IP Casino Resort & Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what actually surprised me about IP Casino Resort & Spa? Walking into that lobby, I wasn’t expecting the space to feel quite so… well, upscale. I mean, Biloxi’s got its casino spots, but this one on Bayview Avenue really commits to the resort vibe rather than just throwing some hotel rooms on top of a gaming floor. The whole place has this sort of polished energy that makes you forget you’re basically right off Highway 90.

The casino floor itself is honestly pretty impressive – not overwhelmingly huge like some of those Vegas monsters, but substantial enough that you won’t get bored if that’s your thing. What I really appreciated though was how they’ve designed it so you can actually avoid the gaming area entirely if you want to. The spa (which, let’s be real, is why a lot of people book here) sits in its own quiet wing, and you can get there without walking through clouds of cigarette smoke and slot machine sounds. Smart planning. The pool area’s another winner – they’ve got this outdoor setup that catches the gulf breeze just right, and honestly, on those sticky Mississippi summer afternoons, that makes all the difference. Parking’s free too, which seems obvious but you’d be surprised how many places along the coast try to nickel and dime you on that.

Here’s the thing about staying here though – location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned to hit both the casino strip and the quieter parts of Biloxi without feeling stuck in either scene. Walk east a bit and you’re near the lighthouse and some decent seafood spots that locals actually go to (not just tourist traps). The rooms are solid four-star quality – I mean, the beds are comfortable, bathrooms are updated, and you get that gulf view from most of the higher floors. Check-in was smooth when I was there, though I’d imagine weekends during shrimp season or when there’s something big happening at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum could get hectic. One small thing – the air conditioning units can be a little loud, but honestly, after a day in the heat and humidity down there, you’ll probably sleep right through it. The staff genuinely seems to know their stuff too, which isn’t always a given at casino hotels where sometimes you feel like an afterthought to the gambling revenue.