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Overlooking the Riva degli Schiavoni, Hotel Danieli has for decades attracted the rich and famous to its prized rooftop and its opulent atrium staircase, framed by Moorish arches, historic wall hangings and a soaring gilded ceiling. Originally built in the 14th century as Palazzo Dandolo by the aristocratic Dandolo family, the landmark property is now preparing to reopen as Danieli Venezia, a Four Seasons Hotel.
Four Seasons told WWD the hotel is slated to open this summer, though a specific date has not yet been revealed.
Set near Piazza San Marco, the Danieli is being reintroduced under the Four Seasons banner through the restoration and redesign of its three historic palaces, including Palazzo Dandolo. The project has been led by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The hotel will initially open with 120 rooms and suites, many overlooking the lagoon, alongside restored interiors that highlight Venetian craftsmanship through Murano glass, terrazzo and Italian marble.
Four Seasons said it plans to open more rooms in 2027 and is positioning the property as a gateway to a more intimate and culturally rooted Venice, with experiences tied to local artisans, rowing traditions, hidden gardens and the city's sustainability initiatives.
In an interview with WWD, Rochon said he worked with Rubelli, incorporating the Venetian textile house's San Marco design - a silk damask - in multiple areas of the hotel. He added the project also involved collaborations with Italian manufacturers and artisans, underscoring his effort to root the redesign in the material culture and craftsmanship of Venice rather than impose a generic luxury template. Rochon incorporated Dedar fabrics, as well as furnishings from Italian design houses Medea, Pozzoli, Salda and Poliform and lighting from Venetian firms Arte Veneziana and Viamancinelli.
The Brittany-born designer, whose career in luxury hospitality spans nearly five decades, is known for projects including Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris; Four Seasons Hotel Firenze; Four Seasons Hotel Milano, and the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria New York.
No matter the location, Rochon said his approach is anchored in the DNA of Four Seasons. "I want to create a Four Seasons that responds to the location and the building," he said. "When guests come to Europe, they want the service, the DNA and the spirit of Four Seasons that they know from elsewhere in the world. They are in Milan. They are in Venice. They are in Paris. But they are also in Four Seasons. I never forget that."
He said his process begins with understanding the building, the city and their spirit, adding that at Danieli the goal was to "keep the DNA iconic, but refresh" while always "respect[ing] the building and the historical."
Food and beverage will be a major part of the offering. Executive chef Adriano Rausa, formerly of W Rome, will lead Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, which offers panoramic lagoon views and menus centered on local ingredients. Bar Dandolo and the Terrazza Danieli bar will anchor the hotel's cocktail, wine, coffee and aperitivo program.
The property's hospitality history dates to 1822, when Giuseppe Dal Niel - a hotelier from Friuli known as "Danieli" - rented part of Palazzo Dandolo and transformed it into a hotel. In December 2025, Four Seasons named Christian Zandonella general manager of the property. His previous roles include positions at W Rome; The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna; The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain; and The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.
"Here in Venice, our mission is to introduce guests - whether it is their first or 15th visit - to an authentic, historic city through its unique people and places, with immersive experiences and individually tailored itineraries. It is this unparalleled service that transforms a visit into a stay guests remember long after they leave," he said, adding that management has an experiential vision for its guests, starting with an opportunity to learn the art of Voga Veneta at one of the city's oldest rowing clubs. The opportunity will allow visitors to come in contact with the artists who craft the oars used to propel boats along the canals.
Four Seasons operates as a hotel management company rather than a property owner. It manages over 125 hotels, resorts, and private residences globally. In recent years it has invested heavily in Italy. In 2023, official U.S. Catholic news outlet EWTN reported that Catholic knighthood order, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, entrusted the Four Seasons with the management of historic Hotel Columbus, situated just steps away from St. Peter's Basilica.
