At the turn of the 20th century, the Branigar Brothers of Chicago discovered a unique piece of property outside Ocean Springs that offered water access from Fort Bayou, sleepy live oak trees and a climate that would provide a delightful respite from the Windy City’s brutal winters. With money made from Prohibition, they opened the with guest rooms, a golf course and The Pink Pony lounge. Guests could even board The Dixie Queen and enjoy a sunset cruise along the bayou.
One of those early guests was the notorious Al Capone.
Later, Gulf Hills evolved into Mississippi’s first working “Dude Ranch,” attracting celebrities such as Elvis Presley, who would relax in Villa No. 9 and play the piano in the Pink Pony.
“Elvis learned to waterski on the back bayou,” said Michael Davis, director of sales and marketing for the Rain Travel Collection, who own and operate the property.
Hurricane Camille in 1969 destroyed Elvis’ Villa and the storm, plus a fire, would wreak havoc on the historic resort over the years. In 2021, new owners renovated the property and, once again, Gulf Hills has evolved into something new and exciting but remaining true to its history.
“We wanted to preserve its history and charm,” Davis said. “But Elvis is still in the building.”
Phase one of Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, which opened last year, includes total room renovations, waterfront suites, a 3,500-square-foot ballroom and the Sunset Lounge that faces the bayou. Future plans include a marina, pickleball courts and a wedding chapel, among other amenities. GulfHillsHotel.com
Gulf Hills is one of many new and exciting additions to the Gulf Coast. Below are a few new hotels and restaurants to whet your coastal appetite.
Springs Hotel, Ocean Springs
The Rain Travel Collection, which opened Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort last year, also debuted The Springs Hotel in downtown Ocean Springs. The two new hotels add to the company’s other Ocean Springs properties The Roost, The Hemingway, Beatnik Motel and The Inn.
The former law office at 424 Washington Ave. has been reformed into a 15-guest room hotel next to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and within walking distance from restaurants, shops and Front Beach. The Springs, which opened in December, gets its name from the waters that first drew tourists to the area. Visitors will discover rooms with king beds and kitchenettes and two featuring living rooms. SpringsHotelOS.com
The Bella, Biloxi
Real estate developer Ivan Spinner purchased the old Wells Fargo building on Howard Avenue in the heart of downtown Biloxi and has reimagined the property as a swanky boutique hotel. The hip new space designed by Spinner’s wife, Kelly, features 13 individually-themed short-term rental suites with kitchenette, full bath and an Alexa Echo device connected to an in-room sound system. On site is the Brew Paddle Café where chef Scott Plauche and his wife Rachel serve up breakfast and lunch items, artisan bread and craft coffee.
Because of its downtown location, The Bella is close to casinos, museums, the MGM baseball park and the renaissance of Howard Avenue.
“There’s a lot going on down here,” Ivan Spinner said of downtown Biloxi. TheBellaDowntown.com
Hotel Whiskey, Pascagoula
Opening date on the Mississippi coast’s second Hotel Whiskey is scheduled for early April. The first incarnation by owners Mike and Anna Craven opened in Pass Christian, helping to anchor the rejuvenation of the small but quaint town. The Cravens had debuted an off-the-grid Whiskey on the River in nearby Petal, Miss., but the Pascagoula property will be the latest hotel in the group, offering 11 guest rooms and five residential suites for long-term stays. The new building neighbors Pascagoula City Hall, in the heart of downtown, and it’s just the beginning of more sites for Revival Properties. Plans for the near future include a new 30-room hotel in Long Beach and a renovated property in downtown Gulfport. whiskeyproperties.com
South Walton and Panama City
The St. Joe Company had a busy year in 2023, opening several hotels in the Florida Panhandle.
Camp Creek Inn boutique property at Inlet Beach features 75 guest rooms and a host of amenities in the Watersound Club’s “Member for a Stay.”
“It’s like a country club hotel,” said David Demarest, St. Joe director of public relations and communications. “It’s on the Camp Creek Golf Course. Guests have access to it all.” WaterSoundClub.com
For those who don’t need to be on the beach, Lodge 30A within the Seagrove Beach community offers a quieter experience only a half-mile from Gulf waters. Nearby is the Point Washington State Forest with a hiking trailhead at the hotel so nature lovers will be pleased. Bikes are available for rental, as well as nearby paddling and fishing opportunities. TheLodge30A.com
In Panama City Beach, Panama City Beach Hotel, a 255-room Embassy Suites flagship hotel opened on the beach with restaurant, meeting rooms and dramatic Gulf views. Hilton.com
Downtown Panama City has witnessed an encouraging renaissance after the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018. Hotel Indigo at the city’s marina became another bright spot in a downtown that offers great dining, shopping and museums. The hotel features 124 rooms with spectacular views of St. Andrew Bay where dolphins and pelicans are seen frequently. Be sure to check out the vista with cocktails at the hotel’s rooftop bar. IHG.com
“The hotel was a big investment in the area,” Demarest said. “It shows a lot of faith in the area.”
Pensacola Hotels
Several hotels have opened in Pensacola over the last two years: downtown’s sustainable Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel (StayOysterBay.com) in March 2022, followed in 2023 by the former Old Mount Olive Baptist Church turned 15-room Lily Hall Boutique Lodging House (LilyHall.com) in Pensacola’s historic Old East Hill. New to the historic Belmont-Devilliers Neighborhood is the circa-1888 Celestine Bed and Breakfast (CelestineBedandBreakfast.com) that features four accommodations named after the owner’s great-grandmother Celestine Harrison.
For those who prefer the beach, the rebranded Pensacola Beach Resort (ThePensacolaBeachResort.com) opened in June facing 800 feet of Gulf waters and 800 feet off the Bay. The 161 guest rooms and 24 corner king executive rooms feature balconies with spectacular views. There’s also an onsite fitness center, full-service restaurant, family activities and meeting space for business or destination weddings.
Another new property with beach access is Fairfield Inn & Suites at Pensacola Beach (Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pnsfb-fairfield-inn-and-suites-pensacola-beach/overview/). The 209-room high-rise provides an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
“I loved the Fairfield Inn because the pool deck is extremely large with two pools, a lazy river and a whirlpool,” said travel writer Karon Warren who was visiting from Georgia. “The second pool is quieter for those who want to get away from the crowds at the main pool. I love the direct access to the beach and the onsite restaurant. For more dining options, you can walk across or right up the street to more choices.”
Coastal Dining
Panama City
Another new addition to Panama City’s growing downtown scene is Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar overlooking the city marina and St. Andrew Bay. The restaurant, named for the city’s founding father, serves up coastal cuisine and Southern favorites in a laid-back setting. Visitors may enjoy the outdoor patio, inside dining or the large oval bar. HarrisonsKitchenandBar.com
Another new addition to downtown Panama City is aptly named. El Weirdo delivers “tacopub” Mexican favorites and craft brews but it’s the walls of eclectic decorations that keep visitors busy for they stretch from room to room — even within the bathrooms! The eatery was once a food truck that found its home on Oak Avenue and now has room inside and out for all kind of fun events. ElWeirdoDowntown.com
Luna Muna Cafebar has opened along the St. Andrew Strip, selling everything from craft coffees and ice cream to locally sourced breakfast and lunch options. We stopped in for bagels and a lavender latte, the perfect sustenance before hitting the water. LunaMunaCafebar.com
Alabama Coast
Owners of the famous Flora-Bama have opened Orange Beach’s only beachfront restaurant. CoastAl contains an open-air restaurant with bar and patio seating facing Gulf waters.
“It’s a really pretty spot, casual menu, live music in the bar most every evening,” said Gulf Shores travel writer Colette Boehm. CoastALOrangeBeach.com
Also in Orange Beach, but along the peninsula that fronts the back bayous, is the more elegant Bolo Steak and Seafood specializing in hand-cut steaks, seafood and small plates and a nightly happy hour. BoloRestaurantOBA.com
Pensacola
Pensacola native Katie Garrett is the owner/founder of Old Hickory Whiskey Bar and The Kennedy Lounge in downtown Pensacola. This past December she debuted Hermitage Social Spirits, a tasting experience that includes event classes such as “Whiskey 101” and “Scotland Regionals.” HermitageSocialSpirits.com
Coastal Mississippi
Evergreen, which opened in September in Ocean Springs, sources its sustainable ingredients from local farmers and purveyors to create its southern dishes with coastal influences. EvergreenOceanSprings.com
You can’t miss the bright pink house where family owned and operated Patrick’s (formerly Jocelyn’s) caters to seafood lovers. The restaurant been around for 40 years but recently rebranded. PatricksOceanSprings.com
In Long Beach, New Orleans owners deliver Creole fare at CoterieNOLA (CoteriaNOLA.com) restaurant and oyster bar while Kaiteki Noodle Bar (KaitekiNoodleBar.com) serves up Japanese in a comfortable environment.
Enjoy Cajun-style dishes indoor or outdoor at Bay St. Louis’ Rags to Riches sports bar. Open daily, they offer live music, signature craft cocktails and a wine list. RagstoRichesBar.com
Empanola began in New Orleans with Latin American empanadas and now has two locations in Biloxi, at 310 Popps Ferry Road and 1036 Howard Ave. EmpanolaBiloxi.com
