| 
Considered by lots of people, including many
official guide books, as the finest luxury hotel in Venice
the Danieli has had a lot of reviews and has had literally thousands
of articles written about it.
With over 6 centuries of history the Hotel
Danieli has been home to many famous persons during its' long
and illustrious past. More than just a few celebrities
have been guests at this famous and prestigious 5 star hotel in
Venice and although too numerous to mention them all some names
of note include prominent literary figures such as George Sand
and Charles Dickens who both arrived in Venice
with great expectations and left more than satisified by their
stay in Venezia. Admittedly the lodging and services offered then,
by the Royal Hotel Danieli as it was formerly called, are not
quite as high as today's but, nevertheless through a combination
of ancient charm, persistence and modern day technology the Danieli
in Venice is still considered an exclusive play to stay and an
authentic luxury hotel in Venice.
Other intellectuals to have stayed at the
Luxury Hotel Danieli include Goethe and Wagner
whilst more recently last century Elizabeth Taylor
honeymooned at the Hotel Danieli not once but twice! Recent celebrity
guests include Harrison Ford and Steven
Spielberg who among other famous actors attend the Venice
Film Festival every August. The Danieli to this day is still considered
a "hotel for kings." and has indeed provided pampered lodging
not only kings but also princes, dukes, bishops and ambassadors.
Given its status and longeivity not surpisingly there has been
much written about the Hotel Danieli, snippets of which you can
enjoy here underneath.... much appreciated are any press articles
about the Hotel Danieli which you can send us at info@venicehotelsdirect.com
Guide Books and Travel Guides
for the Hotel Danieli Venice Italy
The Cipriani is more exclusive
and isolated, and the Gritti coddles its guests a bit more, but
the Danieli is clearly one of the most famous palazzi hotels of
Venice. Comparisons between the Danieli and the Gritti are inevitable.
The Danieli broods, as the Gritti sparkles. The Danieli is more
baronial, and the Gritti is more like home (that is, if your home
is a palazzo). The Danieli sprawls, whereas the Gritti is intimate.
The Danieli's rates are also a good deal lower than those of either
of its two rivals, making it a better value (if $350-a-night rooms
can be considered a good value).
The Danieli was built as a grand showcase by Doge Dandolo in the
14th century and in 1822 was transformed into a "hotel for
kings." In a spectacular Grand Canal location, it has sheltered
not only kings but also princes, cardinals, ambassadors, and such
literary figures as George Sand and Charles Dickens. The atmosphere
is luxurious; even the balconies opening off the main lounge are
illuminated by stained-glass skylights. The guest rooms range
widely in price, dimension, decor, and vistas (those opening onto
the lagoon cost a lot more but are also susceptible to the noise
of Riva degli Schiavoni). Alfred de Musset and Ms. Sand made love
in room no. 10, the most requested accommodation. You're housed
in one of three buildings: a modern structure (least desirable),
a 19th-century building, and the 14th-century Venetian-Gothic
Palazzo Dandolo (most desirable). On the downside, although the
palazzo rooms are the most romantic, they also are the smallest.
You'll feel like a doge in
Venice's largest luxury hotel, a series of newer buildings set
around a 15th-century palazzo built for the doge Dandolo, all
with sumptuous Venetian decor. Some suites are positively palatial,
but some of the less attractive rooms in the less appealing annex
buildings are overpriced. The four-story-high lobby is supreme,
its chic salons and bar offering relaxation and celebrity sightings.
The rooftop terrace restaurant is justly famous for top-notch
cuisine and its view of San Giorgio Maggiore and St. Mark's Basin.
From May through October, you can use the pools and tennis courts
of the hotels Des Bains and Excelsior on the Lido. www.luxurycollection.com.
222 rooms, 11 suites. Restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, some pets
allowed.
Opened in the 14th century, the
Hotel Danieli is located in an elegant Venetian palace. The completely
redecorated rooms offer comfort for both tourists and business
travelers. The furnishings are luxurious; some rooms are decorated
in Byzantine style, and others are less opulent. The hotel is
also home to La Terrazza restaurant, which offers traditional
Venetian and Mediterranean cuisine. There is a private beach about
15 minutes from the hotel.
Opinion: Spectacular experience
for any discerning traveller including magnificent surroundings,
long history and celebrity guest list.
Location: 70 yds E of Piazza San Marco, on busy stretch of waterfront
with many souvenir stalls outside; restaurants 150 yds. Water-bus
opposite. Free shuttle boat in summer to beach hotel on Lido.
Exterior: Majestic 14th-century palace carefully restored and
retaining original windows, pointed turrets and decorated terraces.
A landmark in peach with white trim and balustraded stone balconies
topped with green canopies. Wood-panelled revolving doors under
impressive decorated arch. Interconnected annexes on either side:
one is 19th-century cream-coloured building with ornate wrought-iron
balconies; other is less appealing box-like modern building. Private
landing stage. Opened as hotel 1822.
Interior: Opulent and luxurious. Impressive reception hall has
atrium-style central section with original stone staircases, relief
work, internal balconies and stained-glass ceiling. Lavish sumptuously
furnished lounge has decorative stucco on ceiling, huge chandeliers,
marble columns and large stone fireplace. Cosy bar area. Sizeable
well-furnished top-floor restaurant with terrace boasting views
of lagoon.
Magazine Articles and Newspapers
Hotel Danieli Venice Italy
| Magazine Name |
Author |
Extracts from Article |
More Info |
| Wine Spectator |
James Suckling |
"Once inside Venice's Hotel Danieli, you can hardly
resist staying there. The lavish lobby with its cascading
marble staircase resembles a stage set for the most extravagant
theater you can imagine...." May 2002 |
Click
Here |
| Travel Intelligence |
Jamie Dunford Wood |
"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....." March
2003 |
Click
Here |
| Cigar Aficionado |
Jean T Barrett |
"The best thing about your room at the Hotel Danieli
may not be the silken coverlet on the antique bed, or the
ornate desk, or the rich Oriental carpeting on the parquet
floors. Wait until you walk to the window and brush the drapes
aside....." Feb 2002 |
Click
Here |
| |
|
|
|
Guest's Comments
"Doing as the Doges do...."
The Danieli is a converted Doge's palazzo and from the moment
that you walk in, it is as though you have been transported back
in time.
The entrance lobby alone is astounding and our room (34) was excellent,
with a "to die for" view over to San Giorgio Maggiore,
although the noise from the vaporetto station outside was slightly
intrusive. Service was excellent and a special mention must go
to the concierge, who was enormously helpful and friendly.
My one reservation would be about the restaurant, which was overpriced
for what it actually offered in culinary terms. This is, however,
typical of Venice and the view from the rooftop dining room more
than compensated.
Overall, I would have no qualms about recommending this hotel
to anyone, with the proviso that you book into the main building
(other guests staying in the modern annexes were less impressed
with their rooms) and the warning that it will cost you a few
bob to live like a Doge, if only for a week!
Ajay Ramgoolam London
"Simply Magical"
My husband and I honeymooned here - we stayed in the 12th century
palace and felt like a King and Queen - this hotel is a MUSEUM
it is beautiful - if you do not stay here make sure you come in
when visiting St Marks and check it out. We would go back in a
heartbeat - this is a lifestyles of the rich and famous hotel
all the way!
Kim – New York
"SSSH! – Simply Stunning
Superb Hotel"
Upon arrival you are simply overawed at the Hotel’s Lobby
which is like something out of a fairytale…. You can’t
help but be taken back to the days when Europe’s high nobility
and aristocrats came here as part of their grand tour of Europe.
These days the Danieli maintains it’s reputation as one
of the world’s finest hotels by superb service and meticulously
well maintained rooms. I had a room in one of the newer wings
but was nevertheless pleasantly surprised. I would recommend this
hotel to anyone with an above average income!!!
David – Glasgow dvdmckie@ntlworld.com
"What
a Beautiful Hotel"
We stayed at the Danieli in July 2002...the hotel was one of the
most gorgeous hotels I've ever seen. Even though we stayed at
one of the lowest priced room we were still treated wonderful!
The rooms were very secluded and extremely large...we were in
the older section of the hotel and the privacy was unbelievable!
I would definitely stay there again!
Sandy Los Angeles – silverjsks@earthlink.net
"Romantic
Hotel Venice "
If you are looking for a romantic place to stay in Venice, this
is the place. We had a huge suite with two balconies overlooking
the Grand Canal. The staff there was fine, more of what you'd
expect at a much cheaper place though. The lobby is incredible,
the best I've been in. As for location, I can't imagine it being
any better. It is a hop, skip and a jump away from San Marco and
is very easy to get to using the vaparetto stop right in front
of the building. If you're not in a hurry and don't mind people
(if you're either of those then avoid Venice completely) take
the Vaparetto rather than a water taxi. It is much cheaper (7.50
E compared to about 55 E) and is an excellent way to see the entire
Grand Canal. Overall, a great hotel but only for those wanting
to splurge on a honeymoon or anniversary type trip.
Scott – Seattle WA - stodor@email.com
"The Suites
are Super"
Surely one of the best rooms in the hotel room 37 is a suite with
two balconies overlooking St Mark’s Canal and the Entrance
to the hotel. My stay was unforgettable and the hotel staff were
super considering the reputation Venetians have… As an employee
of a travel company I have since recommended the Hotel Danieli
to many people all of whom have been equally impressed. It is
the ideal once in a lifetime hotel so if you have a few quid go
for it! Just insist that you stay in the old building!
David – Scotland –
lingd@aol.com
"A Venetian
Masterpiece"
From the moment you enter the Danieli you know you are someplace
special. We spent 2 nights there, but that was not nearly enough.
The lobby is the best in the world, unrivalled even by the best
in New York (Four Seasons) and Chicago (Ritz) The staff was perfect!
The concierge was helpful and check in was effortless, the clerk
even walked us to our huge, sumptuous room. The room was decorated
to the 9's with the most ornate, beautiful furnishings anywhere.
The changing room was a nice touch and gave the room an open feeling.
The bathroom was immaculate with marble countertops and floors,
not to mention heated towel racks. Furthermore, the location was
unbeatable, literally right next to San Marcos square, which is
my favourite place in Venice. The private taxi dock provided fact,
easy transfer to the train station. The staff was perfect, the
room unlike any other, and the lobby awe inspiring. It is an experience
I shall never forget!
Nicholas - LA
"Worth it for the view alone"
We had a good room with a small balcony in the old building overlooking
a side canal. The lobby is magnificent but the best of all is
eating breakfast at the front of the restaurant terrace overlooking
the fantastic view of San Giorgio and the Grand Canal with its
constant bustle of boats from the smallest gondola to the biggest
ocean liner. Dinner is only OK but that's well above average for
Venice.
Nick – Reading UK
"Beautiful
Hotel - Excellent Location!"
No question that this is one of the most beautiful hotels in Venice!
We stayed in the historic part of the building and it was absolutely
great! The hotel staff were very attentive and helpful. The hotel
is literally two minutes from the Piazza San Marco and the major
shops in Venice. Taxi and gondola stand is right out the front
door...which could be a negative during a busy tourist period.
The lobby was incredible!
Justin – Atlanta
"Expensive
but worth a look"
The location for the Danieli is a great location(edge of St. Marks
Square). The room we stayed in(78) was ok but the view was not
very desirable. The air conditioning (if you called it that) couldn't
cool the room down at all. Sleeping with the windows open attracted
some bugs in our room. There are 2 really nice things this hotel
has that can't be missed. The view from the restaurant and the
interior of the hotel.
Steve – Forest Hill New York
"Stay
Here Only If You Are Totally Splurging"
Staying here felt like we were stepping into a fairytale. Contrary
to the experience of others, I though the staff was wonderful.
They made restaurant reservations for us every night at wonderful
places. And just walking into the restaurant saying that we were
from the Danieli guaranteed great service. They referred us to
places to go for walking, shopping etc... and were generally very
helpful. Also, being able to use Starwood to make the reservations
and communicate with the hotel made it very simple to make requests
and reservations before we arrived without expensive long distance
telephone calls. Our room, in the historic building, was nice.
Not the nicest room I have ever stayed in but still well appointed
and comfortable. We had no real view, though
Rachel – Los Angeles
Please feel to make your comments by signing our
on line guest book - coming soon!
If you are looking for a luxury hotel
in Venice and would like to book it direct with the hotel, thus
cutting out the middle men then use the Danieli's own Oline Booking
system to secure the best available rate: Book
the Hotel Danieli Venice - Click here
|
