Set in a prime position on the Riva degli Schiavoni near the Saint Mark’s Basin near St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s latest five-star hotel arrived this summer, offering stunning views of San Giorgio Maggiore from its rooftop terrace, and many of its elegant rooms revealing the Lagoon in true theatrical fashion, with curtains parting like those of a grand theatre to unveil the view beyond.
But if the location sounds familiar — like the former home of the 600-year-old Hotel Danieli, perhaps — you’re right. Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel arrived this summer as the newest Four Seasons in Italy, featuring reimagined spaces celebrating Venetian heritage through light, craftsmanship and contemporary design.
“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, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts. ‘’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.”
Built 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 interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, blending historic heritage with a contemporary vision.
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. Danieli’s transformation also brings the opening of Danieli Spa, featuring three treatment rooms, a sauna and hammam.
“The reopening of Danieli as a Four Seasons experience marks an exciting milestone after months of dedication and meticulous restoration,” says Christian Zandonella, General Manager of Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel. “We are delighted to welcome guests back to one of Venice’s most iconic addresses, where the hotel’s extraordinary heritage is reimagined through the legendary hospitality of Four Seasons.”
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. Danieli’s transformation also brings the opening of Danieli Spa, featuring three treatment rooms, a sauna and hammam.
“The reopening of Danieli as a Four Seasons experience marks an exciting milestone after months of dedication and meticulous restoration,” says Christian Zandonella, General Manager of Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel. “We are delighted to welcome guests back to one of Venice’s most iconic addresses, where the hotel’s extraordinary heritage is reimagined through the legendary hospitality of Four Seasons.”
A Dialogue Between Heritage and Contemporary Design
Pierre-Yves Rochon’s vision interprets Venice’s identity through a careful balance of history, light and materials.The interiors feature a color 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. The first experience of this striking palette begins upon stepping into the lobby of Palazzo Dandolo, where the eye is immediately drawn to the ceiling with its fully restored, hand-painted gilding tracing a quatrefoil pattern against an azure blue that mirrors the lagoon outside. Throughout the majestic space 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 that enhance depth and perspective, while Murano glass, terrazzo flooring and bespoke Rubelli textiles reinforce the connection with local craftsmanship.
A carefully curated artwork collection enriches the interiors, drawing inspiration from the spirit of the Grand Tour, when Venice became an essential destination for artists, writers and cultured travelers. Intaglios, Venetian engravings, antiqued mirrors and thoughtfully composed decorative objects reinterpret the city’s artistic heritage, creating refined, residential spaces that evoke the elegance and grandeur of a historic palazzo.
Rooms and Suites
The restoration within the historic Palazzo Dandolo and Palazzo Casa Nuova redefines the hotel’s accommodation offering with more spacious layouts and an expanded collection of Junior Suites and One-Bedroom Suites. Guest rooms and suites overlook the Lagoon, the city’s canals, or its rooftops. These enhanced accommodations combine timeless elegance with contemporary comfort, with suites offering generous living areas and flexible layouts, many of which can be expanded through connecting rooms.
Technology is discreetly integrated throughout the interiors to enhance comfort. The bespoke in-room media wall integrates the television into a curated composition of artwork and decorative objects. Automated curtains, customizable lighting scenes and an intuitive climate control system further personalize the guest experience.
Restaurant Terrazza Danieli
The transformation of Terrazza Danieli, the celebrated rooftop restaurant overlooking the Lagoon, offers iconic views with exceptional culinary offerings. Respecting the restaurant’s storied setting, the redesign subtly transforms its atmosphere without altering its architectural identity. Soft pastel hues, azure accents and muted golden tones replace the former dark finishes, while mirrored surfaces amplify natural light and reflect the picturesque views across the lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The outdoor terrace echoes the warm terracotta tones of the historic façade, ensuring that the breathtaking panorama remains the true focal point of the experience.
Within this renewed setting, Executive Chef Adriano Rausa presents a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine with a Venetian twist, celebrating seasonal ingredients and long-standing relationships with local producers. Many signature dishes are finished tableside, adding a refined sense of theatre and creating memorable moments.
Four Seasons in Italy
Danieli, Venezia joins Four Seasons growing collection of exceptional properties in Italy, alongside Four Seasons Hotel Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.
