I celebrated my birthday, by taking a week long vacation to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I started off at Hard Rock Biloxi, stopped at The Reef Biloxi Seafood Restaurant and then headed to Island View Casino & Resort in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Island View Casino & Resort has two sides. Pictured above is the Island View side (original portion of the casino resort). Pictured below is the Beach View side (newer addition located across the street alongside the water). Due to high demand and limited availability, members/players are offered first dibs to stay on the Island View side. This was my first time visiting the resort, so I didn’t have such clout. HaHaHa So my reservations were on the Beach View side.
As of right now, the resort doesn’t offer valet parking. So whatever you bring, be sure you can roll or carry it all. Because that is what you will be doing! Park and walk. Be ready to do so! Many older people patronize this casino. I don’t know how they do it. HaHaHa Island View could at least provide a shuttle service or something. That’s just my two cents.
Our room was very pretty. The aesthetics were minimal, clinical, pure and clean. Wellness hotels are very popular right now. It seems Island View’s aim was to go in the same direction. Although appreciated, I was a little shocked that a casino would go for such a look. The room is so peaceful you will want to sleep all day and night. Usually casinos want to hype you up! They want you to go downstairs and gamble. If I was the designer, I would’ve done something a little different.
The shower was really nice. You felt like you were in a mini spa. I loved the chic and sexy tile (strip) inside the shower. For some reason, I felt there should be a bit more of it (maybe that entire side of the wall). There were Bath And Body Stress Relief toiletries in the bathroom. Have you ever tried them? They’re really good. All of this is great, if you came just to relax. But you’re at a casino! Spending time in the room made me want to sleep and watch television. HaHaHa
The queen-size beds were really comfy. There was a mini-fridge and writing desk / chair in the room.
Our room, had a really great view of the city (Gulfport) and outside parking area. HaHaHa If that area fills up, then you have to park in the garage. Can you imagine the walk from there? Whoever thought of this, was not thinking straight. But there is a silver lining! A breezeway connects the Beach View Hotel to the Island View Hotel. It doesn’t take long to cross from side to side and is very easy. So once you’re inside the resort (either side), it’s easy to maneuver.
I managed to get out of my room and see some things. I visited near Mardi Gras time. Many people equate Mardi Gras to New Orleans, but Mississippi celebrates it as well. In the atrium, on the Island View side, was a magnificent Mardi Gras themed tree. How grand is it? I think they keep it up year round and decorate it based on the current holiday.
I enjoyed looking at all of its rich purple, green and gold baubles, masks and fleur de lis ornaments.
Mardi Gras Decorated Tree Instagram Reel
Also on the Island View side is a promenade. I stopped at the Sweet Stop. They have all kinds of fudge, chocolate dipped (strawberries, apples & marshmallows), mini cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles, pralines, candy, gelato, ice cream and assortment of chocolate covered turtles. It was the turtles that got me. A few made their way home with me.
Resort And Promenade Instagram Reel
I tried the beignets at the Beignet Cafe. You get an order of three beignets. I also ordered chocolate milk. Although good, they’re not as good as Cafe du Monde here in New Orleans. They are slightly heavier, but tasty nonetheless.
I was a WINNER again! Island View gives you a lot of perks for being a new player. They gave my mom and I $20 food vouchers and $20 in free play. I used my free play on this Pompeii slot machine and it gave me $120. Not too shabby (for a penny slot machine), hey? HaHaHa I took my money and went back to my room (and relaxed, again). HaHaHa
My mom and I ate at Island View’s buffet every evening. It’s huge (sorry no pics, but here). They have an Asian Station, Southern Station, Dessert Bar, Rotisserie and Italian Station. We were suppose to dine at the Beach Blvd Steamer across the street, but the weather was suppose to be really bad that evening. So we decided not to go. Maybe next time, if I can stay on the Island View side. HaHaHa This resort also has two steakhouses, two bars, a daiquiri shoppe, grille and candy shop across the street. We were only here two nights, so it was impossible to get to all of this. So I say, to be continued …
Before we drove back to New Orleans, we had breakfast at Dockside Deli. It’s located on the Beach View side. First of all, the view from this restaurant is absolutely breathtaking. We sat inside, but there is an outer area. You’re not fully outside (as you can see, it’s about half open & half enclosed). I definitely want to sit there the next time I go. It’s so pretty.
Their breakfast selections are really delicious. We had wheat toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, grits and pancakes. Definitely try their biscuits. Oh gosh, they have to be homemade! They are really delicious.
I enjoyed my stay at Island View Resort & Casino. It was really relaxing. I would love to go back and explore some more.
Another Mississippi Gulf Coast Casino & Resort that’s on my wish list to visit, is Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. It’s more family-oriented. They just incorporated some amusement rides and fun things to do for adults. It’s not big on my list, but I’m curious to experience it one day. Hope you enjoyed my adventures 🙂 I’ll have some foodie posts for you coming up.
