What It’s Like to Stay at the Versace Mansion in Miami: Hotel Review

The Spanish-style home, named Casa Casuarina when it was built in the 1930s, was a hot spot for the original owner’s bohemian friends, according to the hotel’s website.

Fashion designer Gianni Versace transformed the mansion in 1992, creating 12 suites to accommodate his family and friends, which included Princess Diana and Elton John, Vanity Fair reported.

Several years after Versace’s death, the mansion was transformed into a luxury hotel, and the Villa Casa Casuarina now caters to celebrities like the Kardashians.

The first thing you see when you walk past the front desk is the vast lobby and restaurant on the ground floor.

I noticed that restaurant guests weren’t able to explore the whole mansion — only the first floor. I didn’t see anyone else aside from staff on the higher floors.

I arrived five hours before check-in, hoping to drop off my bags, but my room was ready early. Someone took my luggage upstairs, and other staff members greeted me on the way. They were so attentive that I felt like I was the only person staying there.

Rather than a key card, I was given a golden key with a tiny replica of the hotel’s mission bell attached to a keychain. I had to show my key upon reentering the hotel to indicate I was a guest.

I was so grateful to have all this space to myself that I started jumping around in excitement, using my socks to slide gracefully across the wooden floors.

The bed was soft, but firm — the perfect combination, in my opinion. I knew I would get a good night’s sleep the moment I sat on it.

There was also a mounted TV on the wall facing the bed.

When fully stretched out, I felt like it went on forever as I drifted off to sleep later that night.

There were several golden throw pillows matching the room on the bed. Behind them were the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever rested my head on. Their cases felt crisp and cool on my face.

It was a great spot to do work or eat room service meals.

The weight of the robe made me feel like I was being cuddled as I walked around my suite.

With decorative tiling, showerheads on either side, and an additional handheld showerhead, it was the most luxurious shower I’ve ever stepped into.

I couldn’t get enough of it. In less than 24 hours, I took three showers, and I still think of it while I’m waiting for the water to heat up in my New York apartment.

There were also luxury Italian soaps and lotions that left my skin feeling clean and soft.

It seemed fitting for a former fashion designer’s home.

Living among so much detailed artwork inspired me to consider making my own. I wonder if that’s how Versace felt.

I felt like I was in an art museum with exclusive access to stunning tile patterns and dazzling stained-glass windows.

Restaurant patrons had a view of the glistening hotel pool but couldn’t swim in it. But I could.

The Thousand Mosaic Pool is made up of thousands of 24k gold tiles.

The pool was shaded, and the water felt cool. As I dipped underwater, I thought I could spend years swimming in this pool every day and still not notice every detail. It was mesmerizing.

Being on the roof reminded me how close I was to the ocean. The beach was right across the street, and I could smell the ocean and feel its breeze.

I didn’t just feel like a Kardashian up there — I felt like a Versace. To me, that regal feeling was priceless.

The observatory was a calming, peaceful space that felt worlds apart from the famous South Beach party scene below.

Versace reconstructed the observatory when he moved in, adding a new copper dome, according to the company’s website.

Although I ate my breakfast in a T-shirt and basketball shorts, I still felt glamorous and was grateful for the chance to stay somewhere so special. Perhaps I am one for fancy things.