Follow the presidential trail with Hotels.com

If you’re hooked on Obama fever then you will want to visit one of the places that influenced the first African American President. With his inauguration into the White House just around the corner on January 20th, Hotels.com has put together a guide to help you decide when to visit the places that have shaped his life so far.

Nairobi, Kenya
Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to a Kenyan father and American mother from Wichita, Kansas. The best time of year for visiting Kenya is in the months of January and February when game viewing is at its best. Hotels.com recommends staying in the capital Nairobi and exploring from there. Try one of the following hotels if you are planning to visit this beautiful African country:

The Sixeighty Hotel is a three-star hotel just five miles from Nairobi National Park. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £55 per room per night.

The Hilton Nairobi is a four-star hotel located in the centre of Nairobi not far from the Bomas of Kenya tourist village. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £122 per room per night.

Wichita, Kansas
For a taste of Obama’s American heritage you must make a visit to his maternal homeland of Wichita, Kansas. In October they hold their annual Tallgrass Film Festival with four days of events and film previews. For a great place to stay try one of these hotels:

The Hyatt Regency is a four-star hotel located in downtown Wichita. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £98 per room per night.

The Broadview Hotel is a three-star hotel just one mile from the Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £76 per room per night.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Obama’s early years were spent on the beautiful island of Hawaii. The busiest time to visit is between December and February mainly because this is when the biggest surf waves appear. For drier and warmer weather it is best to visit between June and October, especially if you prefer diving and windsurfing. Try out one of these hotels from Hotels.com:

The Ala Moana Hotel is a four-star hotel close to the beach and the main Ala Moana shopping district. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £97 per room per night.

The Waikiki Marina Resort is a three-star hotel with stunning views of the ocean and the Ala Wai Yacht Marina. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £98 per room per night.

Jakarta, Indonesia
When Obama’s mother remarried an Indonesian man she moved the family to its capital Jakarta. The best time to visit this culturally rich city is between June and September when rainfall is at its lowest and so there is less risk of flooding. Try these recommendations from Hotels.com:

The ALiLa Jakarta Hotel and Resort is a four-star haven of relaxation in the centre of Jakarta. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £66 per room per night.

The Le Meridien Jakarta is another four-star hotel located within easy reach of all the historical attractions of the capital. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £84 per room per night.

Los Angeles, California
Obama spent his school days in Honolulu, living with his maternal grandparents but upon graduating high school he went to study in Los Angeles for two years where he began to shape his political career. LA is known for its year-round warm weather, so there's never a bad time to visit. Trips to the beach are best saved for late summer while if you are after some serious celeb-gazing then it is best to visit during the awards season in Jan/Feb. Hotels.com has a variety of options for LA hotels, for example why not try:

The Sheraton Los Angeles is a fantastic three–star hotel situated right next to shoppers’ heaven, Macy’s Plaza and the new entertainment destination LA Live. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £98 per room per night.

The Hilton Checkers is a four-star European-style boutique hotel located in downtown Los Angeles. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £100 per room per night.

New York City, New York
From LA, Obama headed straight to the Big Apple, New York, to complete his studies and begin his political career. New York is great at any time of the year, whether you want to see Central Park in the Spring, go ice skating in the Winter, or shop til you drop whatever the weather. Try one of these hotels to make the most of your stay:

The Radisson Lexington Hotel is a three-star hotel just three blocks from the Rockefeller centre and four from the Broadway theatres. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £65 per room per night.

The Park Central New York Hotel is a three-star hotel located close to Central Park and Fifth Avenue. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £79 per room per night.

Chicago, Illinois
After four years in New York, Obama moved to Chicago where he met his wife, Michelle. Chicago is a bustling city, popular all year round. Like most US cities, Chicago is particularly popular in the summer, especially during events such as Taste of Chicago. If you're prepared to brave cold gusts from Lake Michigan, January, February, and March are less busy than the rest of the year and often great hotel deals can be found on sites such as Hotels.com:

The Marriott Chicago is a three-star hotel close to the University and Little Italy. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £85 per room per night.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is a three-star hotel with incredible views of downtown Chicago. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £79 per room per night.

Washington DC, Washington State
When his inauguration takes place this month, Obama will begin his first term in office at the White House. Washington is a popular place to visit from mid-March through to mid-June, and again from mid-September through early November, so if you fancy trying to catch a glimpse of the man himself, try one of these hotels as your base:

The Grand Hyatt is a three-star hotel right in the cultural heart of downtown Washington DC. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £79 per room per night.

The Madison Hotel is a four-star hotel located just four blocks from the White House. Hotels.co.uk prices start from £105 per room per night.

All prices and deals are correct as of 12 January 2008, but are subject to change.

For more information and reservations, log on to Hotels.co.uk.