A luxury hotel might seem like a bad business to be running during an economic downturn, but Patrick Hatton, general manager of The James in downtown Chicago, is feeling bullish.

Mr Hatton believes he has hit upon a promotion that perfectly suits the zeitgeist. From Monday, for $219, (€170, £142) guests at his hotel can purchase a “City of Hope” package that includes a private tour of Barack Obama’s southside neighbourhood, reservations at one of the president-elect’s favourite Chicago restaurants and a copy of The Audacity of Hope, his book.