Casa Casuarina, Miami Beach

Yes the Home that Gionni Versace built is incredible, but the service and attention to service details was very poor. Versace would roll over in his grave if he new how poorly the guests in his home were treated. The mansion is like living in a turn of the century italian palace with the craftmen attention to interior details, and Versace did a wonderful job, but the hoteliers who currently own it are lacking. The promises in the literature are empty, they run travel agent junkets so that the pool, the gardens and other elegant areas are off limites to the guests paying up to $1500 per night. The continental breakfast doesn't exist, and we were forced to eat our $150 per person diner next to the outside sidewalk with Deisel Fumes from the tour busses because the Travel agent junket was occupying all the nice areas inside the mansion. The phone didn't work, there was no ice, the air conditioner just barely worked, and the switched us from the suite we have confirmed to one that was half the size without even notifying us. When we checked out they couldn't print out a receipt or a bill so we have no idea what they ultimately clipped us for... The 22% tip on food and the 20% upcharge on everything else is what guarantees that the service will continue to be poor because the servants get paid whether they please or not... If you want to see the mansion, either buy the tour, or just come in for a drink... but don't stay the night...

When me and my significant other arrived we were greeted with a mimosa complimentary and awaited to fill out some paper work once the formalities were completed, we were taken to our room, the rooms are very nice, but it didnt dawn on us that we had a portable ac unit. needless to say our first night was a complete disaster with the room not having ac the hotel should have had that fixed for the price you pay and the experience your expecting , service was very very slow at this hotel. from the waiter to the manager, for the price of food and drinks i would not recommend eating at the hotel very minimal selection and over priced, t-shirts we were not told of prices and found out after we got our bill it cost 500.00 for 3 t-shirts and gratuity, which they add on to everything at this hotel. we didnt get any type of tour of the hotel in which when we arrived the manager had to show us around, which i found very disturbing since they have only 10 suites and you would think they would take the time to pamper you and have that time since its a small guest list. staff was friendly, we did manage to get somethings taken care of. but all in all it was a experience and its very costly to stay there, even with the discounted rate they offered on the rooms, you still are paying alot of money, this hotel is definately for the status quo. I recommend the tour, and a one night stay there, just for the exprience! we stayed 4 nights, considering south beach there is alot to do at night, but not at this hotel. I have some mixed feelings about this hotel and would probably not stay there again unless the nightly rate specials are even more reasonable. I just felt for a small guest list they have because they only have 10 suites the service and menu selection should have been faster and much more appealing and reasonable. 3 eggs sausage, and coffee, cost 150.00 thats insane and doesnt matter what your financial stability situation is, you can find a better breakfast selection and pricing down the street.