Stories and photos by Lisa Evans (unless otherwise indicated)
The Secret Coast
The Secret Coast thrives on tourism. With over 15,000 guest rooms, we welcome 13.5 million visitors a year into our area for a bit of Southern Hospitality. From resorts to unique Bed & Breakfast locations to nationally recognized chain hotels, there is something to suit the needs of everyone.
Luxury Casino Resort Hotels in Coastal Mississippi
Many visitors to the Coast prefer the luxury accommodations and gaming provided by our various casino resorts. Eleven of our twelve coastal casinos have varying levels of rooms along with their gaming. Several also offer professionally designed golf courses for the pleasure of their guests.
In Bay St. Louis, there is the Silver Slipper Casino, with their 128-room beachside hotel. Also in Bay St. Louis is the Hollywood Casino, where they offer 291 rooms and suites in their waterfront hotel.
Gulfport is home to The Island View, which has a total of 970 rooms in both their beach tower and casino tower hotels. In D’Iberville (a suburb of Biloxi) is the Scarlett Pearl, featuring close to 300 combined penthouses, suites, and deluxe accommodation rooms
Biloxi houses the remainder of the casino resorts. Palace Casino is Biloxi’s only smoke-free casino, with 236 rooms. The Beau Rivage is our MGM luxury property on the Coast. It boasts over 1800 rooms, including luxury suites, many of which overlook the Mississippi Sound. The Imperial Plaza (IP) has 32 stories and 1088 rooms and suites which tower over the Back Bay. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features 479 rooms, all with the trademark Hard Rock flair. Harrah’s Gulf Coast has close to 500 rooms and suites, while The Golden Nuggetoffers 700 rooms and suites. Both have fabulous views of the water. Finally, Treasure Bay Casino & Resortoffers slightly over 200 rooms, suites, and jacuzzi lofts.
Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
Bay Town Inn
One of the more notable places to stay in Bay St. Louis is The Bay Town Inn. Cradled in downtown Bay St. Louis is this enchanting home, shaded by Oak trees and welcoming visitors for their stay. Guest suites are lovely and include a living room, kitchen, bath, and separate bedroom. Several rooms overlook the salt-water pool and courtyard. Just steps away are the shops and galleries of downtown. Relax in your surroundings and the beauty of this enchanting, picture-perfect B&B.
In Pass Christian, Oak Crest Mansion is Southern charm and hospitality brought together in a delightful alternative to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Built on 12 acres in 1920, it is the ideal setting for a relaxing interlude or a life event. Within the mansion’s suites, each named for a prominent Mississippian, is simple beauty and charm. Magnificent Live Oaks scattered throughout the property lend the feeling of being transported back to a simpler time.
On the easternmost edge of our 62 miles of coastline, in Pascagoula, is found another majestic home. The Grand Magnolia Suites and Ballroom is family-owned and operated, with seven suites offering a grand alternative to the average hotel stay. Having a wedding or other special event? Grand Magnolia has 7500 sq. ft. of home and beauty to act as the perfect backdrop for any friend and family gathering.
Historic Hotels in Coastal Mississippi
Centennial Plaza
Centennial Plaza, located in Gulfport, encompasses 48 acres directly across from the beach. It is a unique resort experience unlike anywhere else on the Coast. Magnificent Live Oaks and a wondrous 25,000-gallon dancing fountain greet guests as they arrive. On the grounds are two very distinct hotels. Grand Centennial Hotel caters to couples’ vacations or business travelers. Oasis Resort is geared with families in mind. Centennial Plaza’s grounds are also home to Cruisin’ Central. Each October, this becomes ‘home base’ to the thousands of classic cars that are registered to partake in Cruisin’ the Coast events.
White House Hotel
White House Hotel, located on the beach in Biloxi, offers a historic boutique hotel experience. Near to Keesler Air Force Base, here you will find a spectacular view of the Mississippi Sound from the rooftop terrace. Back in 1890, the White House began as a boarding house operated by a prominent attorney and his wife. Business boomed and several more buildings were added to the original. By 1920, the White House was well known as the “crown jewel” of the Gulf Coast. With its heyday over by the late 1970s, it sat vacant for many years, yet still survived Hurricane Katrina. Renovations began by the current owners several years later, restoring it to the graceful boutique hotel it is today, with 76 rooms.
Come Get Your Piece of Coastal Mississippi
In addition to the handful of accommodations listed above, the landscape is dotted with many condominiums to rent. There are also a great number of nationally recognized chain hotels and motels, as well as many RV parks for those who travel utilizing their RVs and campers. Wherever you prefer to stay, we welcome you to The Secret Coast.
