Story & photos by Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling GourmetTM, all rights reserved.

The intrepid and inimitable Travelling Gourmet stays in the legendary Hotel Danieli in vibrant Venezia…

MAGNIFICENT is one of many superlatives to describe this hotel built in the 14th Century that used to be the Palazzo or Palace of the Doge Enrico Dandolo. Arguably, Venezia’s finest, most luxurious and most historic hostelry.

As you stroll in though the revolving doors you are struck by the grand ambience and the well preserved historic architecture. If only walls could speak what wonderful tales they would tell..If you have seen the hit movie “The Tourist” starring glamourous Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, the Hotel Danieli was where they stayed.

I was so happy to stay in one of the four luxurious signature suites, namely the Greta Garbo suite named after the iconic Hollywood movie star. In the huge living room on the sideboard are two framed black and white photos of Greta Garbo. It is the second largest suite of the four very opulent, super-deluxe and exclusive suites. It was only in May 2012 that the grand re-opening of four of the most prestigious Suites at the Hotel Danieli in Venice Italy took place. Meticulously restored to designs by famed French interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Dandolo Palace Signature Suite Collection is an ensemble of four unique experiences; from the legendary Doge Dandolo Royal Suite which is the largest, to the three extraordinary Historical Suites, inspired by seductive and glamorous female celebrities who selected the Hotel Danieli for celebrating important milestones in their lifetime. It is absolutely fabulous to enjoy life and live like Greta Garbo, Maria Callas and Grace Kelly at one of the most prestigious hotels in the world! Prince Albert himself gave his permission for the suite to be named after his mother , Princess Grace of Monaco, when he stayed at the Danieli. Incidentally, not many know this… but Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping tycoon met one of the loves of his life, namely Maria Callas, the operatic Diva, at (where else?) The Danieli.

The extremely well appointed, bright and super comfortable Salon (living room) of the Greta Garbo Suite. My friend Michela was awestruck remarked, “It is bigger than my house!”

No insomnia in this opulent bedroom ever!

Terrific Terrazza Ristorante!

The Travelling Gourmet & skilful Executive Chef Gian Nicola Colucci

High on the rooftop of Hotel Danieli you will find the Danieli’s signature Terrazza Ristorante where every dish is a meticulously presented gastronomic marvel. Here, mi amico, charming Executive Chef Gian Nicola Colucci dishes up exquisite Venetian cuisine with exotic Oriental nuances like terrific Tuna Carpaccio with Orange, Grapefruit, orange Salmon Roe & Oscietra Caviar, and ravishing Ravioli with Burata Cheese plus Proscuitto crudo di Sauris and sweet, sexy Scampi.

Refreshingly DELIZIOSO! Tuna Carpaccio with Orange, Grapefruit & Caviar!

I relished every morsel of his gorgeous gourmet creations with Bisol “Cartizze” Prosecco, while my eyes feasted on the unparalleled panoramic views of the Guidecca, the Grand Canal, San Giorgo Island & Venice Lido.

I started dinner early so as to watch the sun slowly set over the Queen of the Adriatic.  My friendly waiter, Pasquale, told me he served Angelina Jolie when she was there filming “The Tourist”. As night cloaked the city like black velvet & the myriad lights sparkled like precious diamonds, my dessert arrived…. It was a stunning Strawberry Mousse with red Lamponi (raspberry), Blackberry & Blueberry. Magnificent! Life is too short for anything but the best.

A view to Kill for…

The official website link of the hotel: www.danielihotelvenice.com

 Restaurant Terrazza Danieli: www.terrazzadanieli.com

Hotel DANIELI

Riva degli Schiavoni 4196

30122 Venice

Italy

Tel: +39 041 522  6480