Tucked away in a quiet, embassy-laden corner of Washington DC, The Normandy Hotel is a quiet and intimate boutique bolthole. With an easygoing atmosphere and warm, welcoming staff, it's something of a gem in the city and is perfect for leisure or business travellers.

The facilities

Minimal, as you'd expect from a boutique hotel; the focus is entirely on the bedrooms. There's no restaurant, pool or gym, but staff put on wine and cheese receptions every Tuesday evening and breakfast is served each morning in an airy conservatory. There's also a cosy library/lounge with a wood-burning fireplace and a garden terrace.

The rooms

Each of The Normandy Hotel's 75 guestrooms is luxe-contemporary in style. All have flat screen televisions, complimentary internet access, Nespresso machines, Frette linens on the beds and Aveda toiletries in the bathrooms as standard.