The Villa Casa Casuarina

We celebrated our fifth anniversary in Gianni Versace's Suite, and it was artistic and beautiful. It really captured Gianni Versace's heart and soul as a designer and artist. Luis and Juan, the bellmen, took loving care of our luggage to and from the third floor, even with no elevator. The staff and service were professional, caring, attentive, and accommodating. At reception, Talia, Fiama, and Mirel went out of their way to make us feel at home and meet our needs. Talia and Fiama also arranged for us to see some other magnificent suites for a possible future stay. Fiama set up a romantic anniversary dinner for us, placing the table right by the pool. It was magical. We can’t wait to come back!

For a first visit to Miami Beach, the former Versace mansion is worth seeing for its architecture and history. It’s iconic, touristy, and very busy. The food is good, though not top-notch, and the menu isn’t especially distinctive. Prices are high compared with other Ocean Drive restaurants. Joaquín was kind and attentive, and the other waiters were fine. The atmosphere and history are the main draw for me, more than the dining. The $39.99 menu includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert, basically the chef’s recommendation. I think it’s the best option. Ordering a single dish costs about the same, so you may as well enjoy several courses for lunch or dinner. The hostess at the entrance, Autina?, was disappointing. She seemed rude and superior, and it seemed like she assumed we weren’t Americans because of our accent. Her attitude appeared to change because of that, which left a bitter taste. With a mandatory 20% service charge and around 9% in local taxes, I’d expect staff to be impeccable and welcoming.

The lunch menu was good value, and the food looked beautiful. We were seated near the pool and had exceptional service. Getting in took about 20 minutes even though we’d booked weeks ahead, but the wait was worth it. I’m not sure the value would be the same at half price, but who knows? If you’re in Miami, it’s a must.

A lovely breakfast and an amazing pool were highlights here. It’s a beautiful, very private property, with staff who closely guard the entrance, so you can count on no one wandering in without a reservation. Requests were handled gracefully and quickly. The rooms do have a few dated, broken fixtures that need updating.