Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Venice [Master Thread]
Jan 6, 2007, 1:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Venice [Master Thread]
Please suggest the best Starwood hotel using points in Venice for the end of September. We are planning on staying at the Danieli but have concerns about the need for remodeling. Is the Westin Europa & Regina a better alternative? We read that it was recently remodeled and it looks like it has a beautiful large deck/restaurant/open air that fronts the canal (similiar to the Griti). Comments on any of the Starwood hotels in Venice would be helpful.
Is the Villa Cipriani outside of Venice a good alternative? If so Why?
/mod
Earlier reports can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
Please note that the Cipriani in Asolo and the hotels on Lido have left Starwood.
/mod
Is the Villa Cipriani outside of Venice a good alternative? If so Why?
/mod
Earlier reports can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
Please note that the Cipriani in Asolo and the hotels on Lido have left Starwood.
/mod
Last edited by SanDiego1K; Aug 4, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Jan 6, 2007, 1:58 pm
#2
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This is the question coming up frequently and I am sure you will get at least five answers: Danieli, Gritti Palace, E&R, des Bains and Westin Excelsior.
It it very personal and experiences differ. I would never ever go to any other place but the Gritti or the Danieli but others would not even think of it. Try a search, there is plenty of good stuff on Venice on the Starwood Forum but I am pretty sure at the end of the day you will five answers in your head.
By the way: Cipriani is not "outside" of Venice but an hour drive to Venice. If is a nice place if you love upmarket country hotels but for a visit to Venice, no....
It it very personal and experiences differ. I would never ever go to any other place but the Gritti or the Danieli but others would not even think of it. Try a search, there is plenty of good stuff on Venice on the Starwood Forum but I am pretty sure at the end of the day you will five answers in your head.
By the way: Cipriani is not "outside" of Venice but an hour drive to Venice. If is a nice place if you love upmarket country hotels but for a visit to Venice, no....
Jan 6, 2007, 3:33 pm
#3
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Agree with the advice to search the forum, there are hundreds of posts discussing the characteristics and status-awareness of all of these hotels. I ended up with fabulous stays at the Villa Ciprianin and the Westin E&R last year, both of which are very appreciative of SPG Platinums. But whatever you decide, book your reservations before the point categories change on Feb 1st - the Gritti Palace will certainly go to Cat 7 (30000+ points per night), and it wouldn't be surprising to see each of the others go up one category each.
Oh...and welcome to FT, Cabochon.
Oh...and welcome to FT, Cabochon.
Jan 6, 2007, 11:30 pm
#4
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Look at the rooms that are currently available. I am staying at the Europa and Regina, and it is already sold out for a couple of my days in May, so that can almost guarantee you that you will get the room you book, so upgrades will not matter.
I booked a partial Canal view room at the Europa and Regina for 14,500 points a night in the low season of early May. This was the place for me, because we have a partial view guaranteed and a slightly better room. The Denalli told me they cannot guarantee a lagoon view on points, even if I did upgrade my room catagory. I know my room at the Europa and Regina is 800 euros a night, so to me this was the best value of points.
At 500 euros a night for a normal room, i'm sure it will go to a catagory 6 in February, so book soon. I didn't book the Gritty palace because I preferred to book an upgraded room at the Europa and Regina for fewer points.
I hope this helps. I read the other threads and this seemed like the best bed for me.
Cheers,
Timo
I booked a partial Canal view room at the Europa and Regina for 14,500 points a night in the low season of early May. This was the place for me, because we have a partial view guaranteed and a slightly better room. The Denalli told me they cannot guarantee a lagoon view on points, even if I did upgrade my room catagory. I know my room at the Europa and Regina is 800 euros a night, so to me this was the best value of points.
At 500 euros a night for a normal room, i'm sure it will go to a catagory 6 in February, so book soon. I didn't book the Gritty palace because I preferred to book an upgraded room at the Europa and Regina for fewer points.
I hope this helps. I read the other threads and this seemed like the best bed for me.
Cheers,
Timo
Jan 7, 2007, 5:36 am
#5
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Please suggest the best Starwood hotel using points in Venice for the end of September. We are planning on staying at the Danieli but have concerns about the need for remodeling. Is the Westin Europa & Regina a better alternative? We read that it was recently remodeled and it looks like it has a beautiful large deck/restaurant/open air that fronts the canal (similiar to the Griti). Comments on any of the Starwood hotels in Venice would be helpful.
Is the Villa Cipriani outside of Venice a good alternative? If so Why?
Is the Villa Cipriani outside of Venice a good alternative? If so Why?
the deck at the danieli is on the roof. very lovely.
you planning to use deck for looking, or eating. the breakfast is not included, and is at least 50 euro pp. nice breakfast bars a block behind the danieli. not many around e&r or G.
have stayed at e&r and Danieli on points. Danieli room was 4x the e&r. but only one experience.
I doubt the "good" rooms at the danieli are run down. the e&r has many more waterfront rooms than the danieli, and a much much higher percentage of waterfront rooms.
Jan 7, 2007, 6:18 am
#6
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Danieli
As Flying Lawyer said, you'll get five answers if you ask FTers. My #1 is Danieli, for the experience. Any of the rooms facing San Zaccaria are great. Breakfast on the roof, drinks in the lobby bar, and a very knowledgable concierge staff are all big pluses. Being able to walk out in the morning to the street merchants and take a quick right to San Marco squre is great as well.
Jan 8, 2007, 2:55 pm
#7
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IMO, the Danieli can't be beat for location, I would not want to be at the ones across the lagoon on Lido Island - too much of a hassle to get back and forth to the main attractions if you are only there for a couple of days.
Danieli goes for 700E/night in the winter so you get good value for your points.
Danieli goes for 700E/night in the winter so you get good value for your points.
Jan 8, 2007, 4:08 pm
#8
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If redeeming for a 5 night award, I recommend the Westin Excelsior on Lido. The free boat transport is only 15 minutes each way. I prefer to explore Venice for a few hours and then be able to relax on the beach & utilize the gym. No gyms in Venice proper hotels. There are cute little restaurants on Lido as well as the summer casino.
Jan 8, 2007, 5:09 pm
#9
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Lido is majorly winding down by the end of Sept, which is when the OP stated s/he's looking to be in VCE. I wouldn't recommend Lido at that time of year -- even with good, cooperative weather, you'd miss what it really means to experience Venice. I think Lido is ideal for folks who've done VCE time and again and want the in-and-out option with beach access! Late Sept can be ideal weather, or rainy and chilly. Lido, IMO, is a poor choice for that timeframe.
Much better is to be in the city itself and, if truth be told, you simply cannot go wrong with any of the *wood choices. Most of us can agree on that point. This is a city where *wood really shines. They've done a commendable job of managing some high profile hotels and keeping them well maintained. They are all in enviable locations.
That said, my personal favorite shall always be the Danieli since I find it's overall offering to be superior to the others in town. But, not by a wide margin. The location of the Danieli, the soaring and one of a kind lobby, and my experiences with the professional staff there make it my favorite.
Others with similar experiences at the sister hotels would point out the benefits of their favorites. In the end, glean what info you can from here on FT and decide which of the attributes are most important to you for this trip and you'll make the right decision.
Welcome to FT!
Much better is to be in the city itself and, if truth be told, you simply cannot go wrong with any of the *wood choices. Most of us can agree on that point. This is a city where *wood really shines. They've done a commendable job of managing some high profile hotels and keeping them well maintained. They are all in enviable locations.
That said, my personal favorite shall always be the Danieli since I find it's overall offering to be superior to the others in town. But, not by a wide margin. The location of the Danieli, the soaring and one of a kind lobby, and my experiences with the professional staff there make it my favorite.
Others with similar experiences at the sister hotels would point out the benefits of their favorites. In the end, glean what info you can from here on FT and decide which of the attributes are most important to you for this trip and you'll make the right decision.
Welcome to FT!
Jan 10, 2007, 11:11 am
#10
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VCE hotels
We stayed at the Westin Excelsior on the Lido Oct 1-3, '06.
Using our *pts for miles rather than hotel stays, we were paying cash for our stay. The two Lido properties are about a third the cost of the other *wood properties in VCE.
Having said that, you do get what you pay for! While the beds/linens in the rooms are great, the vaguely Moorish/Venetian decor combination is the strangest I've ever seen. The lobby is an empty, cavernous space that could be anywhere in the world... not much charm. This is defininitely a "downscale" property from others in Italy. This property is also a bit isolated from Lido restuarants; a good mile walk or short taxi ride. This was our second trip to VCE, so being across the lagoon was fine. The shuttle service leaves right from the hotel dock, and the 20-minute right to St. Mark's is quite pleasant. BUT, you have to time your excursions as it only leaves/returns once an hour, with a big gap in service mid-day. If you stay at the other SPG Lido property, you have to take the bus to the Excelsior and then the shuttle boat.
We also stayed at the property in Asolo on this trip-- just lovely, but over an hour drive from VCE.
VCE is not our favorite city in Italy; we enjoy Florence and Rome much more. But, you have to see VCE at least once!
Using our *pts for miles rather than hotel stays, we were paying cash for our stay. The two Lido properties are about a third the cost of the other *wood properties in VCE.
Having said that, you do get what you pay for! While the beds/linens in the rooms are great, the vaguely Moorish/Venetian decor combination is the strangest I've ever seen. The lobby is an empty, cavernous space that could be anywhere in the world... not much charm. This is defininitely a "downscale" property from others in Italy. This property is also a bit isolated from Lido restuarants; a good mile walk or short taxi ride. This was our second trip to VCE, so being across the lagoon was fine. The shuttle service leaves right from the hotel dock, and the 20-minute right to St. Mark's is quite pleasant. BUT, you have to time your excursions as it only leaves/returns once an hour, with a big gap in service mid-day. If you stay at the other SPG Lido property, you have to take the bus to the Excelsior and then the shuttle boat.
We also stayed at the property in Asolo on this trip-- just lovely, but over an hour drive from VCE.
VCE is not our favorite city in Italy; we enjoy Florence and Rome much more. But, you have to see VCE at least once!
Jan 11, 2007, 7:38 am
#11
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I see from the hotel features that both the Daniel and the Westin say "Fitness Facility Nearby". Is the fitness facility a gym the hotels contract with? As a Platinum would my wife and I get free access?
The Westin also has the Westin Workout Gym. Is this when they give you the equipement in the room?
Would appreciate any info. Currently I am booked for 3 days at the Westin Lido this August. I thought it would be better since I am going with my 1 year old son. Based what I am reading here I am thinking it is better to stay in Venice proper and take advantage of the shared beach access with the Lido should we want to relax.
The Westin also has the Westin Workout Gym. Is this when they give you the equipement in the room?
Would appreciate any info. Currently I am booked for 3 days at the Westin Lido this August. I thought it would be better since I am going with my 1 year old son. Based what I am reading here I am thinking it is better to stay in Venice proper and take advantage of the shared beach access with the Lido should we want to relax.
Jan 19, 2007, 4:48 pm
#12
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Hey all,
I was wondering if you knew what type of toilitries this hotels provide?
I am curious as my last still in Italy at the Hilton Rome provided Hermes, which was great.
Cheers,
Timo
I was wondering if you knew what type of toilitries this hotels provide?
I am curious as my last still in Italy at the Hilton Rome provided Hermes, which was great.
Cheers,
Timo
Jan 19, 2007, 8:32 pm
#14
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My experience at E&R and other Euro Westin properties is they have "euro" Heavenly Bath, which is a larger bottle and not the same scent as the US Heavenly Bath. Compared to Hermes and Molton Brown that other hotels provide, I think they could do better.
Jan 19, 2007, 8:33 pm
#15
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Vote for the Westin
My wife and I stayed at the Danelli on our honeymoon on starpoints. They upgraded us to a very large multi-room suite and the old building is really amazing and right next to St. Marks Square, but the rooms are really, really old. We felt like we were staying in the haunted mansion complete with old oil paintings that look at you. Worst though I think our bed was from the 1500's. My back hurt so badly I slept on the hardwood floor after the 3rd night. So go for the heavenly bed to save your back if its more than one night.