I stayed last weekend at the danieli in a luxury lagoon view room in the excelsior wing. Having fond memories of a stay at the danieli as a child 30 years go, and happy to pay for an elegant venetian experience, I was truly shocked to see the room we were given - dark, dirty, electric socket hanging from the wall (which my 2 year old son saw straight away and tried to fix himself) within a 70s/80s style tower block with zero charm. The view is spectacular, albeit through windows which are chest high, so all my son could see was a black wall. All this for €800+ is truly shocking. I re-read the reviews on trip adviser and quite a few people have made very similar observations (although crowded out by suspiciously hyper positive comments), I wish I had spent time considering these, it makes more sense now in hindsight. But I place responsibilty and blame squarely on the reservations team who had ample opportunity to explain the different rooms, knew it was a special trip, knew i was flexiblenon price, knew i am SPG, knew I had family with me but dumped me in a very disappointing room. I travel a lot, too much, and know the only way to react to this is (1) vote with my feet - you can have my SPG card back - and (2) request through trip advisor for either customers to beware, or hotel management be more human and recognise that misleading customers only ever has a sad ending, for all involved.

Like another recent reviewer, I have been meaning to write this for a long time and have just gotten around to it. The Danieli is like no other place i have ever stayed. While I don't always travel first class, I have stayed at my share of luxury hotels over the years. The Danieli is the finest hotel by far that I have enjoyed.

Stunning lobby, suite with a magnificent view, and cigars in the lobby bar - what more can one ask for. The service is outstanding. What ever we needed, they made happen. I could go on, but suffice it to say that my next trip to Venice will include the Danieli.

Outstanding hotel lobby in an old Venetian palace.
Also great rooms with a good view. Well worth a visit and a few days stay.
Great to arrive by water-taxi from the airport direct to the hotel!
Very good location just next to San Marco's square.
Few hotels in the world can match the atmosphere of the Danieli!

I have been meaning to write a review for this hotel for so long, but have only just found the time.
I have stayed here numerous times. Birthdays, Xmas, during the high waters and in the middle of summer. And I can honestly say it has never let me down and I refuse to stay anywhere else in the city.
The location doesn't get any better than this folks. All your main tourist attractions are right on the doorstep.
It is so beautiful it literally takes your breath away. I have taken a lot of friends here, not just because of the amazing interior, but because the staff are warm and friendly and the bar,along with its staff (Alessandro especially!) is a fun place to be on a Saturday night. It's a great pre-dinner meeting place and the Bellinis are a must. And there's always a pianist there which I think creates a nice ambience at the beginning of the night! I have recently celebrated my 40th birthday in Venice with my beloved and a group of friends. In fact when he asked me what I wanted as a birthday present, I asked for 5 nights in this place and I'm so glad I did. We had a corner room in the old palazzo of the hotel which over looks St Marks Basin. The view from the window never fails to amaze. The room was huge and decorated in traditional Venetian decor. It had a separate dressing room and fabulous bathroom with everything you could wish for.
There was a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and home made macaroons in our room on arrival, which is always welcome after a flight.
On our first night we walked in to St Marks for cocktails at Florians then when my friends flew in from the U.K we took them up to the terrace restaurant in the Danieli ,luckily it was warm enough to sit outside. Us ladies were even offered a wrap for our shoulders should we get chilly. Which I thought was a very generous touch. Both food and wine were exquisite and the view is just incredible. The staff were both helpful,kind and attentive. Never failed with the refills on the wine front. And the different courses were bought out in a timely manner, giving just the right amount of time between courses. Overall our dining experience was sheer perfection. It wasn't cheap by any means, but this is a luxury hotel with a view to die for. And you get what you pay for.
For all you men out there, this would be a great location for popping the big question, the view alone will secure the deal for you.
I'm always sad to leave this hotel, I've had so many fun times here and so many great memories. And I will always return. Thank you Danieli, you are fabulous!