Friday Photos: The Venice Biennale and the Hotel Danieli

In honor of the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, running until November 27, 2011, we're traveling to Venice, Italy today... daydreaming of this lavish luxury landmark. Perennially ranked one of the best hotels in the world, the Hotel Danieli is a real showstopper. Three ancient palaces were turned into a luxury hotel outfitted with hand-made Murano glass chandeliers, hand-carved marble columns, and original antiques. The best part of all could be its location, just steps away from the Piazza San Marco and the best Venetian attractions.

Not to be missed: a meal at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli on the top floor of the Danieli Excelsior Palace. This romantic spot affords some of the most exclusive views in Venice, the same viewpoint from which Venetian nobles used to watch the arrival of merchant ships from the Far East.