The Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice: My Review (2026)

The lobby is a showstopper and the rooftop restaurant has one of the great views in Venice. A classic, grand Venice stay, right at the heart of the city.

Where: On the Riva degli Schiavoni, next to the Doge’s Palace
The hotel: A Gothic palazzo, reopened as a Four Seasons hotel in July 2026
Size: About 120 rooms today, growing in 2027
Perfect for: First-time visitors, Four Seasons loyalists, travelers who want to be at San Marco
Visited: Toured in person, October 2026

The review

The lobby and the rooftop are the stars.

For me, the stars of the Danieli are the lobby and the rooftop restaurant. The Gothic atrium really is a showstopper, and it is a great place to see and be seen. Terrazza Danieli on the roof looks over the Salute, the Doge’s Palace and the lagoon.

The rooms are understated and very classic in design. And the location is hard to beat: you are steps from St. Mark’s, with all of Venice on your doorstep.

It is a bigger hotel, which means a higher likelihood of an upgrade. I liked the Danieli and think it is a great option, especially for a first trip to Venice or for Four Seasons loyalists.

The Gothic atrium and skylight at the Danieli — The atrium from above

A table at Terrazza Danieli with San Marco and the lagoon — Terrazza Danieli

The grand staircase at the Danieli — The grand staircase

San Giorgio Maggiore from a balcony at the Danieli — San Giorgio from a lagoon-view room

A lagoon-view suite at the Danieli — A lagoon-view suite

The water entrance at the Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel — The water entrance

What stood out

The highlights

01: The lobby. The Gothic atrium, with its arcades, candle sconces and stained-glass skylight, is the great see-and-be-seen room in Venice.
02: The rooftop. Terrazza Danieli has one of the best views in the city, over the Salute and the lagoon.
03: The lagoon views. Lagoon-facing rooms look straight across to San Giorgio Maggiore.
04: Upgrade odds. A bigger hotel has more rooms to upgrade you into.

Know before you book

The fine print, from your advisor

01: It is busy outside. The Riva is the liveliest waterfront in Venice, which is part of the fun. If you would rather come home to calm, look at Airelles Palladio or Aman.
02: Book a lagoon view. The rooms are classic; the view is what makes them.
03: Service at scale. A larger hotel runs differently from a small palazzo, and my relationships with the team mean my clients are looked after.
04: The spa is now open. There is no pool, but the new spa has opened, a welcome addition to a classic hotel.

Before you ask

The questions I get

Is the Danieli a Four Seasons hotel?

Yes. It reopened as the Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, in July 2026.

Where is the Danieli?

On the Riva degli Schiavoni, next to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square.

Can I visit the Danieli if I stay elsewhere?

Yes. Have a drink in the lobby or book dinner at Terrazza Danieli on the roof.

Which room should I book?

A lagoon-view room or suite, looking across to San Giorgio Maggiore.

Torn between two?

The head-to-heads

01: Airelles Palladio or the Danieli A Giudecca estate with pools, or the classic palace by San Marco. Settle it →
02: Aman Venice or the Danieli A private Grand Canal palazzo, or the grand palace by San Marco. Settle it →
03: The Danieli or Orient Express Center stage at San Marco, or design on a quiet canal. Settle it →
04: Venice’s three new hotels, ranked Airelles Palladio, Orient Express and the Danieli, side by side. Settle it →

Book the Danieli through me

I have stood in these rooms.
I know which one to ask for.

Work with me and you get two things: Fora perks, and someone who knows the Danieli personally. As a Four Seasons preferred partner, my clients typically receive an upgrade when available, daily breakfast and a hotel credit. I know the property and the team, so I personalize your stay, from the room I request to what’s arranged before you arrive, and I’m your direct line to them while you’re there. Rates are identical to booking direct.

When are you thinking?

Tell me your dates and I will tell you which lagoon-view room to ask for.

The Danieli or Airelles? →The Danieli or Aman? →My Venice guide →