Lonely Planet Review

Composed of three adjacent buildings of differing age, the Hotel Danieli lords it over the San Marco basin. Converted into a hotel during the 19th century, it has long been a favourite with royalty, artists and other celebrities. A stay here will make you feel a million dollars (even if you don't have it).

The lobby of the Danieli is strikingly unique. A huge marble staircase with Gothic arches climbs up an atrium leading guests to their rooms. A large seating area and bar, adorned with marble columns, chandeliers, ornate stucco work and elaborate fireplace is blindingly opulent. Guests have a choice of the 14th-century casa vecchia (old house), whose splendid, frescoed rooms are bursting with antiques; the casa nuova (new house), with its pretty Venetian style rooms; and the Danielino, whose newer, brighter rooms are decorated in 1930s style. The casa vecchia was built for the Doge Enrico Dandolo and the ceilings on the second floor are around three-metres high. If that doesn't give you vertigo, head up to the Terrazza Danieli restaurant and drink in intoxicating views of the Lido, San Servolo, San Giorgio, Giudecca and the Salute church.