Michelle Obama and her two daughters arrived Saturday at their temporary home at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, ahead of President-elect Barack Obama who is expected to make the trip tomorrow. The Obamas moved early so their daughters — 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia — could start classes on Monday at their new school, Sidwell Friends School. Other children of well-known politicians to attend the school include Al Gore III, Chelsea Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's grandson.
The Obamas are staying at the storied Hay-Adams because Blair House, the government's official guest residence, was booked through January 15. Blair House is located across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House and has previously housed presidents-elect before taking the oath of office. The Obamas will relocate there on January 15, the normal date for incoming presidents, and stay until the inauguration on January 20.
The scene outside the hotel was quiet Saturday night, except for two news vans hoping to get film of Michelle Obama and her daughters going in and out. But, security will intensify for President-elect Barack Obama's arrival on tomorrow. The district's government is shutting down several streets near the hotel to traffic and there will be no street parking nearby from 1 a.m. Sunday morning until midnight on January 15.
The famous hotel opened in 1928, and sits across Lafayette Square from the White House. Its name comes from two historical figures who lived on the site: John Hay, the private assistant to President Abraham Lincoln and later secretary of state, and Henry Adams, an author and descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. The Hay-Adams has 145 rooms of which 21 are suites, featuring marble bathrooms, intricately carved plaster ceilings and ornamental fireplaces and balconies with views of the White House, Lafayette Square and St. John's Church. Room amenities include custom Italian bed linens and towels, goose down duvets and pillows (hypoallergenic pillows are available; Malia has allergies), plush microfiber bathrobes and slippers for adults and kids, Bose music systems, exclusive Etro toiletries, complimentary Fiji bottled water and a nightly turndown service.
After it opening, the hotel quickly attracted prominent Washingtonians and other elites, including aviators Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, author Sinclair Lewis and actress Ethel Barrymore. Its restaurant is a top destination for "power dining" and is a regular meeting place for White House officials.
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