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. It also has a magnificent roof bar with fabulous views over the lagoon. For all that we are extremely grateful.
The facilities
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.
The rooms
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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Danieli
"One of Venice's classic honeymoon hotels, located just off St. Mark's Square, with uncomparable views and a decadent interior."
Hotel Danieli by Jamie Dunford Wood
Address: Castello 4196, Venice 30122, Italy
Reservations: +44 (0)20 7580 2663
Rates from:
Who stays here
Charles Dickens, Proust and Wagner. Ms George Sand and Alfred de Musset had their torrid affair in room 10.
Come for
- Cache - this hotel is a classic Venetian experience
- The opulent and ornate lobby
- Magnificent roof bar with lagoon views
- Tea at the intimate piano bar which is a symphony of beams and stained glass
Not suitable for
- Friendly service - the staff can sometimes be grumpy
- Visitors on a budget
- Some of the rooms are tired and threadbare
Awards
Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List Reserve 05; Readers' Choice Awards 01
Children
Eating in
The Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is renowned for its incredible views. The menu focuses on regional cuisine and Mediterranean classics.
Getting there
This hotel is centrally located by Civico Correr Museum and Saint Marco bell tower. The shopping quarters and venice hospital are all close by. The hotel is a 90 minute taxi ride from Marco Polo airport and 30 minutes from Santa Lucia station.
Press quotes
"Teetering on the water's edge, overlooking the lagoon, this restored 14th-century, Gothic-style palazzo offers some seriously opulent surroundings." The Independent 05
"A hotel's lobby is a hotel's chance to make a statement; for travelers, it's a clue to an establishment's character. Venice's most happening lobby may be the great hall of the Hotel Danieli, a 14th-century palazzo; during Carnevale, masked revelers gather here, then step out the side door right down to the gondolas that whisk them into the night." Travel + Leisure 06
"It looks straight onto the lagoon, with the Doge�s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as its next-door neighbours. The doges, in fact, used to billet their visiting princes and cardinal in the oldest of the Danieli�s trio of buildings, the 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo. For unashamed grandeur and embarrassing opulence, this is where you want your room, ideally with a balcony and (go on, to hell with it) a full-frontal view. The hotel has been open since 1822, and its most striking feature, aside from antiques and artworks all over, is its astonishing atrium, an Escheresque pattern of marble stairs and loggia arches. Another big treat: when it�s sunny out, breakfast is served on the top-floor terrace, with a view so stunning you�ll choke on your cornflakes. Even the coolest of guests can�t resist asking the waiters to take a quick snap while they slurp the cappuccino." The Times 05
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