Starwood Preferred Guest - The Danieli, Venice 2007 onward [Master Thread]

I am a little concerned. We are booked at the Danieli in Venice April 3-6 on an awards stay and everything I can find to read about the hotel is extremely negative.

Most posts agree that the location is fabulous and that the lobbiy is indeed grand, however, they also say that the rooms are dirty and not maintained well. Most posts also speak of the indifference of the service.

I do not need perfection, I am just hoping for a nice pleasant experience.

Does't anyone have anything nice to say about the Danieli?

Gary --

My last stay there was magical. Indeed, we were most fortunate to have been upgraded to a canal view suite in the original building. We were two floors above the main lobby. We found all of the staff to be pleasant, if distant. I did have the occasion to meet and speak for a short while with the longtime GM at the property and he was a gem.

I also had some interaction with the very seasoned concierge staff there and they were top notch and exceedingly polished and professional.

I can imagine that many of the standard rooms at this hotel are somewhat basic -- I have not stayed in any, so my comments are gleaned from the same sort of reviews you've read, as well. Most folks aren't lucky enough to land at this place on award points and are shelling out 400-600 Euros a night and get a very basic room. I can well imagine that doesn't seem like a great deal to many.

Regardless, the location is exceptionally central and you'll have that wonderful lobby to come home to each day.

Don't sweat it -- this is a solid hotel with a long legacy.

Thank you Jet.

What do you think my best approach for an upgrade is? I am SPG Gold because of my AMEX use.

Should I call, or wait until I arrive?

Thanks again for answering my post.

Gary

Thank you Jet.

What do you think my best approach for an upgrade is? I am SPG Gold because of my AMEX use.

Should I call, or wait until I arrive?

Thanks again for answering my post.

Gary

As Gold you rarely receive an upgrade and it is only upon arrival. Why not see if this hotel allows you to use some points to upgrade?

What do you think my best approach for an upgrade is? I am SPG Gold because of my AMEX use.

My one trip to The Danieli was on a three night award stay as a gold back in 2004. About two weeks before our visit, I wrote an email to the address listed on spg.com requesting a room in the original building. That was the most I was hoping for, but when I checked in, I received what was at least a junior suite just above the front desk overlooking the lagoon. Just an excellent hotel.

I received a canal view room in the old building a few years ago on an award stay. My room did have some condition issues such as a large water stain on the ceiling and wall. Also the door lock broke in the suite next door and the woman could not get out of her living room... so the hotel staff had to come to our room and open the connecting door. Don't expect this to be a brand new Four Seasons hotel. Nevertheless, when you consider everything others have already mentioned in this thread it is still a great place to stay on SPG points.

We stayed there on points last June. I really enjoyed our stay and loved Venice. The hotel is very old and very grand! We were upgraded to a small suite on the floor above the lobby overlooking the main entrance and canal. It was very busy outside our window which we enjoyed. You are right in the thick of things. This will not be a luxury new hotel experience but that is not what we were looking for. We got a very historic experience which was great. Go with it and you will not be disappointed. The staff was fine to deal with but that is never a high priority to me. Go with the proper expectations and you will enjoy!

NO! I have stayed at the Danieli several times. If you are looking for a mdoern luxury hotel, this is not the place for you. If you like grand old properties, you will have a great time! Keep in mind, parts of this hotel were constructed years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue!

We've stayed there several times (all on points) and we've always had an amazing time.

Each time we were upgraded to a front view junior suite.


Like many hotels in Europe, the furnishings were a little "tired" but the incredible view made up for it and did not detract from our stay.
My husband loves getting up early in the morning and watching all the different barges unload. It's also a perfect spot for "people watching."
From our window we've seen crazy Acqua Altas, amazing fireworks over the lagoon, and of course the stunning panorama of the harbour and the campanile of Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore.


Although Venice is our favorite city in Italy, I have never found Venetians to be as warm as other Italians (who I think are some of the friendliest people in the world) They're a little more imperious-- more formal and proper. The staff at the Danieli is professional and efficient but I wouldn't call them warm.

As a lit and history buff I'm also fascinated by all the stories associated with the Danieli. Casanova's escape-- all of the writers and composers who have stayed there-- Dickens, Proust, Wagner, Debussy, Goethe.

The public spaces are gorgeous-- high ceilings, murano chandeliers, marble columns, grand staircases and ornate arches.

It's a romantic and mysterious place.

...had a great stay got a very nice suite u/g overlooking the canal and as it was my 40th birthday hotel sent up champers and b'day cake....great location and very well informed consierge staff...tons of good rest. reccomendations none of which were over 80E for the 2 of us...this is venice so we found this very cheap...anyways nice property...enjoy...take the boat to the westin elcelsior in the lido...it leave right outside the front entrance of the Dan...and vist the lido...we liked it as well.

Thank you all for the encouraging words. We are truly looking forward to a stay in this historic palace. I will email SPG as el_tigre did and hope for the best.

We are doing 15 nights in Italy. All on points except Santa Caterina in Amalfi.

Upon our return, I will post my thoughts on this board.

Gary

A great old hotel-----Period.

I'll be staying there too (Santa Caterina in Amalfi) in April (as well as 10 nights on award travel). I'm currious what it will be like as it gets "I loved it" or "I hated It" reviews over at Tripadvisor.


One thing I've noticed at Trip Advisor is that expensive hotels often receive negative ratings. SBTINME made a great point-- people who are paying top dollar expect luxury and properties that fail to meet that expectation are (severely) criticized.

We overlooked the Danieli's flaws (older furnishings/carpets etc) because our rooms have been in a perfect location. We probably would not have been
very happy had we been stuck in some smaller room w/o a view.

On our last trip, btw, we also tried the E&R bc we were curious. They upgraded us to a room with an incredible view.

Next trip, we're splitting our time between the Gritti and the Danieli (booked pre-devaluation) bc we figure it may be our last chance to stay at the Gritti.

In the future, we'll probably stay at the E&R, simply bc it's a better deal.

I'm not sure where you heard all the negative information about Danieli. However, it is truly one of my favorite hotels.

For a better room, I would strongly recommend e-mailing or faxing the hotel prior to arrival, especially if you are travelling for a special occasion.

Breakfast on the roof is a "must", even though it's pricey.

Take a look at www.tripadvisor.com or yahootravel. 9 out of 10 reviews are negative. I have emailed the hotel, and I am sure we will have a wonderful experience no matter what our room is like.

As a PLT on an award stay I was upgraded to the Royal Suite with two Juliet balconies overlooking the canal.
As you can expect for a room of that caliber it had no imperfections. It even had two bathrooms with only 1 bedroom :D

It is typical of other historic hotels in Europe. As others have said don't expect modern hi-tech conveniences but do expect wonderful antiques and great atmosphere.

There are some pics of the hotel in here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/97736173@N00/sets/72157602340963223/)

Take a look at www.tripadvisor.com or yahootravel. 9 out of 10 reviews are negative. .

With no offense meant to my fellow Americans, but so many of us who travel primary within North America a great deal have very high expectations of a hotel room that costs $400-$600 night for a STANDARD ROOM. Even in Beverly Hills, one would expect a lavish room with a massive marble bathroom, walk in showers, perhaps a small wardrobe/luggage room and fawning service. Nevermind the expectation for plasma TVs, four phones in each room, etc.

None of those things are going to be found in the standard rooms at the Danieli. What the Danieli offers is a chance to stay in one of the world's truly legendary hotels in an incredible location. Its lobby is the things dreams are made of.

I suspect that many of those negative reviews come from folks who are expecting over the top elegance and Four Seasons service for their very expensive rooms here. That is not an accurate expectation. If one goes into the Danieli well informed and with expectations set at the right level, you can't help but enjoy it.

Relax and enjoy your trip.

As a PLT on an award stay I was upgraded to the Royal Suite with two Juliet balconies overlooking the canal.

There are some pics of the hotel in here (http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/johnosan2000/slideshow?.dir=/ebd4re2&.src=ph)

Hey Moomba -- great photos! That's not the Royal Suite, however, that is the grandaddy of them all, the DOGE SUITE! That room is the most remarkable one on the property and is where Elizabeth Taylor, among many others, honeymooned (at least once)! Most European heads of state have stayed here over the decades and more than a few US Presidents.

The circle of chairs that you see in the center of the grand room there were recovered about 4 years ago. The hotel GM explained to me that the cost to recover them was simply astronomical. I asked him why. He pointed out that the threading detail was mostly accomplished with spun gold and that all of the gold accents in the fabric was simply that, GOLD!

This hotel doesn't use standard sheets, either. Each bed is covered with linen sheets (which will wrinkle if you whisper near them). I love linen sheets!

Here's some more shots- of the hotel, rooms


and views from our window (including the crazy halloween acqua alta of 2004)



(and one of our favorite bartender on earth-- Claudio at Harry's Bar)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourshots/sets/72157600007577228/

We stayed at the Danieli in Sept 04 and upgraded to a junior suite on points, got a second floor canal view. It was great. Just watching out the window as the water taxis and vaporettos came and went was fun. The junior suite had a very nice sized sitting room, beautifully decorated and the bedroom was devine. Did not want to leave. My son who is in the hotel business tells me that many TripAdvisor postings are actually done by competing hotels. I feel I always get the straight scoop here at Flyertalk. Enjoy!

Using wi-fi in the lobby of the Danieli even as I type...
I was very concerned about the hotel given the many negative reviews I've seen. I'm on a points stay and this place was a lot of points and this is our first trip to Venice so I was hoping that everything would be better than what I'd read. I would say that it is clear to me what people like and don't like about this place. The public rooms are grand and (mostly) tasteful--nice atmosphere. The actually rooms are rather shabby, however (and we saw three rooms before settling on the one we have thinking 'surely there must be something better'...there ain't, or at least not at the moment).
I would say the real let-down is in the staffing. Not arrogant or rude as some have suggested, but fairly limited in their range of what they know or can help you with. The concierge recommended the vaporetto to the airport even though we asked for cheaper alternatives...he just shrugged and suggested we ask at the train station (doesn't seem very concierge-like response to me). Ditto for questions about linking to wi-fi, the possibility of using points for breakfast (you can't) and other stuff...a smile and a shrug. In both these cases we were sent to the reception desk (25 feet away) where no one was manning the desk. The concierge clearly sees us standing there for 5-10 minutes with no one there and doesn't call anyone. It's also weird that on the occasions when we've need them, no one staffs the reception desk (granted, these were off-times -- 9:30pm and 11pm respectively, but still...). When we checked in we were in a "line" (one other person). No one (not even a porter) greeted us, smiled and said 'we'll be with you shortly' or anything you'd expect from a hotel with high standards of service. Basically, you're ignored until it's your turn to be greeted. The receptionist was very nice and did (with a little pleading) allow us to see a couple rooms after the first one was deemed to be unacceptable (we can't complain because we didn't have to stay in it, but anyone who does have to stay in that room is definitely getting ripped off).
All in all, it's hard to get worked up when you're staying on points (and actually, my whole SPG loyalty is pretty rock-bottom these days so I expect little an am rarely disappointed) but it's clear to me why some people find the public areas very special, but the rooms very unspectacular (I would even say tacky--silk(ish) flowers???). I just keep repeating my mantra: it's only points....it's only points....it's only points....

Hello

Has anyone ever stayed at the Danieli for Christmas? Do they do a special Christmas lunch / dinner? Is it astronomically expensive? Does Venice shut down for Christmas and you have to eat at the hotel as nothing else is open>

I'm thinking about going there this year - booked a room, called the hotel to ask about Christmas arrangements but they said they haven't planned anything yet?

Just wondering if I'll be able to book a table at the restaurant / or do I need to book a package (assuming they come up with one) to get a reservation?

many thanks

Alias AKA

My expectations were low due to all the negative reviews and I even tried change hotels but couldn't get 3 nights in a row at the same hotel in Venice so I stuck with the Danieli and was pleasantly surprised. We were there for 3 nights last week - July 2,3 & 4th and it was a points stay. I e-mailed the GM a week in advance it was our 10th anniversary and we got upgraded to a junior suite - essentially 2 separate rooms that were joined together. If they knocked out the wall it would have a proper use of space but I was happy with what I got. There was also a nice bottle of wine waiting for us. The staff also took our clothes to be dried as we got soaked in thunder storm on the way to the Hotel.

The GOOD
1) The location
2) The staff was adequate - just don't expect the staff at a high end place to try to save you money. For example they recommended that we take the $70 per hour private tour as to not wait in line - we took a our chances and waited a half hour the top sites. Moreover there's no need to take a private water taxi @ $100, the water "bus" #82 to San Marco lands you barely 50 meters from the Danieli.
3) Having 2 bathrooms saved us alot time.

The BAD
1) The mattress was horrible, nothing the like true luxury beds we experienced at the Westin & St. Regis in Rome (I sell bedding for a living too)
2) Our last night we retired early and they had a live singer at the bar in the lobby which went on until at least midnight. I think they should have some sort of notice as we were only on the second floor and were kept awake.

On the whole a great trip and at great location, mind I don't how happy I would have been if I a small regular room.

For pure historical reasons the DAnieli is amazing. However having stayed a several SPG in VEnice, I much prefer the Europa, especially if you can talk your way into an upgraded suite overlooking the grand canal (low season its much easier)

(Slightly off topic, if your looking for a great place to get great food, find the Cartier store, probably 10 minutes (if) walk from the Europa, around the corner to the right there is a "hole in the wall" restaraunt. No service charge (Yeah!) No Cupportuno (Yes!) and very good service and awesome wine (though I did find their calamari over salted, but the rest of the food and wine was outstanding)

I agree that the rooms at the Danieli could use some sprucing up.

The euphemistic term would be "tired"


While most of the concierges in Italy are incredible, I agree that the
concierges at the Danieli are "less than enthusiastic"

I believe it may have something to do with the Venetian temperament, which is definitely *cooler* than the warmer souls found in the rest of Italy--

but I'm saying this about my favorite city !

Venetians are inscrutable. I wouldn't call them snobby-- refined maybe. A holdover from their imperial past (and 400 years of Austrian rule)

I used to think their attitude had to do with the fact that we were Americans, but an Italian friend concurs.

So I don't visit the Danielli for pampering or luxury (in the modern sense)

I visit for it's amazing history and magic and mystery.

And that view !



Plus-- this year the concierges came through like champs for us and scored us great tickets to THAÏS.

Venetians are inscrutable. I wouldn't call them snobby-- refined maybe. A holdover from their imperial past (and 400 years of Austrian rule)


Slightly OT, but Austria never did rule Venice for 400 years. At best, the Hapsburgs ruled Venice from 1797 to 1866.

The concierge recommended the vaporetto to the airport even though we asked for cheaper alternatives...he just shrugged and suggested we ask at the train station (doesn't seem very concierge-like response to me)....

Not to stick my nose in here, but .... just how much cheaper than the vaporetto were you hoping to find?? Isn't like that being in Chicago and asking if there was any cheaper way to get across town than the city bus?!? I'm all for saving money, but isn't the vaporetto already rock bottom?

Slightly OT, but Austria never did rule Venice for 400 years. At best, the Hapsburgs ruled Venice from 1797 to 1866.

You're right-- must be my Austrian heritage claiming extra years :)


On another note-- the concierges at the Danieli came through (!)- and delivered a bottle of champagne to my friends celebrating their 50th anniversary this month:

Here's an excerpt from their email:

"It was so lovely of you to have champagne awaiting our arrival at the
Danieli. They gave us lovely connecting rooms overlooking the basin (and
one also overthe Riva degli Schiavoni), each with two balconied windows.
And feeling already very happy by the sights out of the windows, the
champagne then arrived and we drank it at once! The Feast of the Redentore
was truly splendid. Boats and yachts of all kinds streamed in in the
afternoon until the basin was jammed with them, and the fireworks were
choreographed with music blasting over the whole area, starting with Thus
spake Zarathustra timed to the bursting chrysanthemums and waterfalls of fire. We each sat in a balcony window with perfect views. Of course the Venetians thought it was to give thanks for deliverance from the plague but of course we knew it was for us.

Great food at da Fiore, alle Testiere, and Locanda Cipriani. Excellent food
at al Covo and Antico Pignolo, and so-so food at the Danieli terrace
restaurant, although of course the view makes up for almost anything."


We've had a rough summer, so I'm (literally) counting the days to our stay in Venice in the fall. We're planning to do a few things we've never done on
prior visits-- attend La Fenice (Thaïs) --visit Giudecca - the Peggy Guggenheim collection-- finally visit San Nicolo dei Mendicoli, the church Donald Sutherland was restoring in "Don't Look Now"-- order some hand-made stationary from Gianni Basso on "Smoke Alley" (Calle del Fumo-- what a mysterious little street) and visit some of the Scuolas we've missed.

We're splitting our stay between the Gritti and the Danieli--

We stayed at the Danieli in November, and had a nice time. As various posters have suggested, it's not quite the George V (which, as an aside, has the best service of any hotel I've ever visited).

If you get a room that is near enough to the lobby, you can actually use their wireless service. This was pretty helpful for us.

I really like Venice in the off-season. It has fewer tourists, especially the trust-fund teenagers who are particularly annoying. And the mists rising off the water are very cool!

We've always visited in late October--

fewer tourists-- mellower locals--

and it's white truffle season :)


We love the mists too.

Don't know if it would be better to post this in Starwood or Italy forum. Mr hat attack loves a hearty breakfast and we were looking forward to eating the sumptious breakfast on the patio overlooking the Grand Canal at Hotel Danieli in Venice in a couple of weeks. It's one of the reasons we chose to stay there. A friend who was there in March said the patio was closed for renovation. Tell me it's not so! Anyone know if this is still going on?

Don't know if it would be better to post this in Starwood or Italy forum. Mr hat attack loves a hearty breakfast and we were looking forward to eating the sumptious breakfast on the patio overlooking the Grand Canal at Hotel Danieli in Venice in a couple of weeks. It's one of the reasons we chose to stay there. A friend who was there in March said the patio was closed for renovation. Tell me it's not so! Anyone know if this is still going on?

If I had a question about a Luxury Collection property, I would call The Luxury Collection toll-free at 1-800-325-3589.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks, Starwood Lurker... I did call the 800 number. They are unaware of any renovation, perhaps the patio restaurant was closed for another reason and my friend was misinformed about the reason.

Sorry to belabor the point, but just looked on tripadvisor where a poster on May 7 reports that the terrace is closed until Spring 2009. Can anyone here verify that, as we will probably rebook to another hotel if that's the case?

Sorry to belabor the point, but just looked on tripadvisor where a poster on May 7 reports that the terrace is closed until Spring 2009. Can anyone here verify that, as we will probably rebook to another hotel if that's the case?

I would really be surprised if anyone answering the toll-free number for The Luxury Collection was wrong. Did they offer to call the hotel and ask them directly or did they just say off-handed that they did not know about it?

Otherwise, perhaps you can ask the hotel itself? Their email address is danieli@luxurycollection.com.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Luxury Coll. referred to their hotel notes the first time, but I just called again and when they seemed confused I asked them to contact the hotel. Great news! The hotel reports that the terrace restaurant just reopened 1 day ago! Thanks, Starwood Lurker

Water Taxi from train station was either 60E for a non-Grand Canal route or 80E for the Grand Canal which we took...water taxi to the airport was 90E plus 25E for a porter for the very heavy bags.



Anybody with a recent stay have an update on the prices here? The post referenced was from 2005.

Wife and I are coming in by train from Florence and will leave a couple of days later through VCE. Thanks!

Anybody with a recent stay have an update on the prices here? The post referenced was from 2005.

Wife and I are coming in by train from Florence and will leave a couple of days later through VCE. Thanks!

We took a water taxi from Danieli to VCE. Reserved online directly through the taxi company and I believe the cost was E100. A huge splurge for us, but well worth it. Our guy was waiting at the side door of the hotel and had us at the airport in no time. A good way to start out a long travel day to CA.

Just returned from a stay here where this *wood Plat received no consideration and no upgrade. We were "treated" to a room in the "old" part of the hotel with no view, no hot water and 2 double beds pushed together for a "king." For the 31,500 pts, this was the worst value of any *wood property I've ever stayed. I realize Venice is an expensive market but I expect more than a cold water shave and roof top view.

I was particularly enamored by the concierge who, when I asked about the best location to catch the water bus to Marco Polo, looked down his nose and asked "why would you take a water bus when a taxi is only 95 Euro?" I just laughed and walked away. All in all, the worst Starwood experience on Earth.

Hmm...now that I know, I'm glad to be in this half.

Just returned today from a trip that included 3 days at the Danieli -- which was by far the worst of the *wood properties we sampled in Italy. BTW, the Eden in Rome, the Excelsior in Florence and the Excelsior in Venice (Lido) are all awesome!!!

Having stayed in Venice before and, as everyone else who passes the Danieli, always wanted to try it out rather than merely gawk, this year was our chance! Well, sad to say, gawking is sufficient.

I knew something was fishy when I asked the reception fellow if he would check to see if there was an upgrade available, and he spent fully ten minutes batting around on the computer then pronounced that he had a level-upgrade for us, and we would enjoy a much more capacious room in the historic section of the hotel. Well, I had visions of Doge's quarters overlooking the gondolas, but my hopes were dashed when we were escorted to a very tired room with a homely tiny bathroom and shutters that opened onto a wall 10 feet away, over a noisy alley.

Oddly enough, the room already had the extra cot set up for our daughter, proving that he could have spared me the wait time for his click and clack and the extolling of our upgraded quarters. I had already paid up for the larger room which would accomodate the cot. This was really the most bald-faced silliness I have yet had to endure at the hands of a seemingly benificent desk hand!

When I complained back at the desk, he said there was nothing else that night, but to come by in the AM. He also made sure to mention that he was "really working for me!"

Well, let's just say that the next room was at least not so shabby, but once again his description was at quite a variance from the reality of it. I guess it qualified as canal-view if you had one of Leonardo's periscope devices which looks around corners, but the laundry of the adjacent building was the principal item of interest out the windows. (I love the way a mangle works in the hands of an experienced user!)

All in all, we loved the [crowded] location, the stunning public spaces and the launch service to the Lido, but tired not only describes the rooms, but how I felt about having to negotiate for a decent place to spend the night the entire time I was there.

Let sleeping Doges lie!

My experience was quite the opposite but then again it was many many years ago. We were upgraded to a room facing the Lagoon without asking and we were on points.

My experience was quite the opposite but then again it was many many years ago. We were upgraded to a room facing the Lagoon without asking and we were on points.

Mine was too, actually, but I wonder if this is simply because they treat elite members differently? My stay was in October 2007 -- I'd seen mixed reviews about the Danieli but couldn't get the Westin on the Grand Canal so decided to just spend the points and go for the Danieli. It was completely a points stay and we arrived on an early train from Slovenia at about 7:45 in the morning but they had our room ready by 8:30/8:45. They upgraded us to a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the lagoon. We went to the Doge's Palace later that day and, well, given that we had a balcony where the doges had windows, I would definitely say we won on the view! I was really surprised by how lovely everyone was to us there (especially since we were on points and the youngest people in the hotel by at least 30 years). I really wish Plats were treated this way at every hotel!

Mine was too, actually, but I wonder if this is simply because they treat elite members differently? My stay was in October 2007 -- I'd seen mixed reviews about the Danieli but couldn't get the Westin on the Grand Canal so decided to just spend the points and go for the Danieli. It was completely a points stay and we arrived on an early train from Slovenia at about 7:45 in the morning but they had our room ready by 8:30/8:45. They upgraded us to a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the lagoon. We went to the Doge's Palace later that day and, well, given that we had a balcony where the doges had windows, I would definitely say we won on the view! I was really surprised by how lovely everyone was to us there (especially since we were on points and the youngest people in the hotel by at least 30 years). I really wish Plats were treated this way at every hotel!

A follow-up: I "complained" and received 80% of my points in refund from someone at corporate. I've been plat for many years and the Danielli held less regard for status than about any hotel I've visited.

As usual, Starwood made it right. This hotel, however, certainly doesn't seem to belong in the "Luxury" collection.

Air Brian -- Interesting post -- given my post of 7.21, do you think our family's issues would qualify for the same order of compensation that you received? (We were C&P). Or was their generosity with you based solely upon your exalted plat status? (Gold here).
We similarly enjoyed their "lack of regard for status...."

After reading some of the comments about the Danieli here and in other forums, I was pleasantly surprised with my stay there in June. Our room was larger than expected with a nice balcony overlooking the lagoon. My only disappointment was breakfast at the Terrace restaurant. Mr. hat attack joined friends on the terrace our 1st morning and loved it. I didn't join him for breakfast until our last morning and the terrace was closed (unnecessarily, in my opinion) because it was overcast outside.

We stayed at 3 Starwood properties in Italy; the Danieli, St. Regis in Rome and Westin Excelsior in Florence, and enjoyed them all very much. Because we were a group of eight, requiring 3 doubles and 2 singles, an Italian agent made all the bookings for us & paid w/real money, not points. No one requested upgrades at check-in (and I'm not an elite w/ Starwood), but we might have received them the old-fashioned way - because this particular Italian agent books these hotels a lot!

Not to pile on, but they first charged me the "C" portion of the C&P in Euros even though the award quotes the amount in USD - as per the arrival packet they handed me...
Fortunately Mrs. Starfleet noticed.

Air Brian -- Interesting post -- given my post of 7.21, do you think our family's issues would qualify for the same order of compensation that you received? (We were C&P). Or was their generosity with you based solely upon your exalted plat status? (Gold here).
We similarly enjoyed their "lack of regard for status...."

I cannot postulate as why I received the refund, but I would express your opinions (in detail) to Starwood and see what happens. Certainly Starwood needs to know that this hotel is an inferior property...

Just as a point of reference to any future travellers. Water Taxi from the train station to the Danieli was 60 euros. Water Taxi from the hotel to the airport 110 euros (early morning, weekend departure). The was for a trip in Sep 08.

Let me add my 2 cents that I was disappointed by my recent stay at the Danieli. I had read this thread and went in with adjusted expectations. Nothing major but a lot of minor annoyances that I don't think you should have to deal with when paying the kind of money that they're asking for this hotel.

I've stayed at plenty of Luxury Collection hotels and this hotel really shouldn't be in the same category (primarily from a service perspective). A 180 degree difference from our stay at the Grand in Florence, which was outstanding.

...on a points stay got a suite overlooking (well not sure what the water view was it was the front of the hotel) it had 2 balconies...room was very nice. it was my 40th and the hotel sent up a cake and champers...NICE. Got excellent restaurant recommendations from the consierge each night...overall an extremely pleasant stay! ^

Here is my recent experience from the Danieli. Booked one room on points (junior suite), and then three "premium newly renovated" rooms were paid.

The lobby is gorgeous (although admittedly the public restrooms could be cleaner and better maintained). We were warmly welcomed and informed that the junior suite had been upgraded to an executive suite. All rooms were in the newest building, in the non-smoking newly renovated area.

I was very pleased with the room. It seemed quite spacious and was luxurious, functional, and comfortable with thick new carpet and nice furnishings. The bathroom was not large but beautifully appointed with a great rainfall showerhead. There was no noise as we were on the side of the building (no view either).

I never ate at the restaurant, but did sit in the lounge each evening. The service there ranged from friendly to stuffy, but one nice touch was live music each evening. It was a very enjoyable place to have a (admittedly very pricey) drink.

Overall, we greatly enjoyed our visit and I would return.

Any Platinum member has recent stay at this hotel? What kind of upgrade did you receive? How much is the breakfast at the hotel? Thanks in advance for your reply. :)

Without going through this thread.. I can say that The Danieli is an aweful place. The management is awful, the staff is awful, and actually Starwood lost a lot of business from me and others because of this hotel. I am still with SPG, but will Never stay in a starwood hotel in Italy just in protest, and starwood has lost a lot of money because of this... I may go into details one day, but for the moment, If you are looking for a nice place in Venice, there are other options.. Some staff there including the manager should be working at a Motel Six in Tiajuana... Just seeing Danieli brings me grief towards Starwood

Without going through this thread.. I can say that The Danieli is an aweful place. The management is awful, the staff is awful, and actually Starwood lost a lot of business from me and others because of this hotel.

Which is an amazing statement since I'd declare my last stay at the Danieli as one of the most memorable, wonderful hotel stays of a lifetime. We were treated graciously by the GM and his staff and the GM visited our suite to recount the history of the hotel itself and point out a number of historical curiousities about the property.

...and my stay a couple of years ago was also totally memorable,. in a very positive way. This is a great hotel.

I think we need to hear the details of the bad stay.

I have searched the forum and can not find info on Hotel Danieli that is recent. I want to stay here in Sept 2011. Anyone stayed here recently?
Also, any recommendations on when I should book. There are no real specials that far out yet. Any ideas?
Thanks
Ps. I did spend alot of time looking in the forums and only found old stuff on this hotel. Did I miss a current thread?

FWIW, just booked a night at the hotel for next summer - we're on a cruise leaving from Venice.

Had to choose between C&P and all points. The Danieli has a Junior Suite which, according to the website, does have a separate living room area. We decided to go with the small additional upgrade, which you can't do with C&P

Instead of 8,000 pts + $150, we were charged 20,000 + and addl 2,500 for the Junior Suite. Looking at the price of the Junior Suite, seems like a very good deal.

Now we can hope that status gets us even more but it's nice to have a guarantee.

My hope - beautiful hotel and room. In terms of the other stuff, we'll get by. I've seen good concierges and bad ones. The latter does affect my feelings about the hotel but never affects my vacation! At least we on FlyerTalk are lucky enough to know going in that we need to be cautious about their restaurant recommendations.!

Opps, never mind. They merged this message into the after 2007 thread. (which btw I could not find last night).

Just back from a pre-cruise stay. Only spent one night as we'd been to Venice before. Booked it using one of our free weekend nights.

Desk clerk welcomed me back to the hotel, we'd spent three nights there about five years ago. She offered me an upgrade to a JR suite in the historic building if we were willing to wait an hour. We left our luggage with the bellman and went to St Marks Square for a very expensive beer. Room was ready when we got back.

The room was on the 1st (European) floor. It had a small sitting room and bed room that were divided by heavy curtains. A long hallway led from the door to the sitting room w/ another door at that end of the hall which could be closed for extra sound proofing. On the left side of the hallway was the bathroom which was marble and of good size. A large closet/dressing room was on the right of the hallway. The bedroom and sitting room each had a window that overlooked the lagoon. As with all lagoon facing rooms at the Danieli, there is a very busy sidewalk between the hotel and the lagoon. There is also a vaporetto stop right there. So, noise is an issue.

The public areas of the hotel are as beautiful as ever. Since it was late summer, the rooftop terrace was still open. They open it as a bar between lunch and dinner. So, we were able to sit and enjoy the view for a fraction of what a meal would have cost.

All in all, it was a great use of a free night.