A gothic gem overlooking Venice’s iconic lagoon got a refresh in time for the Venice Film Festival.
Reservations are open at Danieli, Venice, a Four Seasons Hotel following a restoration process that was unveiled this summer and remains ongoing at the property’s adjacent palazzos and within a soon-to-be finished Danieli Spa. Located on the waterfront stretch known as Riva degli Schiavoni and within walking distance from the wildly popular tourist destination Piazza San Marco, aka St. Mark’s Square, Danieli is often praised by guests for its views of the lagoon from both the terrace and inside the rooms and suites.
French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon steered the renovation by focusing on a “balance of history, light and materials” per Four Seasons. The color palette is said to have been inspired by the lagoon and mixed with inspiration from Venice’s marble facades, plasterwork and architecture through the use of celadon greens, soft blues, terracotta, ochre and powder pink.
Inside the Palazzo Dandolo lobby, hand-restored gilding creates a quatrefoil motif against a blue background reminiscent of water while the columns, stonework and the staircase were restored by local artisans. The space also leans on natural light through Venetian mirrors while Murano glass, Venetian terrazzo floors and Rubelli fabrics connect each space to Venetian tradition and codes. A collection or artworks has been curated to honor Venice’s heritage and history as a destination for artists and writers.
The hotel reopened with a total of 120 rooms and suites available, a collection said to be more spacious with an expansion of junior and one bedroom suites. The total number of accommodations will balloon to 168 once the restoration of Palazzo Danieli Excelsior is done in 2027. The Four Seasons reports that a particular emphasis was placed on integrating technology into those rooms through such features as a custom-designed media wall to integrate the television with artwork and decorative objects, automated curtains, customizable lighting and a climate control system, the latter of which is ever more necessary as Europe faces historic and punishing summer temperatures.
Rooftop restaurant Terrazza Danieli also got a refresh, seen below, which insiders note was done in a way to transform the atmosphere without disrupting the architectural identity. Dark finishes were swapped with pastel tones, blue accents and golden colors, and mirrors were added to play off the natural light. Executive chef Adriano Rausa presents a “contemporary interpretation” of Italian cuisine with a Venetian twist, and many of his menus signature dishes are finished tableside to add a little bit of drama and entertainment.
As for the spa, it is expected to open during this second half of the year. It will feature three treatment rooms (including one for couples), a sauna and bathhouse. Danieli, Venice, a Four Seasons Hotel is party of the brand’s Italian portfolio that includes destinations in Milan, Florence and Taormina.
“With the reopening of the iconic Danieli, Venice, a Four Seasons Hotel, our fourth property in Italy from the spectacular collection, we are inaugurating a new chapter in the history of this celebrated palazzo,” said Rainer Stampfer Four Seasons president of global operations, hotels and resorts. “In collaboration with our longtime partner, Gruppo Statuto, we are offering guests the unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Venice in a whole new way.”
Added Danieli, Venice general manager Christian Zandonella: “The reopening of Danieli as a Four Seasons experience represents an exciting milestone after months of dedication and meticulous restoration. We are delighted to welcome guests back to one of Venice’s most iconic addresses, where the hotel’s extraordinary heritage is reimagined through legendary Four Seasons hospitality.”
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