Hotel Danieli
Venice
from Travel Intelligence

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One of Venice's classic honeymoon hotels of three wings, with the best views of all.

Address:	Riva degli Schiavoni 4196, 30122 Venezia, Italy
Telephone:	+39 0 41 522 6480
Fax:	+39 0 41 520 0208
Rating:	5 star

The Hotel Writes

"The Hotel Danieli is a masterfully restored palace synonymous with the splendor and romance of Venice. It is only steps away from the Piazza San Marco, and legendary sites such as the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2002 Gold List and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2001 Readers’ Choice Awards List, the Hotel Danieli has been the luxury hotel preferred by discerning visitors to Venice for generations. The hotel's main building is the original 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo, a Venetian gothic landmark lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf columns, Murano glass chandeliers and antiques. These glorious interiors are rivaled only by the captivating panoramic views from the Danieli's rooftop restaurant, La Terrazza."

Review

Jamie Dunford Wood:
With the Gritti and Danieli [sometimes mispelled "Danielli"], the Starwood Group have managed to capture some really fine properties in Venice. All they need is the Cipriani and the town would be sewn up. The Danieli has always been a fine haven from the crowds of tourists on the Riva - it has a cool and undisturbed reading room just inside to the right where you can read free newspapers in many languages; it has a delightful bar at the back on the left off its really magnificent two storied Venetian reception hall, with its coffered ceiling and series of large Venetian glass chandeliers; and it has clean and luxurious toilets at the back to the right down a short corridor which, if you're not wielding a camera, you can generally reach without molestation. It also has a magnificent roof bar with fabulous views over the lagoon. For all that we are extremely grateful.

It's therefore always got something of a bustling air in the reception area. As for the guest areas, it is really three buildings - two done up in the Venetian style (the original 14thC building, and the 18thC building behind it), and the third, more modern block to the left.

The decor of the modern block is rather forgettable - it's in the ubiquitous French Empire style, a little out of place in Venice given the treasures this city can provide you with, but then many visitors probably wouldn't know the difference. However, if you are after size, these rooms are the biggest and most luxurious, if you discount the suites, though for the biggest you'll have to pay for a lagoon view - however, to our mind this view is far more beautiful than the more expensive Grand Canal views of other hotels. For a start you have the benefit of truly romantic sunsets. Their bathrooms, however, are simple and small, done up in green marble with single sinks and no separate showers.

The rooms in the older buildings are much more atmospheric but, for the unitiated, you might wonder what you are paying for, because the rooms are smallish with heavy, plain furnishings, old painted antiques, Venetian fabric curtains and velveteen easy chairs. Bathrooms are done up in flowery tiles, pensione style.

Elizabeth Taylor is said to have spent at least two of her honeymoons in this hotel. Presumably she had the Doge's Suite, which is in another league altogether. When we come to write the book of suites and magnificent rooms, this one will be near the top of the list. At just four times the price of a regular lagoon view room, it's a bargain.

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