Ocean Springs feels like a small beach town with a big art heart. Live oaks lean over the streets. You hear gulls. You see murals. And if you’re lucky, you get shrimp and grits that make you sigh.
I’ve slept in four very different spots here over the past year: The Beatnik, The Roost Boutique Hotel, Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, and the Holiday Inn Express in Ocean Springs. Work trips. Family weekends. One quick stop on a long drive. All real stays, with little highs and tiny hiccups.
Let me explain what actually worked for me—and what didn’t.
Need the speedy, bullet-point version? You can jump to my condensed notes in this Ocean Springs hotel roundup.
The Beatnik — Tiny Cabins, Big Smile
I booked The Beatnik for a three-night weekend in May. It’s not your basic hotel. It’s four modern cabins tucked behind trees, close to downtown. My cabin had giant windows, a small kitchenette, and a private deck with a plunge pool. Yes, a little pool all to myself. I squealed. I’m not proud.
The intimate, design-forward vibe actually gave me flashbacks to a recent weekend among the best hotels in Ojai, where small scale also met serious style.
Check-in was a code on the door. No lobby. I dropped my bag, kicked off my shoes, and sat on the deck with a cold Topo Chico. Late sun, soft air, cicadas singing—kind of dreamy. The outdoor shower was warm and felt like summer camp, but nicer. The bed? Plush and clean. I slept like a log.
I walked to Government Street for dinner. It’s not far. I grabbed tacos, then a cone from a local spot. The walk back felt safe and calm. The next morning I found perfect coffee a few blocks away and then hit the Walter Anderson Museum. Easy.
- What I loved:
- Private plunge pool. It made the whole trip feel special.
- Quiet nights. Frogs, not freeways.
- Lots of natural light, but heavy shades when you want to sleep.
- What bugged me:
- Parking is tight. I circled once, then squeezed in.
- No full stove. Fine for snacks, not full meals.
- Price sits on the high side during festivals.
Would I stay again? Yes. For a couples’ weekend or a treat-yourself solo stay, it’s a win.
The Roost Boutique Hotel — Classy, Calm, and Close
Different trip. Early fall. I stayed at The Roost for two nights while visiting a client. It’s a pretty, old-meets-new hotel with porches, big oaks, and cozy suites. My room had a soft couch, a little table for my laptop, and a soaking tub that I used even though I said I wouldn’t. I did. Twice.
The staff felt warm but not fussy. Check-in took about two minutes. There’s a bar on site that locals actually use. I slipped in for one drink—a gingery thing—while a small group chatted about football. It felt like the town’s living room.
In the morning, I walked to a bakery for a biscuit sandwich. It took maybe 10 minutes. I love that you can park once and then just wander. The neighborhood is lovely. Spanish moss everywhere. If you need quiet, ask for a room away from the street. Mine was mid-building and I slept fine.
- What I loved:
- Thoughtful rooms. Great linens. Good water pressure.
- Easy access to downtown, but not loud.
- On-site bar for a nightcap, which saves a drive.
- What bugged me:
- No big gym. Just a small fitness area.
- Weekend rates spike when events roll through.
- The tub took a while to fill. Not a big deal, but I noticed.
Would I stay again? Yes. It’s my pick for work trips when I want comfort and a little style.
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort — Old School Charm by the Bay
This one surprised me. Gulf Hills sits by the bay with a golf course and big, shady grounds. I went in July for a family visit and booked here because I wanted space to breathe. The place has history, and you can feel it. Not fancy. But calm.
My room was large, with simple decor and a firm bed. The A/C worked hard—it was sticky hot outside—but it kept up. I woke early one morning and walked to the water. Pink sky. A few herons. I just stood there and felt my shoulders drop.
The pool was clean and not packed. I read a paperback in a lounge chair. Later, I drove five minutes to Front Beach and let the kids splash. This hotel won’t wow you with glam. But it gives you room. That meant a lot.
- What I loved:
- Quiet, green grounds. You can hear the wind in the trees.
- Easy parking and lots of it.
- A slower pace that helped me unplug.
- What bugged me:
- Some rooms feel dated. Think simple, not sleek.
- Wi-Fi was fine for email, but spotty for video calls.
- You’ll want a car. It’s not a quick walk to shops.
Would I stay again? Yes—when I want nature, space, and lower stress.
Holiday Inn Express Ocean Springs — Road-Trip Easy
One night, I just needed a clean room and that breakfast I can count on. I checked into the Holiday Inn Express off I-10. The front desk was fast and friendly. My room smelled fresh, sheets were crisp, and the blackout shades worked.
For reference, this is the same dependable, no-frills comfort I leaned on during my deep dive into hotels near Balboa Park out in San Diego.
Was it cute? No. Did I care? Also no. I used the small gym, streamed a show, and slept. In the morning, I grabbed eggs, a cinnamon roll, and coffee. I know, chain hotels. But sometimes you want the same waffle maker you know and love. This is that.
- What I loved:
- Reliable breakfast spread.
- Free parking and quick highway access.
- Good value on weeknights.
- What bugged me:
- Some highway noise by the pool.
- The A/C had a tiny rattle at first, then settled.
- Not walkable to downtown.
Would I stay again? Sure—perfect for pit stops or late check-ins.
So…Which One Should You Pick?
It depends on your trip.
- For a romantic weekend: The Beatnik. That private plunge pool changes the mood.
- For a chic work stay near shops: The Roost. Quiet and close.
- For a chill family visit with room to roam: Gulf Hills. Slower pace, big trees.
- For a simple overnight near the interstate: Holiday Inn Express. Easy in, easy out.
You know what? Ocean Springs makes it hard to choose because the town itself is the star. I plan my stays around two things: walkability and what I need that week. If I want art and food, I stay close to downtown. If I want birds and big sky, I go bay side.
For authoritative information on accommodations in Ocean Springs, consider consulting the following resources: Tripadvisor and Expedia.
Little Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Book early for festivals and art events. Rooms go fast and prices jump.
- Summer is humid. Pack light layers and bring a hat.
- Sunrise on Front Beach is calm and worth the alarm. Bring a thermos.
- Try The Shed for BBQ, then stroll Government Street for dessert.
- If you’re noise sensitive, ask for rooms away from the street or elevator. Simple, but it helps.
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Final Take
I’d put The Beatnik and The Roost at the top for charm. Gulf Hills wins for peace and space. The Holiday Inn Express is my trusty backup when I’m just passing through. On trips when Ocean Springs is just one leg of the journey, I sometimes hop over to New Orleans and unwind at The Hotel Modern, which channels a similarly art-loving spirit in a bigger city setting. And maybe that’s why I keep coming back. Not just for the rooms. For