Hilton HHonors - How far out to make reservations in D.C.?

Hey folks, I'm trying to book the Hampton Inn Convention Center in D.C. for the week of the 2009 Presidential inaugural (roughly Jan 18-23, 2009). For obvious reasons, I need to book early.

However, looks like not many hotels are accepting reservations yet. Would it help to call a travel agent? Or should I just cool my jets and wait a few more weeks?

(I'm also a member of SPG, Priority Club, etc., but I've heard good things about this HI and would like to stay there, given its proximity to the downtown action that week.)

I would book as soon as you can, that week is likely to be sold out in DC. I'm not sure if a TA will have any inventory now that you can't see online or access by calling Hilton directly.

Yes, I would call the hotel directly and see if they can help you. I am going to be staying at this hotel in a couple of weeks for a business trip. From the various online reviews, it certainly sounds like a good place to stay. It will be an easy walk to where some of my meetings will be at and I am looking foward to seeing what kind of restaurants I can find in Chinatown.

On my last trip, I stayed at the Hotel Washington because that was where my meetings were at. I am hoping that this hotel will be much better, both in terms of overall quality and in terms of location relative to things to do after dark.