington DC.

This opulent four-night inauguration package for the well-heeled party-goer includes travel via private jet from anywhere in the US to Washington DC, where a 24-hour on-call chauffeur and butler will meet them. Next on the list are a personal massage therapist, also on call 24 hours a day, and a daily selection from the hotel's extensive menu of butler drawn baths, with personalised bath robes and sheets.

The goodies don't stop here. Guests who sign in can avail of VIP seating for two at the Inaugural Parade and two tickets to one of the official Inaugural Balls. For families who can't bear to leave a beloved pet at home, the hotel's Presidential Pampered Pet's programme welcomes dogs, cats, goldfish and even a donkey or an elephant.

Guests of The Ritz Carlton, Washington DC, can expect an array of unique services and amenities during their hotel stay. The traditional mint on the pillow at turndown has been replaced with an evening delivery of a freshly baked brownie to every guest-room. For an added touch of luxury, guests will find The Bath Doctor offering them a choice of the finest herbal soaps to select from as an in-room facility.

Whether it's an indulgent overnight getaway or a splendid special occasion, this hotel offers packages for every purpose and pocketbook. For that special occasion when everything must be "over the top", consider The Passion in the City package. Available for $899 per night, this package is filled with exclusive features including limousine pick-up and drop, executive suite accommodation, champagne upon arrival, choice of a butler drawn bath, $100 gift certificate applicable to any of the dining outlets, two one-hour spa treatments, a pair of keepsake embroidered pillowcases with personal monogram and assistance from The Romance Concierge for any other requests.

People often wonder how the personal touch can be maintained in this age of technology. With the convenience and ease of voice-mail, e-mail and the Internet, how does the Ritz Carlton keep up with the newest technological requirements without sacrificing its renowned service? The hotel chain believes that service is never out of date, whether you are on-line or in line. And service means not only complying with guests' wishes, but also anticipating them.

Check out the Technology Butler. Wired travellers can ring for the 21st century Jeeves at all Ritz Carlton Hotels worldwide to solve their computer and technological problems. Guests can reach the Technology Butler on their mobile phone 24 hours a day for complimentary assistance without the inconvenience of leaving their guest room. High speed Internet access is available. Business travellers wanting to log on to their company's website or to check their stocks online are able to do so up to 50 times faster than before (1.5 million bytes per second).

Short of speculation on who the next occupant of the White House will be, one of the biggest guessing games in the US of A's Capital is who has purchased one of the new luxury residences at the venerable Ritz Carlton.

From cozy studios to ultra-luxurious penthouses, The Residences are being viewed as the first choice of Washingtonians, from the world of government and diplomacy to media and entertainment.

A hybrid complex that also includes the 300-room Ritz Carlton hotel, The Residences are selling briskly. Prices start at $500,000 and top off at $6 million. With floors of the finest Italian marble, and trim of mahogany herringbone, no detail has been overlooked to make The Residences exceptional. Balconies and expansive terraces overlook some of the city's memorable sights. The top-of-the-line kitchen appliances assure at-home hospitality will be enjoyed in fine style, often with the assistance of the catering department of the hotel just next door.

The Residences at The Ritz Carlton invite guests to live in legendary luxury. "You have the ease of hotel living and the comfort and familiarity of your home all bundled together," notes the hotel's spokesperson. Units feature direct lines to the hotel concierge, room service, laundry pick-up and daily maid service, as well as a separate entry for residents.

The demanding lifestyle of frequent business travellers is well understood at the Ritz Carlton. Guest recognition means a warm `welcome home', with services tailored to meet the individual needs of the guests. Hotel guests need only to make a request once, whether it concerns their preferred room type, extra towels, transportation from the airport or their favourite bar item. Whenever repeat guests travel to any Ritz Carlton hotel or resort worldwide, that location prepares the room specifically according to the guests' wishes. A dedicated staff at each hotel strives to anticipate the guests' desires.

The Ritz Carlton, whose name is virtually synonymous with exceptional customer service, was a recipient of the Malcolm Baldridge National Award. No other hotel company has ever won this prestigious award, and Ritz Carlton now is the only organisation in the services industry to be honoured for a second time. Take a look-see, you'll stay to sing its praises!