You'll notice that even with all the insider news and gossip we hear from the campaign trail, there's little or no mention of hotels. That's undoubtedly because security is tight and nobody wants to announce where they're staying.

Rest assured, however, that candidates — even the losers — book the best accommodations in town. Presidential suites are preferred — for space and title.

It's difficult for regular tourists to claim presidential suites while campaigners are camping out. Otherwise, these luxurious accommodations with grand amenities are available for anyone with the desire and sufficient funds to rent them. Occupancy for even one night gives you bragging rights: The president and I slept here!

Most first-class hotels boast about their presidential suites, which vary significantly in style, amenities and history. Even if you're not booking the presidential suite, you can ask to see it. If it's not occupied, the front desk, concierge or sales staff can arrange this for you. Many historic hotels give property tours, including presidential suite stops. These suites are particularly worth seeing:

In Washington, D.C., before acquiring access to White House bedrooms, candidates and foreign heads of state often stay at the Mandarin Oriental's presidential suite (the priciest in town) with 13 rooms, 3,500 square feet, 25-foot ceilings and a baby grand piano that — in case you lack the skills — plays itself, plus a high-powered telescope for spying on whatever and 10 flat-screen TVs for watching all the news at once. All that for a mere $10,000 per night. (www.mandarinoriental.com/washington). As a capital capitol alternative, The Hay-Adams Hotel, a landmark property, has a two-bedroom presidential suite with great views of the White House and rents for $2,500 to $4,600 per night. (www.hayadams.com).

Near New Hampshire, a primary objective for campaigning politicos, the address of choice is the Equinox Hotel in charming Manchester Village, Vt. Established in 1769, the Equinox has a long history of presidential (and pre-presidential) visits. It's now a full-service resort, with all the distractions and amenities barnstorming politicos don't have time for. (www.equinoxresort.com).

In St. Petersburg, Fla., the historic Renaissance Vinoy's property tour host boasts about Calvin Coolidge's visit, confiding that the president preferred to dine in the employees' cafeteria rather than in the hotel's posh restaurant. The Marriott-owned hotel and resort now has two presidential suites, both recently redecorated in sleek contemporary style, in distinct contrast to the hotel's 1920s powder pink, Mediterranean-style architecture. The larger presidential suite, a one bedroom with a large living room, is perched on the guestroom tower's seventh floor. It has a Jacuzzi, huge flat-screen TV and six balconies overlooking the lovely Vinoy gardens and the bay — for a $1,500 to $2,000 per night price tag. (www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasr-renaissance-vinoy-resort-and-golf-club).

New Orleans' Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a national historic landmark, has hosted Bill Clinton with presidential Southern hospitality. The hotel's spacious and gracious presidential suite, situated on the 15th floor, features a master bedroom, formal dining room and breakfast nook, butler's pantry, walk-in closets, a living room with a fireplace and great views of the French Quarter and Mississippi River. (www.ritzcarlton.com).

In Dallas, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek's presidential suite is an extremely extravagant, bold and beautiful enclave of luxury, with a living room, dining area, bedroom and a spectacular marble-clad bathroom with a gold-tapped tub that's ideal for soaking. Best of all, it features a private balcony that's large enough for a private victory party. The price? $2,400 per night. (www.mansiononturtlecreek.com).

At the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, the presidential suite is a 1900-square foot expanse of pure luxury. Situated on the hotel's top floor for terrific views, it features a full living room that opens into two private balconies overlooking River Walk and the city skyline. It can be configured to have three bedrooms. The master bathroom has a dry sauna and Jacuzzi, plus tub and shower. With one bedroom, it costs $1800 per night (that's just under $100 per square foot). This suite is so exclusive, it must be booked directly with the hotel and not with Omni's central reservations. (www.http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/SanAntonioLaMansionDelRio.aspx)

Close to Tinseltown, the Beverly Hills Hotel is the most glamorous and sought after presidential (and Oscars) address. The powder pink hotel — which, in color scheme, could be a Los Angeles bookend to the Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg — actually has two presidential accommodations. One boasts a magnificent wraparound terrace that overlooks the hotel's lovely grounds. The other is a stand-alone bungalow — or mini-mansion, depending on what you're used to — featuring a private lap pool and patio. It was build for media mogul Walter Annenberg, who was very influential in presidential circles. (www.beverlyhillshotel.com).

Too shy to request a tour? Make a virtual visit online.

To find out more about Jennifer Merin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.