South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites

Originally built as a condo property, the South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites has 99 suite-style rooms. Channeling South Beach in Miami, the hotel's exterior is a combination of blue and white with pretty mosaic tiling in shades of blue. The bottom two floors consist of garage parking and the third floor houses the lobby, fitness center, and Level-3 Bar and Grill. The lobby is stylishly outfitted with white and aqua leather studded chairs, huge black and white photo murals of beach scenes, and driftwood along the walls. The beach theme continues with funky jellyfish-like lighting above the front desk. There are small sitting areas by the garage entrances, as well as two out-of-place black lion sculptures that don't quite fit the ocean-inspired design scheme.

Since the rooms are all suite-style, either with kitchens or kitchenettes and many with a washer/dryer combo, the hotel tends to attract travelers looking for a longer stay. It's the only property actually along the beach and access to area casinos and restaurants is easy off the main highway. Although it's more popular among families and couples, business travelers will appreciate the free Wi-Fi and meeting rooms. There's also a business center, but it has only one computer and printer.  

An appealing factor about the South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites is that it's the only hotel in the area directly on the beach. Guests have direct access to the large, sandy beach. The Beau Rivage and Hard Rock hotels and casinos are both an eight-minute drive away. The hotel is just off the main highway and there's a Citywide Trolley that provides transportation to the casinos and shopping areas. For business travelers, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center is a five-minute drive away. Parking at the hotel is free. Note that the surrounding area is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. 

From the Studio Suites to Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suites, each guest room is decorated in earth tones. Picture: comfortable green bedding, dark wood furniture, and touches of blue. They have living room areas with pull-out sofas, some with dining room tables, as well as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. All have kitchenettes or kitchens with modern appliances, though they lack amenities like dish towels and sponges. Tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos or separate glass showers and a bathtub. Each has a hairdryer and toiletries. Some rooms have a washer and dryer. While each room has a balcony or terrace, views differ, with some facing the highway.

Guests have direct access to the large, sandy beach, though there are only a handful of lounge chairs available between the hotel and main beach area. There's also a small pool that looks out over the water, as well as the adjacent parking lot; loungers and plastic tables and chairs are set up on the deck. Breakfast isn't included, but the Level 3 Café & Bar serves all meals either inside or on a deck outside with wicker seating. The restaurant is decorated in a retro style with blue stools along the chrome bar and hanging colored lights. The menu consists of dishes like pulled pork sliders, quesadillas, and pizza. There is a fitness center, but it consists of two treadmills in a tiny room. A small market, meeting rooms, and a computer and printer for guest use are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.