FlyProf1

Just finished a weekend stay here (on points) a few weeks ago as part of a one-month Europe trip (about half work and half leisure), so thought that I'd post my experience. I loved the hotel -- definitely one of my best redemptions. I tried to use a SNA to upgrade but did not clear, though was upgraded to a very nice junior suite anyway. No grand canal view, but the view of the side canal was also nice and probably more quiet. Full breakfast (on terrace, with prosecco and eggs to order, as mentioned above) included as platinum benefit. Before booking, I had been back and forth between Danielli and Gritti, so we stopped by the Danielli for drinks to check things out. I much preferred the Gritti and am glad that I did not opt for the Danielli (though I know from that thread that others have very much liked the Danielli). But for me, the D was too crowded, I did not like the location right off St. Mark's, and the service was not as good as at Gritti. Could just be my personal preference or one-off experience, but I much preferred the Gritti.

Daemon

I was able to book the Gritti Palace for the upcoming weekend for using the Venetian - (36.75K) redemption option and was able to use a SNA to upgrade to a Sestriere Suite! Confirmed 5 days prior. It however says "Smoking" whereas my original reservation was "Non-Smoking" so I'm trying to investigate that right now.

FlyProf1

Awesome! You're going to love it. I keep looking at our photos sitting on the terrace drinking prosecco. We had a great time there.

nnn

For Venice first-timers with only Gold status using SPG points, is it a no-brainer to go with Gritti over Danieli, given the renovation to the Gritti? It's an anniversary trip and we want the best available.

Also, I plan to do the 5th night free deal with points. Does anyone know if the "upgraded" room types that cost a few more points per night can be combined with the 5th night free deal? Would I go through the SPG call center for this?

Lastly, are the SPG hotels in the same ballpark as what I might get if I pay -- e.g., the Aman? If not, Mrs. nnn will question why we are there after we arrive, and by then it may be too late to change.

SanDiego1K

I prefer the Gritti location. It's more secluded and yet it has very easy access to a ferry as well as having some local restaurants nearby. The Danieli has a very busy walkway in front with constant foot traffic going to the many ferries. The Danieli also gets a massive amount of tourist traffic in the lobby (and it certainly is a lobby well worth seeing). However, I loved the rooftop restaurant with its spectacular view over the mouth of the canals. Whether you stay or not, drop by for a drink there. It's endlessly mesmerizing. I prefer the more sedate atmosphere of the Gritti. That makes it sound boring, but it isn't. I love sitting on the deck over the canal watching the traffic up and down the water.

Yes and yes.

Check out the discussion in the Luxury Hotel forum. A couple posters have seen both. Regardless, I've found service superb at the Gritti and am likely to find myself there again when I next make it to Venice. Should you choose the Gritti, I suggest reaching out to the GM to let him know it is a special occasion. I found him very charming when we exchanged email after I had a delightful stay (pre renovation).

dlerner

We haven't stayed at THAT Aman, but if you are heading to Venice for the Sushi, it's probably the place you want. Otherwise, the Gritti, where we have stayed many times, is delightful, comfortlable and very well located. Use a small portion of what you save over the Aman on the rather pricey Gritti breakfast - definitely worth it sitting on the deck on the Grand Canal.

george_p12

Two nights stay in May, 2013

Check-in. We arrived at hotel at 11a.m. Have to wait about 30 minutes for our room to be ready. Were treated with complimentary wine and some snacks at restaurant’s terrace with Grand Canal view. Upon preliminary request long steamed roses for my wife were placed in room at 10 EUR each.

Room. Here are some details about my reservation: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21307671-post356.html
See also side canal view from Dorsoduro Suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9fGsfZpnhQ

Dining. I placed on-line order with hotel’s Restaurant Club del Doge for dinner, “Regional menu: tradition in the kitchen”, 65 EUR per person. Not too expensive for candlelight dinner on terrace with Grand Canal view and with complimentary glass of wine.
We took breakfast as Platinum amenity. Fine full breakfast with sparkling (Prosecco) wine served on the same terrace with Grand Canal view.

Spa. Is opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 3p.m. to 9p.m. Cost is rather expensive: 130-230 EUR for 1-2 hour(s) treatments.

Check-out. There was mistake 450 EUR charge in my bill. Was removed within a few minutes without any questions.

Overall it was an excellent stay and nothing to complain.

Daemon

You were right. Everything was PERFECT. One of the best hotel experience I have had ever. Simply one of the best in the world!

RLG

Add my vote for the Gritti being a star in the Starwood portfolio. Just left and I miss it already.

Property is beautiful and well located. Excellent platinum treatment (upgrade, full breakfast). Staff was pleasant and professional.

Only complaint with the property is that it allows smoking in the waterfront seating area of the restaurant and bar. Having a chain smoking family of 4 sitting next to me ruined my lunch there. It wouldn't stop me from coming back, but it did stop me from buying any more drinks or meals there. Since the property seems to have a predominantly North American clientele, I think it should adopt a more North American attitude to smoking.

3rdworldresident

Totally agreed!

stayed here just 1 night a couple of days ago. One of the best spg stays I've ever had. I totally loved this property. This will be my home next time in Venice. (if I can afford a room here )

orknot2be

I have booked an award stay for 3 nights at the Gritti Palace for end of August. My reservation states that "suite night awards can't be applied to this reservation". I'm noting in various posts that people have been able to apply suite night awards (even if the upgrade didn't necessarily come through).

Lurkers or anyone - do you know why I might be encountering this issue? I definitely have enough SNA's left to cover my stay.

Also booked at the St. Regis Rome and had no difficulty applying SNA.

Thanks for any input. I'm hoping that my stay at the Gritti Palace will be one of the highlights of my travel (and life!!)

beachfan

It happened to me too, but I don't know that I think it has a predominately North American clientele year round.

Starwood Lurker

My apologies for the inconvenience, but there is no way to tell without actually looking at the reservation. If you'd like for one of us to do that, send the confirmation number to us via Private Message or to the email address below.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

youhavebeenupgraded

Suite (SPG Suite Night Awards): http://youhavebeenupgraded.boardinga...alace-venedig/

cricfan777

Planning on visiting venice and staying at the Gritti in a couple of weeks. Would a DL platinum member be eligible to choose free breakfast? Would it be worth staying at this hotel during the winter? Temp is Jan-Feb seem to be around 35-45F.