Versace mansion lives on as Miami hotel

The Versace name is synonymous with luxury, privilege and decadence, so it's no surprise that the mansion where Gianni Versace lived in Miami ranks as one of the most coveted homes in America. When Gianni Versace was gunned down in 1997, his South Beach home became a place to pay homage to one of the world's elite designers and purveyor of fine fashion. Now, his home is open for the night.

The 19,000-square-foot Versace mansion has been renamed The Villa by Barton G - a 10-suite hotel filled with fountains, Italian marble, stained glass, and featuring a pool and terrace tiled to resemble a hidden oasis in Italy.

According to the hotel's website, the Villa's 10 custom suites feature king-sized beds or custom double king beds, over-sized bathrooms with two shower heads, closet space fit for a fashion designer, separate living rooms or sitting areas and balconies or patios. There's a rooftop lounge and a private restaurant. Gianni Versace's former bedroom has a nine-foot-wide bed, two balconies and seven closets.

The New York Times reports rooms start at $2,100. If you can't afford a night's stay, the restaurant in the mansion is open for dinner (reservations are required) and starting April 15, there's an afternoon tea service on weekends for $35 a person.

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations