National Treasure

You'll find this cosy studio flat in Alexandria's hip Del Ray neighbourhood, nestled on the outskirts of Washington DC. Hand-painted murals and independent shops line the streets while lively restaurants and bars overflow with locals grabbing a post-work meal. Downtown DC is just a fifteen-minute drive away or save yourself the headache of city traffic and hop on the metro at Braddock Road station instead. It's a twenty-minute walk away, but the Blue and Yellow lines hit all the major sites – including Arlington National Cemetary, the Smithsonian, the White House and The National Archives, just to name a few. Back at home, rest legs weary from exploring on the comfortable sofa, followed by a glass of wine and a delicious meal whipped up in the fully-stocked kitchen. Unwind while a film or TV show streams on the Chromecast before nodding off in the plush memory foam bed. The design is simple but inviting, with contemporary furniture and interesting art prints. Your hosts have all staples covered with the communal essentials closet – it's stocked with plenty of household basics like shampoo, laundry pods and even earplugs, so you'll never have to worry about running out.

Home truths:
*This is a studio flat – while a couple could stay here, we think the double bed is better suited to a single traveller
*There's no elevator or cable TV, but the hosts provide a Chromecast for streaming
*This flat is next to a fitness studio and is prone to noise
*The washer and dryer are in a shared laundry room
*The host has multiple apartments in this building, and we can't promise which one you'll get – while the style is consistent, the outside views, layout and design may vary
*Guests can self check-in on arrival and will have access to an app for 24/7 virtual support
*You don't need a car here, but if you drive you'll have to park in a paid garage nearby