Ca' Pisani

ART DECO MEETS THE 16TH CENTURY at Ca' Pisani in a fusion of modernist taste and historic surrounds. This former palazzo has been transformed into a temple to sleek 1930s and '40s design – a cherub and frou-frou free zone for those who would sooner keep Venice’s Baroque splendours outside the door.

A flight of black marble steps leads to the lobby, glinting with marble and walnut wood. Walls are of Venetian stucco and the floors crafted with traditional terrazzo. Tones of terracotta, cream and chestnut brown dominate set off the original artworks and artefacts collected from all over Italy. It's all rather reminscent of a retro ocean liner.

Bedrooms at Ca' Pisani are sleek and sexy – no chandeliers, heavy antiques or flamboyant decor here – and each is different. Eye-catchers include chunky black leather armchairs, retro-style anglepoise lamps and clean-limbed wood furniture.

Red leather, silver marble

All have electric curtains – darkening the scene at the flick of a switch – while jacuzzi bathrooms are tiled in silver-speckled marble. Even room numbers are styled in etched wood in this striking one-time palazzo.

Dark red leather, steel lamps and well chosen art give Ca' Pisani's La Rivista wine bar and restaurant a strikingly futuristic feel. There’s good food, and outdoor tables are great spots for people watching.

© Room for Romance