Casa Casaurina in South beach
 

Some of you had asked for a trip report for our stay at Casa Casuarina in South Beach-so here goes! My husband and I spent the weekend at Casa Casuarina in South Beach to celebrate his birthday. Ever since we heard that the Versace mansion had turned into a private club, we have thought of how great it would be to stay there. When it recently became open to the public through Leading Hotels of the World, we decided to stay there—and were so glad we did.
CC is amazing. It is at once “over the top” and elegant- two descriptions not often used in the same sentence. When we arrived at CC, after learning that AA had lost my DH’s luggage (don’t get me started!), our spirits were immediately lifted as we looked at the beautiful courtyard. We were given a tour of the mansion which was stunning- the courtyard, the rooftop lounge, the Davidoff lounge, the pool- all stunning. We decided to have lunch right away and were seated at one of 4 intimate tables set on a balcony overlooking the stunning pool area. Lunch was, in a word, delicious.
Since we are Leaders Club members, we were upgraded to a larger suite with both a pool and ocean view. The room was exquisite. You really felt like you were in Italian villa-- deep, rich draperies, tapestries, mosaic floors—all truly breathtaking. Oh, and don’t get me started on the bedding--I thought I had a comfortable mattress at home-- this was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. The bathroom was spectacular—it was housed in a rotunda, so that the sink area was on the same floor as the bedroom with small spiral steps leading to the Jacuzzi tub area, bidet and commode.
When we arrived there was a fruit bowl awaiting us, along with a huge variety of treats—the ones you would find at the higher end hotel mini bars- gourmet jelly beans, truffled almonds, etc- but all free. As was the Evian, soda and juices in the small refrigerator. A nice touch.
We were told that CC is the second most photographed house in the U.S. second to the White House. After staying there, I believe it! There were always people taking pictures of the house. It was a little odd fending off curious stares of people trying to figure out “is that someone?” since I think it’s a little rare to see people actually entering and exiting CC. One group took a picture of me and my DH thinking we were “somebody” as we left for dinner one night, which made me laugh b/c truly, that picture was wasted in their camera!
The best part about our stay at CC, besides the lush and luxurious setting, was the service—top notch all the way. It seemed like whenever we needed anything, a staff member could sense it, and there was someone looking to help us. One morning the hotel manager (not a staff member) went out to get me a paper when I inquired about one. When my husband’s lost luggage was finally delivered—at 11:30 pm the second night of our stay, the bag was immediately delivered to our room, along with a lovely bottle of wine and 2 wine glasses from the “Director of Luxury” (how’s that for a title!) with a note that they were glad our luggage arrived. It’s these small gestures that can be made at a hotel of this caliber (and size—only 12 rooms), that set it apart from other high end hotels. Also, only having 12 rooms, lend to the feeling of privacy and luxury.
But such luxury does come at a steep price. During the weekend we stayed, Leading Hotels offered a special on CC, which was a stay 2 nights, get the 3rd night free. Even with this discount, the daily rate was high. But what brought it over the top for us was the 22% service charge on everything- the room, food, drinks, everything. So, what started as an expensive rate for a hotel quickly grew to a remarkably expensive rate for a room. Oh, and that service charge doesn’t cover gratuities for staff like housekeeping or doorman, etc.
This was a special occasion for us, and I don’t foresee us staying at CC for a long while, if ever, but I’m so glad that we did. It is truly a special and spectacular oasis in the hustle and bustle of South beach.

That sounds like quite the palace. Versace does a home furnishings line which are probably either inspired by the furnishings in the Casa or are the furnishings in the Casa.

Did you dine there?

Thanks for the report. HG

I had breakfast there 2 of the 3 mornings and we had lunch there twice as well. Breakfast was amazing. Lunch was very good. The service was impeccable.

We didn't have dinner there. On 2 of the 3 nights, there were private parties, one in the courtyard and the other on the veranda overlooking the pool. The Casa also has a large front room that people(many celebreties) rent out completely for private dinner parties. I don't know if anyone was there just for dinner on any of the nights we were there. It just didn't give off that vibe.

I attended a private party in the pool area last week, and I was thinking that if I paid all that money to stay there, that may frustrate me. I guess most people don't go to South Beach to stay in at night though. :)

I was one of those who asked about Casa Casaurina. Sounds absolutely heavenly! I'm glad you were able to splurge and have a good time, despite the luggage issue.

I'll be in South Beach in 2 weeks, guess I'll have to settle for a walk by!

It actually didn't bother us that people had their private parties there. For most of our stay, we felt like the only couple there- or one of 3 couples there- which was nice- the staff to guest ratio was amazing-- so it was nice to see it become more lively at night. Also, the people who were there weren't unruly or excessively loud and since we didn't make it back there before midnight, it was all fine.

Wyatt, you CAN dine there at night. And there might have been people having dinner there-- in fairness to teh hotel, we left by 7:30 and weren't back till midnight or later.