Best Biloxi Hotels

Unquestionably the finest hotel on the coast, this 90s-era classic built by Steve Wynn is sometimes referred to as The Bellagio’s country cousin. And it’s true, there are a lot of similarities between that iconic Las Vegas resort and this more modest beauty located on the Biloxi waterfront. But The Beau, while massive at nearly 1,800 rooms, is all South, gracious and low-key and friendly. Forget whether or not you like casinos, this is simply an excellent hotel. An extensive fitness center and spa, a guests-only golf course (the Fazio-designed Fallen Oak) and some fun nightlife round out the amenities.

Just steps from the Beau and across the street from the Gulf, this solid entry into Biloxi’s non-casino lodging option is a good choice for those seeking more peace and quiet at night. Those not familiar with the brand can expect to find a product that’s slightly nicer than you’d expect for the price—good beds, good showers, good coffee, a 24-hour fitness center, free bottled water in the rooms and complimentary wireless Internet access. There’s a beach-facing (and highway-facing, mind you) pool.

Think of this quasi-glam entry as Harrah’s bid to create a property that rivals MGM’s Beau Rivage for fancy. Successful? Not really. There are amenities, yes: the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear course, for instance. But that’s open to all Harrah’s guests, as well. There’s a spa, too. The 500 rooms look good and are comfortable. Our favorite thing here is Cuu Long Souper Pho, a tasty Vietnamese-influenced diner right next to the popular Asian Gaming area of the casino. Incidentally, the Grand is located on the edge of what’s traditionally been Biloxi’s Vietnamese area; from here, you’re just a short walk from Le Bakery, a popular spot for more affordable and authentic Vietnamese sandwiches, or banh mi. The neighborhood, centered at the corner of Howard Avenue and Oak Street, was absolutely shattered by the storm; the rebuilding is going to take years.

Anyone who knows the Las Vegas Strip knows that the Imperial Palace is one of the most bewildering resorts in town, a relentlessly downscale piece of retro fabulousness. It’s no wonder that parent company Harrah’s now chooses to downplay the connection between the two, simply referring to this Bayview Avenue property as “The IP”—though some might ask why not just change the name completely. There are nearly 1,100 rooms here, so don’t expect intimacy. Do expect nicer amenities than at the Vegas original, however; sexy Jacuzzi suites here can be remarkably affordable, as well. A seafood buffet and a Brazilian steakhouse are the lone culinary highlights here.

We liked it more when Emeril was here, running a fun seafood restaurant, but the owners of this modest resort on Gulfport’s industrial waterfront got tired of extending the celeb chef the rent break he snagged for the Emeril’s Fish House that operated here for just a couple of short years. The space is now a steakhouse, with a lot less to recommend it than the previous tenant. But no matter—the 560 hotel rooms here are surprisingly luxe considering the reasonable price point; the location is great for those more interested in the quirkier western towns of Long Beach, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis. Plus, how about that $1.50 happy hour, every day from 5PM-8PM, at the casino’s View Bar?

There are just two rooms, but it’s worth planning ahead to stay at what’s easily one of the best little independent hotels on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. This can be said with some certainty in part because there are so few of them left on the coast after Katrina, but it’s also just a great place to stay, as well. Rooms are smartly decorated—his isn’t one of those heart-shaped pillow, lace-curtain kind of B&B’s; this isn’t even really a B&B—breakfast is offered complimentary at a nearby bakery. Modern conveniences such as flat screen televisions and free wireless internet access are standard. At the heart of—and walking distance to all of  Ocean Springs, this is a great bet for people who want nothing to do with the gaming scene over the bridge in Biloxi. If you decide to stick around a while, stop in the real estate office at the front of the building. (You’ll get to know them anyway—they manage the Inn.)