Venice icon gets a makeover and new name

One of the most famous hotels in Italy has been given a serious makeover and emerged with a new names

The canal-front Danieli, Venezia, in Venice is now a Four Seasons Hotel following an extensive restoration.

The Danieli is one of Venice's best-known historic landmarks in a prime waterfront location on the Riva degli Schiavoni, overlooking the Venetian Lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The hotel is known for Venetian Gothic architecture and modern luxury, and many guest rooms offer sweeping lagoon views, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The reopening strengthens Four Seasons’ presence in Italy, adding a fourth property to its portfolio after Florence, Milan and Taormina.

“With the reopening of the iconic Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, we usher in a new chapter in this renowned palace’s history,” said Rainer Stampfer, president of Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts at Four Seasons.

“Together with our long-term partners, Gruppo Statuto, we are offering guests a new way to experience the grandeur of Venice.“

Originally built in 1471 as the residence of the noble Dandolo family, Palazzo Dandolo is the key element of the hotel, which also incorporates Palazzo Casa Nuova, once home to the Venetian Republic’s Treasury.

Restoration work continues on Palazzo Danieli Excelsior, due for completion in 2027.

The hotel currently offers 120 rooms and suites, with that increasing to 168 rooms once the final phase of restoration is complete next year. A new Danieli Spa is also in the works.

French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon led the redesign of the historic interiors, while rooms have been reconfigured to provide larger layouts and additional junior and one-bedroom suites.

Modern technology has been discreetly incorporated through integrated entertainment systems, automated curtains, personalised lighting and climate controls without detracting from the building’s heritage.

The famous Terrazza Danieli rooftop restaurant has also been refreshed.

“The reopening of Danieli as a Four Seasons experience marks an exciting milestone after months of dedication and meticulous restoration,” said general manager Christian Zandonella. “We are delighted to welcome guests back to one of Venice’s most iconic addresses.“ 

Hotel chains are deep diving into customers' motivations

Guests are being judged, and their motivations analysed, by major hotel chains. 

New research by the Luxury Group by Marriott International challenges common assumptions about Gen Z travellers, uncovering diverse motivations and definitions of luxury travel.

As Gen Z rises as a defining force in luxury travel, one long-held assumption no longer holds: there is no single Gen Z traveller.

A new report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), reveals a generation comprising four distinct luxury mindsets, with each redefining luxury on their own terms, from cultural immersion and personal wellbeing to digital disconnection and heritage-driven exploration.

Drawing on insights from 2,800 affluent travellers across eight Asia Pacific markets, including 1,200 Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 29, the report signals a decisive shift. 

Luxury travel is no longer anchored by demographic factors, but increasingly shaped by intention, identity, and personal meaning.

"Luxury today is no longer defined by a singular standard. It is deeply personal," said Oriol Montal, regional vice president of luxury. 

"Our research reveals that affluent Gen Z travellers are not just participating in luxury travel. They are reshaping it, driven by a desire for meaning, wellbeing, and authentic connection. As the definition of luxury continues to fragment and evolve, understanding these emerging perspectives will be critical for shaping the next generation of travel experiences."

The research shows today’s affluent Gen Z travellers are no longer passive participants. Rather, they are deliberate architects of their journeys. More than half fund their own trips, while nearly half plan every aspect of their journeys themselves. 

Immediate family remains their preferred travel companions (51%), while small-group travel has grown by 17%, signalling a shift toward more intimate, shared experiences.

They also bring sophisticated expectations to every journey. Cultural immersion and engagement with local communities influence destination choice for 87% of respondents, while culinary discovery (86%), proximity to nature (86%), and wellness (85%) are key priorities shaping travel decisions.

At the same time, Gen Z travellers expect luxury to be seamless. Time inefficiencies and communication gaps are among their biggest frustrations. 

Technology, meanwhile, is playing an increasingly important role in trip planning, with 23% already using AI tools for travel inspiration and planning.

The report identifies four Gen Z archetypes whose definitions of luxury diverge significantly: 1) The Connoisseur Traditionalist (34%), 2) The Future Proofer (30%), 3) The Quiet Luxurist (20%), and 4) The Cultural Reclaimer (16%). 

If you'd like to know more, the full report is available to download.