I must say that this review was predicated on our stay at the wonderful Hotel Savoy in Florence. Our family of two adults and three young children recently stayed in the Hotel Danieli having enjoyed its sister hotel, the Gritti, a few years ago. We decided on the Danieli because this time the Gritti was under renovation. What an absolute mistake. Check-in was a complete scrum with a small check in desk and massive queues of people. The woman who was helping my husband answered the telephone and then walk off to do something else! The location of the hotel was good for tourist attractions and getting around with young children, the ambience of the hotel was hollow and lacking. Although they supposedly renovated several years ago, the lobby whilst probably once beautiful looked tired. The large rooms (we had two interconnecting) were a disaster of Venetian pastiche in dark reds and greens with laminate furniture that was already chipping and showing its age despite being only a few years old , the closet was a ridiculous non-sequitur modern black concoction that was done by some famous French designer but didn't work properly (the interior light wouldn't go out when the door was closed so you could see the bright light through the cracks while you were sleeping - I resorted to taking the bulb out). Bathrooms were large and well lit, but dated with heavy black and green marble. Views from the room lovely over looking the lagoon but the new wing has to be THE ugliest building on the lagoon. The breakfast served on the rooftop was lovely and the staff attentive and friendly. The doormen, the porters and housekeeping staff all friendly and helpful, but how sad for them to work in this hotel. However, dealing with the concierge service was like an episode in fawlty towers. You always got the impression that they were completely put out to have to serve and help people. They were always looking down at their computers and never smiled or said hello. They made strange suggestions for a family with young children (places that didn't have high chairs when I specifically asked and places that were far to walk). Our departure was the feather in the cap, as the boat waiting to take us back to the airport had to move to allow other boats in because our check out took some time (note: check your bill carefully). As such when we were ready no one was there to help us and no once cared. One particular concierge threw his hands up and walked away when we were trying to get him to help us with our luggage. No one helped us and no one said good bye to us. Wow, what an experience! I will NEVER stay at a starwoods hotel again and would not at all recommend this hotel to anyone. Next time we will try the Cipriani or anything Rocco Forte brings!

If you're looking for a modern or refurbished glass, glitz and bling hotel then the Danieli is not for you. However, if you are looking for a Magnificent Grand Tour Hotel with good service then the Danieli is where you should be in Venice.

We flew into Marco Polo mid afternoon and had a water taxi transfer to the Danieli where the concierge and the porter were waiting for us. The process was very attentive and seamless.

The receptionist was very welcoming and we were checked in and into our room very quickly.
Our room was just what we expected spacious, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was well appointed, very clean and well stocked with quality product. We particulary liked the bathrobes and slippers.

The servicing of our room, as well as the turn down service in the evening, was very good, it was our home in Venice for 7 days.

Location wise it's central to all the main tourist areas and the vaperetto is at the front door.

The concierges were all very friendly, knowledgable and took care of all our questions and needs in a most efficient manner. Special thanks to Alessio for insight into what the life of a concierge was like at the Danieli.

Check out went as smoothly as check in.

The Danieli is one of the great iconic hotels of the world, a place that travellers should stay at least once in their lifetime.

You can approach the Danieli as a 600-year-old treasure, in which case its quirks can be excused, or you can look upon it as an extremely expensive but ostensibly modern hotel, in which case perhaps they can't. I prefer to look upon this legendary hotel as a fantastic museum piece and our stay here as a memorable event; moreover, I'm a little mystified by the quibbles with the service. Over and over during our three days here, we were greated by a procession of doormen and concierges smilingly wishing us a good morning or a good evening. Although we were staying free of charge thanks to Starwood miles, the desk clerk happily granted our request for a room in the original building, the 15th century Palazzo Dandolo; then she stepped out from behind her desk and escorted us to the room. Not only that, but it was a spacious room with a Murano chandelier and a partial view of the Grand Canal. True, there were some scuffs and dings in the furniture, it took six hours for us to extract a second drinking glass from the housekeeping staff, and the clerk was almost apologetic as she described the optional 68 euro breakfast (does anyone EVER opt for a 68 euro breakfast?). But these are minor matters when you're staying in a world-class historic site. Would the Danieli be worth the usual 500+ euros per night? I can't answer that. But at least if you're in the original building, and you manage to find a good rate or are fortunate enough to stay for free, it's one of the great hotel experiences of the world.