ITALY – Venice, Hotel Danieli // From Russia With Love (1963) & Moonraker (1979)
The Danieli is one of Venice most legendary hotels, housing celebrities throughout the centuries. Of course, James Bond had to be one of them. He liked it so much, the Danieli is the only hotel to appear in two films.
Why Bond was here
After the job is done in “From Russia With Love”, Bond (Sean Connery) and his love interest Tatiana (Daniela Bianchi) check into the Danieli to enjoy some downtime in Venice. But more prominently the luxury hotel is featured in “Moonraker”.
This time, Bond (Roger Moore) is following up a lead on industrialist Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale), investigating a glass manufacturer in Venice. He crosses paths with undercover CIA operative Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles) – and delivers the iconic line “Bollinger? If it is a ’69 you were expecting me” at her hotel room, the lavish Suite del Doge. Well, of course she was.
Bond and Goodhead enjoying a Bollinger at the Suite del Doge – with the antique mirror between the windows still in place.
How you gonna get there
The Danieli is one of the most iconic hotels in Venice, hosting celebrities throughout the ages. It’s not quite sure how government agents are able to pay for the stay, but the hotel Danieli sure is an estate of Bonds liking. The hotel is situated at Riva degli Schiavoni directly at the front row of Venice’ Canal Grande and just a tiny walk east of Palazzo Ducale and the famous Saint Marco Square. The iconic Bridge of Sighs – from the ending in “From Russia With Love” – is also nearby. If you travel via vaporetti, disembark at “San Zaccaria” station directly in front of the hotel.
Good to know
Filming for “Moonraker” took place inside the most prestigious rooms, the Suite del Doge, and on its balconies. We were allowed access to see the beautiful interior and overlook the laguna like Dr. Goodhead did in the film.
The Suite del Doge is a lavish and spacious apartment with an extra bedroom and bath, both not visible in the film. Instead, the bed was moved into the living room part of the suite, to better combine the balcony and bed scenes. The pompous suite feels like it is stuck in another time, heavy golden interior, timbered ceilings, noble damask walls and an antique fireplace make up the interior. The frescos are made by the 18th-century Venetian artist Jacopo Guarana.
The hotel was once a palazzo, built in the 14th century by a noble Venetian family, the Dandolos. The Suite del Dogo is its masterpiece – being inside, one wouldn’t be surprised if a 18th century nobleman would be waiting at the desk, doing his correspondance. In fact, famous artists like Goethe, Wagner and Charles Dickens stayed at the Danieli, also Peggy Guggenheim, Leonard Bernstein and Steven Spielberg. Maybe Bond shouldn’t actually stay here. It is just a too famous place to hide away.
Venice is a city with sensible romance everywhere. The Hotel Danieli is a perfect spot to boost this feeling. Come for the rooftop bar for a laguna sunset view – or just awe at the magnificent lobby. We also liked the perfect location: right in the heart of Venice. From here you can start a gondola ride and view the Bridge of Sighs or discover Venice’s artsy area Castello and the Biennale park with a stroll down the promenade.
© 2022 Huntingbond (1,3), © 1979 Danjaq S.A. & United Artists Corporation