The hype
Guests are consistently awestruck by the lobby and rooftop views, but frequently disappointed by tired room interiors and astronomical food prices.
Danieli
$800-1,500+/ night
Book this if You want to live inside 'The Tourist' movie set and don't mind paying a premium for fading 14th-century glory before the Four Seasons renovation completes.
Why People Love It
- The jaw-dropping 14th-century Dandolo lobby with its golden staircase
- Breakfast views from Terrazza Danieli that justify the insane price tag
- Location literally next door to the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Quick Take: A legendary grande dame currently in an awkward transition phase—undeniably magical, but showing her age and priced on reputation rather than modern perfection.
Reviewed by @destination_diva_: I've stayed in many palaces, but arriving here by boat was next level. My suite felt like a movie set, and waking up to that lagoon view was pure magic. If you want the ultimate Venetian romance, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the lobby and the location; the actual rooms often feel worn, with peeling wallpaper or scuffed furniture, until the renovation is finished.
- You prioritize historical atmosphere over modern tech
- You have an unlimited budget and want the most famous address in Venice
- You plan to start every day with a Bellini on the rooftop terrace
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service with turndown, though some reviews note missed dust on high moldings or under heavy antique furniture.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept clean, but grout lines and sealant in older tubs can show age and discoloration.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue. Peeling paint, scuffed skirting boards, and creaky floors are common complaints due to the building's age and pending renovation.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, heavy linen sheets (can feel scratchy to those used to cotton percale) and plush, branded towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive perfume and old wood; some rooms have a faint musty/damp smell common in Venice canalside palazzos.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Vaporetto engines and sirens from the San Zaccaria stop
- Crowds on Riva degli Schiavoni
- Creaky floorboards and hallway noise in the main palazzo
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is comprised of three buildings connected by bridges: Palazzo Dandolo (oldest), Casa Nuova, and Danieli Excelsior (newest/1948).
- Breakfast is NOT included in standard rates and costs ~€52+ per person.
- The concierge can arrange private boat transfers, but the public vaporetto stop (San Zaccaria) is literally outside the front door.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for lagoon-facing rooms)
- Formal attire for dinner at Terrazza Danieli (jacket preferred for men)
- Comfortable shoes (Venice is a walking city and the hotel corridors are long)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lagoon View Rooms with Balcony (for the view, if you can tolerate noise)
- Dandolo Palace Rooms (for the most authentic 14th-century Venetian vibe)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Premium Deluxe' rooms facing the inner courtyard (often dark and claustrophobic)
- Rooms near the elevator in the main building (noise travel is an issue)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and requesting a room in the Palazzo Dandolo wing with high ceilings. Please avoid rooms directly facing the elevator or service areas.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel closed for renovation?
No, it remains open during the transition to Four Seasons, but expect some areas to be under work or scaffolded until 2026.
Does the Danieli have a pool?
No. There is no pool on the property.
Is breakfast included?
Rarely. Unless you book a specific package, expect to pay around €52 per person for the buffet.
Which building is the best to stay in?
Palazzo Dandolo (the main building) has the most character and the famous atrium. Danieli Excelsior has some of the best lagoon view balconies.
Is it part of Marriott Bonvoy?
No. It left Marriott in early 2023 and is currently independent (managed by Gruppo Statuto) before becoming a Four Seasons.
How much is the water taxi from the airport?
Expect to pay €130-150 for a private water taxi directly to the hotel's side entrance.
Insider Tips
- ✨
You don't need to stay here to see the lobby; walk in confidently for a drink at Bar Dandolo.
- ✨
The 'Danielino' building (Excelsior) often has better AC and slightly larger bathrooms than the historic Dandolo wing.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast at least once and go to 'Pasticceria Tonolo' for a fraction of the price and better pastries.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'side entrance' for water taxis is actually the coolest way to enter; the main revolving door is a tourist zoo.
💡The carpets in the hallways are famous for being old and slightly musty—it's 'historic smell' to some, 'old house' to others.
💡You can hear the bell tower of San Marco ringing clearly from many rooms (romantic at 10am, annoying at 7am).
💡The rooftop terrace has a specific 'front row' of tables that are often 'reserved' even if empty—tip the maitre d' to snag one.
💡There is a city tax of €5 per person per night that is never included in the prepaid rate.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Danieli is located and what's nearby.