Not sure how some people could have had the "most marvelous experience ever" at this palce, unless perhaps they were paying 1200 euros a night and the staff treated them accordingly - and are being asked to write favorable reveiws by management.

If that's the case, fine, I understand - but believe me when I tell you, this is a terribly run, and run down hotel.

Check-in is horrible - rooms don't get cleaned until 4 pm - few exceptions, so if the place was somehat full the night before, you can guarantee yourself that you won't get inside a room until after 4 pm. Venice is an expensive place - everyone knows, but simple cocktails at the bar are 18 to 22 euros - about $25 to $30 - and the service is lousy - bartender stands therepoliching stemware pretending not to see you sitting at the bar just 5 feet away.

Worn carpets, and not the greatest of locations - blocks from the action of the canal - crawling with tourists - can't even move outside - and many of them come in to see the lobby - dozens and dozens coming in taking pictures walking around - far from a relaxing vibe - more like a hotel lobby at Disney.

We were there for 3 nights during which time we stumbled accross similarly-priced places (i recognized them from when i was planning the trip) and had cocktails in their lounges - and could tell immediately that service, oppulence, cleanliness and maintenance were all superior to this place.

For half the price, you could look past some of this stuff and think of it like a grand and old faded dame - which could have it's own quirky charm - but not at these prices, which are some of the highest on the island.

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!