As Venice prepares to welcome back one of its most storied addresses, a new chapter begins at Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Christian Zandonella as General Manager, ahead of the hotel’s highly anticipated reopening in mid-2026.
For Zandonella, this role marks a meaningful return to Italy after more than two decades of leading some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels. Set along the historic Riva degli Schiavoni, just moments from Piazza San Marco, the Danieli is far more than a hotel—it is a living piece of Venetian history. The property is composed of three interconnected palaces, including the 15th-century Palazzo Dandolo, long admired for its grandeur and timeless romance.
The hotel’s transformation is being guided by celebrated designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, whose vision blends centuries-old Venetian artistry with refined contemporary elegance. When complete, the Danieli will unveil beautifully reimagined rooms and suites, expanding to 176 light-filled accommodations by 2027—each designed to reflect the soul of Venice while meeting modern luxury expectations.
Under Zandonella’s leadership, the reborn Danieli will focus on deeply immersive experiences. Guests can expect intimate encounters with Venice, from private palazzo visits and hidden gardens to exclusive lagoon journeys aboard traditional fishing boats—moments that go beyond sightseeing and into storytelling.
Born in South Tyrol and raised in Munich, Zandonella’s hospitality journey began with a food and beverage apprenticeship and evolved into senior leadership roles across Vienna, Bahrain, Toronto, Berlin, Capri, Barcelona, and Rome. His expertise spans sales, marketing, culinary innovation, and hotel operations—making him uniquely suited to steward this iconic property into its next era.
With its reopening on the horizon, Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, is poised to reclaim its place as one of Italy’s most extraordinary luxury destinations—guided by a leader who understands both heritage and the future of refined travel.