The Darcy hotel - Washington DC, USA

This hotel, previously a Double Tree by Hilton has been given a makeover by Los Angeles-based firm Beleco to reemerge as the The Darcy. There’s a strong masculine aesthetic throughout the public spaces – no surprise considering the designers were inspired by men’s tailoring and classic British private clubs – but there are plenty of quirky design moments, too; In the lobby, beautifully cross-stitched leather reception desks and a black-painted brick wall are juxtaposed by a gold sculpture of an American Beauty rose, DC’s official flower. 

The guestrooms feature an overall brighter palette. Light greys and hunter greens provide a foundational colour scheme, with marigold curtains, rainbow artwork, area rugs emblazoned with oversized rose illustrations, and vibrant green tiles in the bathroom creating a playful atmosphere. The highlight is the Presidential Suite. Here, the Circuit chandelier by New York-based design studio Apparatus hangs over the marble dining room table and wicker-back Thonet chairs, while a turquoise leather console by American furniture company BDDW is dressed with two brutalist-inspired table lamps.

While The Darcy’s location just minutes from The White House means there’s plenty to see and do, the hotel’s robust calendar of programmes will tempt you to stay in – not least the nightly cocktail events courtesy of Element Shrub and gin brand Green Hat.