Article by Dylan Clements‍

Hotel Danieli has officially reopened and is now operating as Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel.

We stayed at Hotel Danieli before it became a Four Seasons and absolutely loved it. It already had so much going for it, particularly its incredible lobby, history and location. It is only a few minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco and, in my opinion, is one of the better-located luxury hotels in Venice.

I’m very excited to see what Four Seasons has done during the renovation. The Danieli never needed to lose its character or become another modern hotel with neutral interiors. It just needed investment in the rooms and the consistent service Four Seasons is known for.

The hotel has also opened much earlier than I expected.

I have clients travelling to Venice next week who wanted to stay at the Danieli. When I called a few months ago, I was told the hotel would not reopen until the end of August, so we assumed it would not be an option for their trip.

Instead, the hotel welcomed its first guests on July 30, almost a month ahead of the date I had originally been given.

For anyone who loves historic hotels, this is easily one of the most exciting luxury hotel openings of 2026.

Four Seasons Continues to Grow in Europe

Four Seasons is opening so many new hotels across Europe at the moment, and it is great to see.

The brand recently opened its first hotel in Mykonos, while further openings are planned across destinations including Gstaad and Mallorca. Danieli is one of the additions I have been most excited about because the building was already such an important hotel before Four Seasons arrived.

Danieli becomes the fourth Four Seasons hotel in Italy, joining Four Seasons Hotel Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and San Domenico Palace in Taormina.

Venice already has an excellent collection of luxury hotels, including Aman Venice, Hotel Cipriani, The Gritti Palace and the recently opened Airelles Palladio. Four Seasons is therefore entering a very competitive luxury hotel market, but it is doing so with one of the city’s most famous addresses.

The History of Hotel Danieli

Hotel Danieli occupies a prominent position on the Riva degli Schiavoni, directly overlooking the Venetian Lagoon and only a short walk from Piazza San Marco.

The hotel is spread across three connected palaces from different periods of Venetian history.

Palazzo Dandolo was built in 1471 as the home of the noble Dandolo family and remains one of Venice’s finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.

Palazzo Casa Nuova, which once housed the Treasury of the Venetian Republic, was added to the hotel in the 19th century. Palazzo Danieli Excelsior followed in 1950.

The property became a hotel in 1822 and has welcomed an extraordinary list of guests over the past two centuries, including Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust, Honoré de Balzac and Lord Byron.

Before its conversion to Four Seasons, Hotel Danieli was part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Its move to Four Seasons represents far more than a management change, with large sections of the property having undergone an extensive restoration.

What Has Four Seasons Changed?

The restoration of Palazzo Dandolo and Palazzo Casa Nuova was led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, whose previous projects include Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

Danieli was never a hotel that needed its character stripped away. Its architecture, history and sense of place are why people have wanted to stay here for generations.

Thankfully, the restoration appears to have retained the drama of the original building while bringing the rooms, technology and general comfort up to current Four Seasons standards.

The new color palette takes inspiration from Venice, with celadon green, pale blue, terracotta, ochre and powder pink used throughout the interiors. Murano glass, Venetian mirrors, terrazzo floors and Rubelli fabrics connect the design to the city and its craftspeople.

The famous Palazzo Dandolo lobby remains the centerpiece of the hotel. Its columns, stonework and grand staircase have been restored, while the hand-painted gilded ceiling now sits against a rich blue background inspired by the lagoon.

It still looks unmistakably like the Danieli, which is exactly what I had hoped to see.

Rooms and Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Danieli

The first stage of the reopened hotel has 120 rooms and suites.

There is a considerable difference between the categories, particularly when it comes to size and view. Most rooms overlook the surrounding palaces and narrow Venetian streets. If you want to wake up to the Venetian Lagoon, you need to book a category that specifically includes a lagoon view.

Superior Room

There are five Superior Rooms, measuring between 22 and 27 square meters, or 237 to 291 square feet.

These rooms have one king bed and overlook the surrounding palaces and laneways. There are also seven accessible Superior Rooms offering the same size and general outlook.

This is the entry-level category and is likely to feel relatively compact, particularly for anyone travelling with large suitcases.

Deluxe Room

There are 13 Deluxe Rooms, measuring between 28 and 30 square meters, or 301 to 323 square feet.

They have one king bed and views of the surrounding buildings and streets. Two accessible Deluxe Rooms are also available.

The Deluxe Room gives you slightly more space than a Superior Room, but neither category offers a lagoon view.

Premium Room

There are 22 Premium Rooms, measuring between 31 and 38 square meters, or 334 to 409 square feet.

They have one king bed and overlook the surrounding palaces and laneways.

For many guests, this will be a comfortable starting category if a lagoon view is not essential.

Grand Premium Room

There are 11 Grand Premium Rooms, ranging from 39 to 50 square meters, or 420 to 538 square feet.

These rooms have one king bed and views of the surrounding buildings and streets. There is also one accessible Grand Premium Room.

This is the largest standard room category, but it is important to remember that it does not offer a lagoon view.

Premium Lagoon-View Room

There are only ten Premium Lagoon-View Rooms, measuring between 33 and 49 square meters, or 355 to 527 square feet.

These rooms overlook the Venetian Lagoon and are available with either one king bed or two twin beds.

This would be my first choice among the standard rooms. The sizes vary considerably, but the lagoon view is a major advantage and there are very few rooms in this category.

Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Danieli

The hotel has an extensive collection of suites, but larger does not always mean a better view.

Some of the lower suite categories overlook the surrounding buildings, while several smaller suites face the lagoon. I would therefore choose based on both the floor plan and outlook rather than focusing on size alone.

Premier Suite

There are 13 Premier Suites, ranging from 39 to 56 square meters, or 420 to 603 square feet.

They have one king bed and overlook the surrounding palaces and laneways.

This is the entry-level suite category. It provides more living space but does not include a lagoon view.

Dandolo Suite

There are nine Dandolo Suites, measuring between 52 and 54 square meters, or 560 to 581 square feet.

They have one king bed and partial views of the lagoon.

These suites are within the historic Palazzo Dandolo and are a good option for guests who value the character of the original building but do not want to pay for a full lagoon-view suite.

Grand Dandolo Suite

There are seven Grand Dandolo Suites, ranging from 55 to 75 square meters, or 592 to 807 square feet.

They have one king bed and overlook the surrounding palaces and laneways.

These suites provide more space than the standard Dandolo Suites, but the trade-off is that they do not have a lagoon view.

Premium Lagoon-View Suite

There are four Premium Lagoon-View Suites, measuring between 48 and 58 square meters, or 517 to 624 square feet.

They have one king bed and full views across the Venetian Lagoon.

Although these suites are smaller than some of the Grand Dandolo Suites, I would personally choose the lagoon view over the additional floor space.

Grand Lagoon-View Suite

There are nine Grand Lagoon-View Suites, ranging from 59 to 71 square meters, or 635 to 764 square feet.

They have one king bed and views across the lagoon.

This looks like one of the best all-round suite categories, combining good floor space with the view most guests want when staying at the Danieli.

Four Seasons Lagoon-View Suite

There are only two Four Seasons Lagoon-View Suites.

They measure between 80 and 81 square meters, or 861 to 871 square feet, and have one king bed with full lagoon views.

These are among the largest regular suites in the hotel and will be difficult to secure during busy periods because there are only two available.

Specialty Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Danieli

The specialty suites occupy some of the best positions in the hotel and all offer views across the Venetian Lagoon.

Signature Suite

The hotel has three Signature Suites, ranging from 82 to 101 square meters, or 883 to 1,087 square feet.

Each suite has one king bed and a full lagoon view.

Presidential Suite

There is one Presidential Suite measuring 133 square meters, or 1,432 square feet.

It has one king bed and panoramic lagoon views from the upper floor of Palazzo Dandolo.

Doge Dandolo Royal Suite

The Doge Dandolo Royal Suite is the largest and most important suite in the hotel.

It measures 148 square meters, or 1,592 square feet, and has one king bed with views across the Venetian Lagoon.

Which Room Would I Book?

If you want a standard room, I would choose a Premium Lagoon-View Room. There are only ten, and I think the view is worth prioritizing at a hotel with such an exceptional waterfront position.

For a suite, the Grand Lagoon-View Suite looks like the best balance of space, view and price. The Premium Lagoon-View Suite may offer better value if you do not need as much space.

The room names can be slightly confusing because “Grand” does not always mean a better outlook. A Grand Premium Room or Grand Dandolo Suite may be larger than another category while overlooking the streets and surrounding buildings.

If the lagoon view is important, make sure the word “Lagoon” appears in the room name. I would also ask about the exact room position, floor and outlook before confirming one of the more expensive categories.

Palazzo Danieli Excelsior remains under restoration and is expected to reopen in 2027, when more rooms and suites will be added.

Why Knowing the Individual Rooms Is Important

Having a good Four Seasons Preferred Partner who understands the different room categories is particularly useful at the Danieli.

This is a historic building, so no two rooms are exactly the same. Two rooms within the same category may have different layouts, sizes, window positions and views. Booking the right category is only part of the process. It is also worth having someone speak with the hotel about the individual room allocation before you arrive.

Another detail to be aware of is the bathroom. Guests who regularly stay at Four Seasons hotels may be used to having a bathtub, but only some rooms at the Danieli have one. If a bathtub is a priority, this should be requested and confirmed before booking rather than assumed from the room category.

As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I can discuss the available rooms directly with the hotel, explain your preferences and push for the best allocation within the category booked.

Dining at Four Seasons Hotel Danieli

Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is currently the main dining venue at the hotel.

Located on the rooftop, it has indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views across Venice and the lagoon. The restaurant serves Venetian and Italian food, with seasonal menus based around fresh local ingredients.

Terrazza Danieli was already one of the highlights of the hotel before the renovation. The setting is hard to beat, particularly during the warmer months when guests can dine outside overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore.

Executive Chef Adriano Rausa is overseeing the restaurant, serving contemporary Italian cuisine with Venetian influences. Several signature dishes are finished at the table.

Two further bars are expected to open, although both are temporarily closed at the time of writing.

Bar Dandolo is located in the famous lobby of the 15th-century Palazzo Dandolo. It will serve coffee, afternoon tea and cocktails, accompanied by live piano music.

Bar Terrazza Danieli will offer wine, cocktails and light snacks on the rooftop. I can see this becoming one of the best places in Venice for an aperitivo, even if you are not staying at the hotel.

The Danieli Spa Is Coming Later

Not every part of the hotel is open yet.

Danieli Spa is expected to open later in 2026. Plans include three treatment rooms, including one for couples, as well as a sauna, hammam and relaxation area.

They will then complete the next major stage of the renovation in 2027.

Guests staying during the initial opening period should therefore be aware that they will be visiting during a phased reopening. The principal rooms, suites, public spaces and Terrazza Danieli are operating, but the finished hotel experience will continue to expand.

Is Four Seasons Hotel Danieli Good for Families?

I think the new Danieli is going to be a very good option for families visiting Venice.

There is a large selection of connecting rooms and suites, including lagoon-facing options. This is particularly useful in Venice, where historic buildings can make it difficult to find suitable accommodation for families.

The location also helps. Piazza San Marco is only a few minutes away, and guests can reach many of Venice’s principal sights without repeatedly relying on water taxis.

Children receive their own welcome amenity, child-size bathrobes and complimentary children’s toiletries. Cribs, night lights and playpens are also available.

The hotel does not need a huge children’s club to work well for families. Spacious connecting accommodations, an easy location and reliable Four Seasons service will make it a practical choice for parents who still want to stay somewhere with history and character.

Opening Offers and Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits

There are several opening offers currently available at Danieli, Venezia when booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, such as Clements Travel:

• Experience More: Includes a hotel spending credit to use during your stay.
• Preferred Partner Room Rate: The most flexible rate, with a minimum stay of two nights.
• Venice Hideaway: Save 15% on stays of at least two nights when booked a minimum of two days before arrival.
• Advance Purchase: Save 10% when booking and paying in advance. More restrictive cancellation conditions apply.

When you book an eligible rate through Clements Travel, I can also include Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits at no additional cost:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant or through in-room dining
• US$100 hotel credit for room bookings
• US$200 hotel credit for suite bookings
• Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
• A welcome amenity
• Additional recognition from the hotel team

Preferred Partner benefits can be added to many of the hotel’s opening offers, subject to the conditions of the selected rate.

The lowest price will not always provide the best overall value. I can compare the available offers, cancellation terms, spending credits and Preferred Partner benefits to find the best option for your stay.

Your reservation remains directly with Four Seasons, and you pay the hotel directly. There are no booking fees for using Clements Travel.

My Take on the New Four Seasons Hotel Danieli

This is a very important opening for Four Seasons.

The Danieli has long had one of the best locations and most recognizable interiors in Venice. The question was rarely whether the building was impressive. The question was whether the rooms, service and overall experience consistently justified the prices being charged.

Four Seasons now has an opportunity to combine the Danieli’s extraordinary history with the service standards expected at the top end of the market.

I am also pleased that the restoration has not attempted to turn the hotel into another restrained, beige luxury property. Venice calls for color, craftsmanship, dramatic interiors and a sense of history. The early images suggest that the new Danieli still understands that.

There will inevitably be a settling-in period. This is a large historic hotel reopening in phases, and it will take time for the full operation to find its rhythm.

Even so, Danieli immediately becomes one of the most interesting Four Seasons hotels in Europe and a serious option for a luxury stay in Venice.

We loved the Danieli before Four Seasons took over, and I am very excited to return and see what has changed.

Book Four Seasons Hotel Danieli With Clements Travel

If you are considering a stay at Danieli, Venezia, I would be delighted to help.

I can compare the current opening offers, explain the differences between the room and suite categories, and advise whether it is worth paying more for a lagoon view.

Before you arrive, I will personally introduce you to the hotel team, discuss any preferences or special occasions and push for the best room allocation and upgrade available.

Contact Clements Travel for a complimentary, no-obligation quote for Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, including Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits and the best available hotel offers.