Venice is about to get a serious dose of “white-glove” energy as one of its most legendary landmarks prepares to reopen its doors as Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice. If you’ve ever wanted to live like a 15th-century Doge but with the kind of modern Wi-Fi and intuitive service that actually works, this is your moment. Reservations are officially open, and the hotel is gearing up to prove that even a city as “seen-it-all” as Venice can still offer a fresh perspective.
The Danieli isn’t just a hotel; it’s a sprawling architectural jigsaw puzzle made of three interconnected palaces. The crown jewel is the 15th-century Palazzo Dandolo, which first started hosting guests in 1822. It’s since been joined by the 19th-century Palazzo Casa Nuova and the 1950s-era Palazzo Danieli Excelsior. Now, thanks to a meticulous restoration by the king of luxury interiors, Pierre-Yves Rochon, the whole complex has been polished to a high-gloss shine. Think Murano glass everywhere, Rubelli fabrics, and a color palette of celadon greens and terracotta that feels like a Venetian sunset caught in a bottle.
photos: @Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice
General Manager Christian Zandonella is leading the charge, and his mission is to move guests past the “postcard” version of Venice. Sure, the gondolas and Piazza San Marco (which is just steps away) are great, but the Four Seasons experience is leaning into the “secret” side of the city. We’re talking private lessons in Voga Veneta (traditional rowing) at the city’s oldest clubs, meeting the artisans who carve the oars, and sneaking into hidden private gardens tucked behind crumbling palace walls. You can even spend an afternoon with local socialite Mimi Todhunter to see how modern Venetians actually live when they aren’t dodging tourists.
@Doge Dandolo Royal Suite at Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice
On the food front, Executive Chef Adriano Rausa is taking over the iconic Terrazza Danieli. Perched on the rooftop with views that make your Instagram feed look like a Renaissance painting, the restaurant will focus on hyper-local ingredients from Sant’Erasmo island. For those who prefer their luxury in liquid form, Bar Dandolo in the lobby remains the place for a sophisticated hideaway, while the rooftop bar is the undisputed champion for an aperitivo as the sun dips behind the basilica domes.
The hotel opens with 120 rooms and suites—many of which are designed to connect, making it a rare Venetian find for families who don’t want to be separated by three hallways and a canal. Most importantly, a huge chunk of these rooms face the water, offering unobstructed views of the Laguna. It’s a bold new chapter for a storied house, proving that while Venice might be defined by its past, its future looks remarkably comfortable.
