The best places to stay in Ocean Springs Mississippi are in the heart of its spectacular downtown. Which is convenient, since Ocean Springs is one of the most gorgeous small towns in the US and along the US Gulf Coast.
Visitors can choose among several Ocean Springs boutique properties in and within a short stroll of downtown Ocean Springs.
Below are our favorite Ocean Springs lodging options, along with tips for each property.
The Roost
The Roost Ocean Springs opened with six suites in April 2017, on grounds with majestic oak trees, using reclaimed wood and oyster shell walls, and included a 200-year-old tub in one suite.
Architectural Digest named this “beach-chic boutique” one of the most beautiful hotels in the southern US. We include The Roost in our most Romantic Hotels in USA.
I stayed in one of the five new suites a week after the first magnificent expansion was completed and a different suite a year later. More recently, another eight suites have opened around the pool house. Oh yes, there is now a fabulous pool onsite. Also onsite is The Wilbur Bar, be sure to visit their hidden speakeasy room.
McCool Travel tip: book the Monarch Suite to enjoy that classic tub along with a phenomenal shower (featuring six shower heads).
Remember “S” when booking at The Roost Ocean Springs for groups of more than two persons. Sandpiper, Sawgrass, and Shearwater suites can accommodate four persons while all other non-S suites are designed for only one or two.
I love the location of The Roost, a couple of blocks from the funky shops and eclectic eateries of downtown Ocean Springs and one block from the The Collective. Visit the Wednesday afternoon farmers market and rent bicycles from Tri Hard Sports.
Watch this video of the Lily suite at The Roost Ocean Springs.
The Inn at Ocean Springs
The Inn at Ocean Springs is an elegant and convenient property in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs. Two luxury suites at the Washington Street location feature all the home-away-from-home amenities to make you feel comfortable and pampered.
I have stayed in the Avenue Suite, which is further away from the street, and loved it! The Mackay Suite is closer to Washington Avenue. Both suites feature luxurious king beds and furnishings, invigorating showers, and much more. Guests share the classic wooden porch area and back patio.
McCool Travel tip: guests at The Inn at Ocean Springs can enjoy breakfast a few steps away at Bright Eyed Brew Co., making this the best Ocean Springs bed and breakfast option! Definitely order your food and drinks to go and take back to your room, the patio out back, or the gorgeous porch.
Bright Eyed Brew Co occupies the front part of the building and serves made-to-order scrumptious Belgian style waffles. I cannot personally attest to their coffee but have heard rave reviews from others.
Please our video tour of an Inn at Ocean Springs suite.
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort
Perhaps the most fun place to stay in Ocean Springs is in the lavish and incredible Love Me Tender, Love Me Suite at Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort. The King—Elvis Presley—stayed here for several consecutive and entire summers in the 1950s. The suite has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2,000 sq. ft of space, and vintage decor and memorabilia—and is perfect for you and your entourage.
Of the dozens of Elvis artifacts, including gold records on the hallway walls, this plate is my favorite.
Here is my video of the Love Me Tender, Love Me Suites at Gulf Hills Hotel in Ocean Springs, Mississippi:
The adjacent VIP Suite is a mere two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with 1,000 sq. ft. of space, and is perfect for your security detail. For smaller entourages or maybe just a vacationing couple, Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort also has 52 hotel rooms, some with kitchens.
With a setting on Fort Bayou, Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort bills itself as Ocean Springs only waterfront hotel. They also have a nine hole golf corse and Capone’s Bar and Restaurant.
Elvis Presley fans would also love the Collette tour of America’s Music Cities, which visits Graceland and stays at the Guest House at Graceland.
McCool Travel tip: the owners of The Roost have bought Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort so look for amazing changes in the near future.
Front Beach Cottages
For your next getaway to Coastal Mississippi, check out the secret hidden gem Front Beach Cottages. Four super sweet cottages are themed after Ocean Springs, New Orleans, and Key West.
The Front Beach Cottages property is walking distance from the wonderful downtown Ocean Springs AND the lovely Front Beach waterfront. In fact, do as I did and hop on a bicycle to catch sunrise over the water. Front Beach is a beautiful spot for Gulf Coast sunsets and sunrises.
Front Beach Cottages also provides kayaks, wagons, and games for guest use. For some Coastal Mississippi kayak ideas see our Complete Guide to Kayaking in Coastal Mississippi.
Watch my video of the Bellande Cottage at Front Beach Cottages in Ocean Springs MS.
McCool Travel tip: Bellande cottage has a separate room with bunk beds and is the best places to stay in Ocean Springs for a family. It also has a sleeper sofa and can snugly accommodate five or six persons. When staying in Bellande, be sure to use the outdoor shower.
The Hemingway
Located at the north end of Washington Avenue, The Hemingway is a small boutique Ocean Springs hotel with only four suites.
The Hemingway Ocean Springs is a repurposed bank building and all rooms are up one level from the street and share a common entry space. This is a great option for a romantic Ocean Springs getaway or a group of say four couples who want to travel together but want their own space at night.
All suites have amazing king beds but The Hadley has a sleeper sofa to accommodate an extra guest. We stayed in The Mary, which has an antique canopy king bed.
McCool Travel tip: The Hemingway outside entry and suite door feature convenient keyless codes, unique to each guest. There are no onsite guest service personnel but someone is available at The Roost. In fact, I had to call during my stay because the listed wi-fi code was incorrect and was immediately given the correct code over the phone.
The Beatnik
Located a block away from The Roost, The Beatnik features four modern and luxurious cabins with plush king beds, amazing showers and bathrooms, outdoor showers, wet bars, screen porches, and much more. On the property enjoy the pool, fire pit, tranquility garden, and picnic space.
McCool Travel tip: cabins 1 and 3 have a double bunk bed in an alcove while cabins 2 and 4 made the alcove a reading area with a sofa and coffee table.
Best Ocean Springs Campground
Davis Bayou campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore offers the best campground in Ocean Springs Mississippi. There are three tent only campsites and 52 sites with electric hookups. It is about three miles to walk, bike, or drive between Davis Bayou campground and downtown Ocean Springs.
McCool Travel tip: Davis Bayou campground sites can be reserved in advance but same day, in person registration is possible if sites are available. We stayed at the sister campground at Fort Pickens in Florida and it was a magnificent campground.
Other Places to Stay in Ocean Springs
Some chain hotel properties are a couple of miles away from downtown Ocean Springs. Two mainstream Ocean Springs hotels we suggest considering are Country Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn Express and Suites.
Also see our favorite places to stay in Biloxi and other Coastal Mississippi towns: Mississippi Coast Hotels
Some Favorite Things to Do in Ocean Springs
See also our article about favorite Things to Do in Ocean Springs.
While visiting Ocean Springs Mississippi, we suggest visiting Walter Anderson Museum of Art and enjoy strolling the and shopping in the small businesses along Washington Avenue and Government Street. Spend time at Front Beach, especially for sunset and/or sunrise. For a longer stroll, walk the Biloxi Bay Bridge as far as you want and enjoy the gorgeous views. Also see our favorite Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.
Our favorite places to eat in Ocean Springs include Vestige (elevated dining), The Lady May, Maison de Lu, Charred, Lost Spring Brewing, Knuckleheads, French Kiss Patries, and Tato-Nut Donut Shop. All of these places are in downtown Ocean Springs and within walking distance of the above Ocean Springs lodging options, except Gulf Hills Hotel and the campground.
See also our guide to our favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants.
Thank you for looking at our favorite places to stay in Ocean Springs Mississippi. Is your favorite Ocean Springs property listed?