Story by Theresa Catena
Photography by Paul Aizaga

Awash in a hue of firebrick with white window frames, the Ca’ Pisani hotel was originally a small, distinctive palace belonging to Venetian nobility in the late 1500’s. Today, it is a quaint, 29-room ode to the Futurist art movement during the 30’s and 40’s, where it is a gleaming gallery, spectacularly stylish, yet equally intimate and welcoming.

Located on a quiet street in the serene Dorsoduro sector of Venice, it is mere foot steps from the Accademia Galleries and a picturesque, 10-minute walk to bustling Piazza San Marco.

A stone archway welcomes guests to the Ca’ Pisani’s peaceful world of Futurism. Every inch of the vibrant space depicts the high-tech, blaring nuances of the genre, where funky elements and textures mingle; note the lobby with its grand, wooden desk, glass accents and sleek metal finishes, the floor lights cleverly changing colors beneath your feet.

While the Futurist movement lauded the birth of speedy technology for the 20th century, a charming, human element is clearly alive because the 24-hour concierge service is sublimely obliging. All one need do is ask. A request for directions to nearby Peggy Guggenheim Museum yielded complementary admission tickets. And that’s not all…

A wooden-fish, responder key, evocative of the Venetian islands formation, is the ticket to not only accommodations, but all their hard-wired glory. From sensual room-darkening to electric curtains, the little fish has big responsibilities.

Lofty spaces of ultra-mod style and warm intimacy are behind each wooden in-lay door, where they’re furnished with contemporary leather chairs, splashy, zebra-print rugs and sleek lighting fixtures.

You’ll always find a star-filled sky within the walls of the most stylish bathrooms around. This futuristic masonry with élan is called “starlight,” and is a super-cool, rich-brown tile with twinkling flecks. It’s further complimented by hydro tubs, towel warmers and an endless supply of amenities.

The halls and common areas are decked with artworks by Fortunato Depero, a famous artist of the period known for his “futurist fervor laced with humor.” Take time on the green, leopard-print covered stairs to peruse each grand hallway where his sculptures, paintings and tapestries are displayed between the textured, marble floors and thick, wooden ceiling-beams that bring the aloof airspace down to an earthly realm.

As breakfast is included with each night’s stay, it’s a great way to say Ciao to La Rivista Wine & Cheese Bar. Blue, starlit tabletops sparkle in the industrial ambiance, while the menu offers delicious local flavors with a cutting-edge flare.

Once the endless shopping and remarkable sightseeing has worn you down, a rooftop solarium, with both whirlpool and Turkish bath, provide the solace and rejuvenation your weary spirit craves.

Ready for that night cap? Cocktails and heart-warming coffees are served up within the intimate walls of a cozy lobby lounge with light yellow walls, whimsical, silver railings and black leather chairs. What better way to meet and make new friends than among such fantastic style and gracious comfort?

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