1. Driftwood Motel: Best For Relaxed Coastal Stays

Driftwood Motel is located at 810 US 90 in Bay St. Louis, about a mile from downtown and the beach. It brings back the feel of the old Gulf Coast motor court, but the rooms have been updated for current travelers. You can park close to your room, drop your bags, and be at Old Town, the beach, local restaurants, galleries, or the waterfront within a short trip. The property offers different room types, including queens, doubles, bunk rooms, work-friendly Seaside Suites, and ADA-accessible rooms. 

The property works well when you want some downtime built into the day. There is a pool, a central outdoor area, badminton, a grill, weekend breakfast, coffee and espresso, a shared kitchenette, and free guest laundry. Courtesy bikes make short rides around town easy, while beach chairs and umbrellas help on beach days. Families can book neighboring room choices, while larger groups can ask about booking a bigger block of the motel. 

Driftwood also connects guests with local activities. Its BSL Perks partners include SIP Paddle Rental, Beachside Cruisers, Bending Pines Watersports, Old Bay Outfitters, and Coastal Cruisin Rentals. That can mean easier access to paddleboards, golf carts, fishing charters, watersports, jet skis, and beach gear without having to start from scratch once you arrive. Driftwood also hosts Driftapalooza, a weekend event with live music, local art, food trucks, and vendors, giving guests a chance to enjoy the property’s poolside and lawn areas while taking in the local scene.

• Location: Bay St. Louis, about a mile from downtown and the beach. 
• Best for: Couples, families, friends, and travelers who want a smaller property with Bay St. Louis character.
• What guests say: Guests often praise the clean, updated rooms, comfortable beds, retro style, quiet setting, and easy check-in. The pool, shared kitchen, complimentary drinks and snacks, and convenient Bay St. Louis location are also mentioned positively.
• Amenities: Pool, outdoor seating, badminton, grill, weekend breakfast, coffee and espresso, shared kitchenette, free laundry, bikes, beach gear, Wi-Fi, nearby room parking, and local activity partners.
• Good to know: Driftwood is a smaller motel-style property, so guests should expect a more intimate setup than a large full-service resort.

2. Hotel Whiskey: Best For Walkable Beach Weekends

Hotel Whiskey is a small 11-room property in downtown Pass Christian at 115 Davis Avenue. The beach is only a short walk away, and staying here puts restaurants, shops, the harbor, and other parts of downtown close at hand. Three rooms open onto a balcony overlooking Davis Avenue, which may appeal to couples who want a small-town stay where they can leave the car parked for part of the day. 

Whiskey Prime is located at the property and serves dinner Thursday through Sunday, with a bar opening before dinner service. Rooms include Wi-Fi, coffee, microwaves, and complimentary snacks, while free parking is available nearby. One thing to check before reserving is the floor of your room, since the property does not have an elevator. 

• Location: Downtown Pass Christian, a short walk from the beach and local dining.
• Best for: Couples and short stays where walkability matters.
• What guests say: Guests often praise the convenient location, clean and comfortable rooms, walkability to restaurants and the beach, and quiet setting. The friendly staff, on-site restaurant, spacious rooms, and in-room fridge and microwave are also mentioned positively.
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, free parking, coffee, microwaves, complimentary room snacks, restaurant, bar, and selected balcony rooms.
• Good to know: There is no elevator, so guests who have trouble with stairs should request a lower-floor room.

3. The Inn at Long Beach: Best For Quiet Beach Stays

The Inn at Long Beach is at 300 West Beach Boulevard, across from the Gulf. It feels more like a traditional hotel than a motor court, but it keeps a relaxed coastal setting. Guests can cross over for beach time, come back for a swim, then head into Long Beach for dinner without staying in one of the busier Gulf Coast cities.

The property has an outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center, beach access, a pickleball court, and meeting space. Breakfast includes hot items along with fruit, cereal, coffee, and other morning choices. Families may like having several familiar hotel comforts in one place, especially when the plan includes beach time and slower afternoons by the pool. 

• Location: West Beach Boulevard in Long Beach, across from the Gulf.
• Best for: Families, couples, and travelers who want easy beach access.
• What guests say: Reviewers frequently mention the easy beach access, roomy accommodations, comfortable beds, and helpful service. Many also enjoy the hot breakfast, pool area, Gulf views, and convenient location between Bay St. Louis and Gulfport.
• Amenities: Hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, pickleball, Wi-Fi, free parking, beach access, and meeting space.
• Good to know: The Inn at Long Beach is across Beach Boulevard from the Gulf, so the beach is very close, but the hotel is not directly on the sand.

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Gulfport I-10: Best For Families And Road Trips

Hampton Inn & Suites Gulfport I-10 is a practical choice when Gulfport is your main base and easy road access matters. It sits just off I-10 at 15580, Daniel Boulevard. Gulf Islands Waterpark and Gulfport Premium Outlets are about two miles away, while the beach is less than 15 minutes away by car. 

This is a good fit for families who want a predictable hotel setup. Guests get free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, an indoor pool, a fitness center, connecting rooms, and pet-friendly room choices. It isn't in a walkable beach district, but that may matter less if your plans include shopping, family attractions, or day trips around Gulfport. 

• Location: Gulfport, directly off I-10.
• Best for: Families, road trips, shopping trips, and travelers who care more about easy access than a beach-town setting.
• What guests say: Reviews frequently highlight the very clean rooms, welcoming staff, comfortable beds, and good breakfast. Guests also appreciate the indoor pool, easy I-10 access, and nearby restaurants and shopping.
• Amenities: Free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, Wi-Fi, parking, connecting rooms, and pet-friendly room choices.
• Good to know: You will need to use the car for the beach and most coastal areas.

5. Hampton Inn Biloxi: Best For Beach And Nightlife

Hampton Inn Biloxi puts you across Highway 90 from Biloxi Beach at 1138 Beach Boulevard. Biloxi Lighthouse is nearby, and both the Hard Rock and Beau Rivage casino areas are less than five minutes away by car. This makes it one of the stronger choices on this list for travelers whose plans include the beach during the day and Biloxi restaurants or entertainment later. 

The hotel includes free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center, and a pool with views toward the beach. Its location is the main reason to consider it. You get a recognizable hotel setup while staying close to many of the places that draw visitors to central Biloxi. 

• Location: Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, across from Biloxi Beach.
• Best for: Travelers who want beach access, casinos, restaurants, and Biloxi attractions close by.
• What guests say: Positive reviews point to the hotel’s beachside location, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and fresh breakfast. Guests also like the pool, beach views, and easy walk to the shoreline and Biloxi Lighthouse.
• Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, pool, fitness center, connecting rooms, and pet-friendly room choices.
• Good to know: Biloxi has a busier feel than Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, or Long Beach, especially around entertainment districts.

6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Biloxi-Ocean Springs: Best For Exploring Both Cities

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Biloxi-Ocean Springs sits at 7301 Washington Avenue, just off I-10. It is not in the walkable center of Ocean Springs, but it makes it easy to reach both Ocean Springs and Biloxi by car. That setup can work well for families or road-trip travelers who want to see both sides of Biloxi Bay without changing hotels.

The property has standard rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, Wi-Fi, and on-site parking. The pool is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., which gives families a place to cool off after a day out. The hotel’s own page describes the location as convenient for the beaches, restaurants, and attractions in both Biloxi and Ocean Springs. 

• Location: Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs, near I-10.
• Best for: Families and travelers who want easy car access to Ocean Springs and Biloxi.
• What guests say: Travelers highlight the spacious rooms, friendly front desk team, and better-than-expected breakfast. Easy interstate access, comfortable accommodations, and well-stocked rooms also come up often in positive reviews.
• Amenities: Breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, parking, Wi-Fi, standard rooms, and suites.
• Good to know: You will need a car to spend time in downtown Ocean Springs or at the beach.

7. Grand Magnolia Ballroom & Suites: Best For Historic Stays

Grand Magnolia Ballroom & Suites is a much smaller stay in downtown Pascagoula. The Queen Anne house dates to 1894 and sits two blocks north of the Main Street District. Seven guest rooms have private bathrooms, and guests can use the parlors, gathering room, courtyard, porches, and grounds. That makes it a good choice for people who prefer an inn with older architecture and shared spaces rather than a standard hotel corridor. 

The hotel lists Wi-Fi, round-the-clock guest access, an ice machine, nearby fitness access, and an ADA room. 

• Location: Downtown Pascagoula, two blocks north of the Main Street District.
• Best for: Couples and travelers who like quieter stays with historic character.
• What guests say: Visitors often mention the historic character, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and peaceful atmosphere. The walkable downtown location, shared spaces, helpful innkeeper, and well-kept property are also common points of praise.
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, common rooms, courtyard, porches, ADA room, ice access, and nearby fitness access.
• Good to know: This feels more like a small inn than a beachfront hotel, so choose it for the setting rather than resort-style facilities.

Which Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Should You Stay In?

The Mississippi Gulf Coast stretches across a string of communities that do not all feel alike. Coastal Mississippi lists Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula are among its coastal communities, and each gives travelers a different base for the trip. 

Bay St. Louis is a good fit when you want Old Town streets, independent shops, galleries, local food, the beach, and a slower pace. Pass Christian suits travelers looking for a quieter coastal setting, while Long Beach offers an easy beach base between Bay St. Louis and Gulfport. Gulfport works well for families who want shopping, attractions, and convenient road access. Biloxi is a better match for casinos, nightlife, restaurants, and larger entertainment venues. Ocean Springs gives you a smaller-town feel while keeping Biloxi close, and Pascagoula suits travelers who prefer a quieter stay on the eastern side of the Coast.

What Is the Best Time to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Spring and fall are comfortable choices if you plan to spend a lot of time outside. At Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, normal April highs are around 76°F, while October highs are around 80°F. Summer is much hotter, with July and August normal highs near 90°F, so bring sunscreen, light clothes, water, and a rain layer if beach days are part of the plan. 

Winter is cooler and can work well for dining, shopping, fishing, and town time without summer heat. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the highest regional activity usually occurring later in summer and early fall, so check the forecast and hotel cancellation rules before a coastal trip during that period. 

Large annual events can also tighten room availability. Check the Coastal Mississippi event calendar before choosing dates, especially for a weekend stay.

How to Choose Where to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

A property can look great on its own and still be wrong for your plans. Before booking, think about where most of your time will actually be spent, which amenities will make the trip easier, and whether you care more about a beachfront address or having a comfortable place to return to after being out all day.

Start With the Area

Pick the town before picking the hotel. If most of your plans are in Bay St. Louis, booking far east in Biloxi may mean more time in the car than you expected. The same applies in the other direction.

Think about your likely day. If you want breakfast, Old Town, the beach, golf-cart rides, seafood, and live music around Bay St. Louis, a nearby base makes sense. If casinos and Biloxi nightlife are the main plan, staying closer to Biloxi cuts down on late-night travel.

Compare the Full Stay, Not Just the Room Price

The cheapest room is not always the lowest-cost trip. A property that includes breakfast, parking, laundry, bikes, or beach equipment may save money elsewhere.

Look at what comes with the stay:

• Breakfast
• Parking
• Pool access
• Laundry
• Kitchen or kitchenette access
• Bikes
• Beach chairs or umbrellas
• Local guest discounts
• Room setup for your group

This is one reason Driftwood works well for active Bay St. Louis trips. A guest can use the pool, bikes, laundry, kitchenette, and beach equipment without arranging each item separately.

Choose Amenities You Will Actually Use

Do not pay for features that sound nice but will sit unused. A couple planning long dinners and beach walks may care more about location and a comfortable room. A family may place the pool, breakfast, laundry, and room setup much higher.

Fishing groups may care about early coffee, parking, and getting wet clothes washed. Someone staying several nights may get much more use from a kitchenette or laundry room than a traveler stopping for one night.

Read Reviews Beyond the Rating

A score gives you a fast first impression, but the written comments usually tell you more. Look for themes that show up again and again rather than focusing on one very happy or very unhappy guest.

Pay attention to:

• How many reviews the property has
• How recent they are
• Comments that repeat across several guests
• Room-size comments
• Noise comments
• Cleanliness
• Staff response
• Parking
• Location
• Breakfast or other amenities you plan to use

Why Driftwood Motel Is Our Top Pick for a Mississippi Gulf Coast Stay

For this guide, Driftwood Motel takes the first spot because it combines a good Bay St. Louis location with more trip-friendly extras than you might expect from a small motor-court property.

What makes Driftwood stand out is not one single feature, but how well the stay fits the way people actually spend a few days in Bay St. Louis. You can head out for the morning, come back for a break by the pool, grab coffee, wash sandy clothes, and then go back out for dinner or live music without the motel feeling like just a place to sleep.

It also works well for different kinds of trips. Couples can keep things relaxed, families have room choices and shared spaces that make longer days easier, and groups can stay close together without moving into a large resort setting. That flexibility gives Driftwood a more personal feel while still covering many of the comforts travelers look for.

The local partnerships make planning activities easier too. Guests can connect with SIP Paddle Rental, Beachside Cruisers, Bending Pines Watersports, Old Bay Outfitters, and Coastal Cruisin Rentals for paddleboards, golf carts, fishing trips, watersports, jet skis, and beach equipment. That means more of the trip can be arranged through nearby local businesses instead of searching for separate providers after arrival. 

Ready for a Bay St. Louis getaway? Find your room and book your stay directly with Driftwood Motel.

Wrapping Up

Where to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast depends on the trip you have in mind. Bay St. Louis is a good fit for a slower coastal stay with easy access to the beach, Old Town, local restaurants, and nearby activities. Pass Christian and Long Beach also suit quieter trips, while Gulfport works well for convenience and family attractions, and Biloxi is a stronger choice for nightlife and larger entertainment.

Compare location, price, amenities, room setup, and recent guest comments before booking. The best choice is the one that matches how you want to spend your time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and gives you the comforts that matter most during your stay.

FAQs About Where to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

What is the best area to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

No single area fits every trip. Bay St. Louis suits travelers who want a smaller town, beach access, Old Town, restaurants, and a relaxed pace. Biloxi suits casinos and nightlife, Gulfport works well for family attractions and road access, and Ocean Springs mixes a smaller-town setting with quick access to Biloxi.

What is the best time to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Spring and fall are strong choices for milder outdoor weather. Summer works well for beach and water activities, but expect more heat and humidity. Winter is quieter and cooler. If you travel between June and November, check the weather closely because that period overlaps with Atlantic hurricane season. 

Where should couples stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Couples who like smaller towns may enjoy Bay St. Louis or Pass Christian. Both make it easy to mix beach time, meals, drinks, and a slower evening. Driftwood Motel and Hotel Whiskey both fit that type of trip, though the two properties have different styles and amenities.

How much does it cost to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

For the seven properties in this guide, approximate nightly rates start around $70 and can reach $190 or more, depending on the property. Weekend dates, festivals, holidays, summer demand, and room type can push rates higher, so check your exact travel dates before comparing stays.

Is Bay St. Louis a good place to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Yes, especially if you prefer a smaller coastal town over a large entertainment district. Bay St. Louis has Old Town shops, galleries, local food, the waterfront, beaches, live music, and golf-cart-friendly streets. Coastal Mississippi describes the town as a mix of history, art, cafés, boutiques, and beach life.