Starwood Hotels in Venice

[thehelenator1]

We are cruising from Venice next July and are looking for a hotel to accomodate our family of 4 (2 adults, a 14 and 10 year old); we are Starwood Prefered members and are looking at three hotels in Venice: Gritti Palace, Westin Europa and Hotel Danieli. Does anybody have any experience with either of these hotels? Would the rooms be large enough to accomodate 4 of us (recognizing the additional fees they seem to charge for additional beds)? While all three are 4 or 5 star rated, they do have substantial differences in rates, with almost a $200 swing / night. Do they offer transportation to the cruise terminal? Any info or recommendation is welcome.

[rich_cathybrock]

I have stayed in the Danieli, and can only tell you that it is magnificent, and that you are a stone's throw from San Marco square.

I can not tell you about rooms that accommodate four adults, but suspect you may have better luck with two rooms than just one. That said, the rooms in the "newer" part of the Danieli, while not as "barouque", are a bit larger.

I have a reservation at the Griti coming up but have not had the pleasure of being there or at the other Starwood properties in Venice.

You may want to call the Starwood reservations line to see what your options are for using points or point stretchers for the rooms which may get you a little more value, particularly with the bad Euro exchange rates right now.

Alternatively, you can google the Danieli hotel and contact the concierge directly. They have been excelllent with me in the past at accommodating requests for early check-in, late check-out and arrangement of (pricey) transfers through the hotel. Enjoy your stay!