The Danieli is a byword for historic luxury hospitality in Venice, a hotel that has welcomed illustrious guests like Charles Dickens and Richard Wagner since its opening in 1822.
The property has now been taken over by the Four Seasons brand and undergone an extensive revamp.
“With the reopening of the iconic Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, our fourth property in a spectacular portfolio in Italy, we usher in a new chapter in this renowned palace’s history,” says Rainer Stampfer, Four Seasons President.
“In collaboration with our long-term partners, Gruppo Statuto, we offer guests the unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Venice in an entirely new way.”
Lagoon colours and restored artworks
Set in a prime position on the Riva degli Schiavoni, the five-star Danieli offers sweeping views of St Mark’s Basin and the San Giorgio Maggiore island from its rooftop terrace.
The structure comprises three buildings. Constructed in 1471 as the residence of the noble Dandolo family, Palazzo Dandolo is one of the city’s finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Alongside it, two other buildings, Palazzo Casa Nuova, once home to the Treasury of the Venetian Republic, and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior, complete the hotel’s architectural story.
Both Palazzo Dandolo and Casa Nuova have been renovated by renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, blending historic heritage with a contemporary vision.
The interiors feature a colour palette inspired by the Venetian lagoon, including celadon greens, soft blues, terracotta, ochre and powder pink, echoing the city’s marble façades, historic plasterwork and architecture.
Upon entering the lobby of Palazzo Dandolo, the eye is immediately drawn to the ceiling with its restored, hand-painted gilding tracing a quatrefoil pattern against an azure blue. The columns, stonework, and grand staircase have also been meticulously restored by skilled artisans.
Natural light is a defining element through Venetian mirrors and reflective surfaces, while Murano glass, terrazzo flooring and bespoke Rubelli textiles are a nod to local craftsmanship.
A carefully curated artwork collection of intaglios, Venetian engravings and antiqued mirrors draws inspiration from the spirit of the Grand Tour, when Venice became an essential destination for artists, writers and cultured travellers.
Rooms with media walls and automated curtains
The hotel reopens with 120 rooms and suites, with total accommodations set to grow to 168 once the restoration of Palazzo Danieli Excelsior is complete in 2027.
The restoration within the historic Palazzo Dandolo and Palazzo Casa Nuova has created more spacious layouts and an expanded collection of Junior Suites and One-Bedroom Suites.
Technology is discreetly integrated throughout the interiors. The in-room media wall integrates the television into a curated composition of artwork and decorative objects. Rooms also feature automated curtains, customisable lighting scenes and an intuitive climate control system.
Restaurant Terrazza Danieli and the Danieli Spa
One of the hotel’s prime features is the Terrazza Danieli, the rooftop restaurant overlooking the lagoon. It has undergone a design refresh to amplify the natural light and reflect the watery panorama.
Diners can enjoy a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine with a Venetian twist by Executive Chef Adriano Rausa.
The hotel’s transformation will continue in late 2026 with the opening of Danieli Spa, featuring three treatment rooms, including one dedicated to couples’ spa experiences, as well as a sauna and hammam.