Cool Capitol hotels

HOTEL GEORGE
DC's original boutique is bang on Capitol Hill, ideal for starry strolls to the Jefferson Memorial with a pretty intern. Decadent minimalism, with billiard room and an eclectic clientele from stetsoned Republicans to Moby. 15 EST. (202-347-4200, www.hotelgeorge.com) Doubles $189 (£129).

HOTEL MONACO
Swanky new arrival. The latest of these quirky, high-luxe boutiques (other Monacos stretch from Seattle to New Orleans) takes over the historic Tariff Building from June. Full service means if you're lonely they'll lend you a goldfish. 700 F Street (202 628 7177, www.monaco-dc.com). Doubles $245 (£167).

THE MANSION ON O STREET
Built in 1892, this Tiffany-windowed redbrick is an exquisitely cluttered maze of wood-panelling, paintings and secret doors. Accommodation (from log cabin to Playboyesque Purple Suite) hosts presidents and discretion-seeking celebs. Everything - from duvets to doo-wop LPs - is for sale, so you can shop after you drop. 2020 O Street (202 496 2000, www.omansion.com). Doubles $125 (£85).

? Dudi Appleton flew to Washington DC with Virgin Atlantic (01293 747747, www.virgin.com/atlantic), which flies daily from Heathrow. Current returns £366.