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The first contemporary-style B&B in Venice opened in September 2003 near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and has become that gallery's preferred hotel for visiting artists and curators. You can see why: the gallery is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, and so is the DD.724. The austerely futuristic name is a reduction of the hotel's street address, Dorsoduro 724. You'll need to keep this in mind when looking for the hotel, which is at the end of a gated cul-de-sac. The seven bedrooms would seem unremarkable in London or Paris but, with so much brocade and gilt on offer elsewhere in Venice, they come as a breath of fresh air. The decor runs the gamut of browns, from wengé wood sideboards and dark-brown leather bedheads to pale apricot floorboards and beige-cream walls; the only hint of pattern is in the lively, checked Frigerio fabric covering the specially designed armchairs.
The design flair of architect Mauro Mazzolini shines in the details: a mirror is positioned for maximum effect; lights are hidden behind wardrobes and pelmets; there is a nice change of scale and levels between living room, breakfast room and kitchen, which makes the space seem not so much cramped as cosy. All rooms have mini-bars and flatscreen TVs, and most have works by contemporary Italian artists. Breakfast is a high-point, with warm cornetti (sweet croissants) and four types of honey. Unlike most B&Bs, DD.724 has professional reception staff who will happily bring tea, coffee or hot chocolate to your room when you get back from a hard day's sightseeing.
WHEN TO GO
During the art Biennale in June-October 2005; t's also a good winter retreat.
ROOM TO BOOK
Secluded room G, with its floral-pattern square canvas
by Raimondo Galeano which, when backlit, becomes an eerie green portrait of Neapolitan comedian Totò.
CONTACT
DD.724, Dorsoduro 724, Venice, Italy
(00 39 041 277 0262; fax 296 0633; www.dd724.it). Doubles from €190; suites from €290
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