Venice, Italy. Founded more than a millennium ago on a collection of 118 small islands, Venice’s intricate network of canals and bridges has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Renowned as the “City of Canals” and the “Floating City,” Venice beckons travellers from around the globe with its unique charm and storied past.
Ever the tourist, I wanted to make sure we filled our days in Venice with a jam packed itinerary. I delivered, as I usually do, all done via my ‘Get Your Guide’ app there and then. Vivaldi Concerts in the church Vivaldi worked and composed in, Walking across the Bridge of Sighs, 3 Museums, Harry’s Bar (The origins of the Bellini cocktail) Gondola rides, Walking tours, the famous bookshop, the best Pizzerias and a Murano glass tour.
I will share with you in this series of posts about each activity and why I would recommend doing them when you visit Venice next. This is a dedicated post about The Hotel Danieli. It deserves its very own post. It was exceptionally stunning.
Boat Taxi Arrival:
We arrived in Venice at night time. Mark had arranged a water taxi ride to the hotel. It felt like we were in our own Bond style movie as we made waves. Our destination? The renowned Hotel Danieli. I had always wanted to visit this hotel even if it was just for a coffee. I read about it, saw it on TV and dreamt about it. One of those bucket list tick off places you know?
The History of Hotel Danieli:
The Hotel Danieli, standing proudly near St. Mark’s Square, boasts a history as captivating as Venice itself. Established in the 14th century, this architectural gem has witnessed centuries of history and hosted illustrious guests. From royalty to celebrities, the hotel’s walls echo with the stories of those who have indulged in its opulence.
My heart must have skipped a beat seeing the hotel for the first time, whilst gripping the water taxi man’s hands, for fear I would fall in the canal, make a grand entrance into the hotel that is so captivating and opulent that, it took my breath away. I thought perhaps I should have been wearing a ball gown instead of dressing for the winter, with my thick scarf and ankle length coat.
The Golden Staircase:
We were greeted by the pièce de résistance in the hotel reception– the Golden Staircase. Dating back to the medieval era, this exquisite staircase is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to preserving its historical splendor. Each morning and evening we would often see people coming in to just take photo’s of the staircase.
Cinematic Glamour:
As we explored the corridors of Hotel Danieli heading towards our room, we couldn’t help but revel in its cinematic charm. The Danieli has featured in iconic films, adding a touch of glamour to its already illustrious reputation. From James Bond’s “Moonraker” to “The Tourist” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, Hotel Danieli’s golden hallways have graced the silver screen. I am sure we must have said ‘this part of the hotel was in that movie’ a number of times.
Bar Dandolo:
Our evenings were spent indulging in the sophisticated ambiance of Bar Dandolo nestled within the hotel. Named after the renowned Doge Enrico Dandolo, this bar exudes an old-world charm that perfectly complements the Venetian surroundings. Sipping on expertly crafted cocktails I would often be seen with a mojito in hand, whilst listening to the talented pianist, before we would head out ticking off our events to do list.
Mark would enjoy his red wine whilst tapping his foot to the music. One time he asked me to dance with him. I nearly fell off my chair. We did try and dance in between the chairs and tables of the bar, but I was just in fits of giggles for some reason. The romantic soul that he is and the hysterical laughter I broke out into, we were the dance duo disaster, we couldn’t quite make a few minutes side stepping round and round. The pianist enjoyed the show no doubt as we waved goodbye and thanked him for his performance too!
Luxury Redefined:
Hotel Danieli epitomizes luxury, seamlessly blending modern comforts with timeless elegance. Our hotel room, filled with plush furnishings and Venetian-inspired decor, red velvet draping curtains and a beautiful balcony with soft furnishings so we could enjoy the beautiful view.
Location, Location, Location:
Situated just steps away from St. Mark’s Square, Hotel Danieli provides unparalleled access to Venice’s most iconic landmarks. From the Doge’s Palace to the Basilica di San Marco, we were immersed in the city’s rich history and with every leisurely stroll (or not so leisurely depending on time restraints) we explored Venice almost from top to bottom.
We covered more ground (water) in the 3 days that we were there than Mark ever did in his previous visits to Venice and I am so glad he experienced the likes of a Vivaldi Concert, The walking tour and Harry’s Bar all of which you can find right here in my other blogs. These things are absolute must do’s when visiting the Venice.
To book your visit to Hotel Danieli visit this link- https://www.hoteldanieli.com/
Check out my other Italian post- Florence
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