You know how some places just have a vibe? Like, you walk in and it feels like the staff actually wants you there, not just your wallet. That’s kinda the deal with the IP Casino Resort Biloxi Mississippi. It sits right there on the Back Bay, away from the main Highway 90 drag where all the other giants are fighting for attention. Honestly, being tucked away is its secret weapon. You get these views of the water that aren't just sand and sea; you’re looking at the working marshes and the bridge lights, which is way more interesting at 2:00 AM.
Most people heading to the Gulf Coast for the first time just hit the beach-facing spots. They miss out. The IP is a massive 32-story tower that basically dominates the skyline of north Biloxi. It’s owned by Boyd Gaming now, but back in the day, it was the Imperial Palace. It has that old-school Vegas "everything under one roof" energy, but with a serious 2026 polish thanks to some massive recent room renovations.
The Room Situation Just Got Way Better
If you haven't been in a while, the rooms probably wouldn't have blown your mind. They were fine, but maybe a bit tired. Not anymore.
Boyd Gaming just finished a total overhaul of nearly 1,000 standard rooms and suites. They went for this "coastal chic" thing—think pale woods, stone tops, and actual art that doesn't look like it came from a garage sale. The bathrooms are the real winner here, though. They swapped out those cramped old setups for big walk-in showers and mirrors that actually have decent lighting for once.
If you're booking, try to snag a Premium Room with a View on the higher floors. Looking out over the Back Bay when the sun is going down is worth the extra twenty bucks. Trust me.
What’s Actually Inside the Room?
- The Basics: 55-inch flat screens and refrigerators that actually keep your water cold.
- The Tech: USB ports are everywhere now, and the alarm clocks have wireless charging pads. No more hunting behind the nightstand for a plug.
- The Comfort: Triple sheeting on the beds. If you know, you know. It just feels cleaner.
Where to Eat When You’re Sick of Buffet Food
Look, everyone loves a buffet, and the IP used to be famous for theirs, but the dining scene has shifted toward more "focused" spots.
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thirty-two is the big dog here. It’s sitting way up on the top floor. It’s a AAA Four Diamond steakhouse, so yeah, it’s pricey. But the view? Insane. You’re looking out over the entire coast while eating a ribeye that’s been aged long enough to have its own driver's license. It’s the kind of place you go if you’re trying to impress someone or if you just hit a decent jackpot downstairs.
Then there’s tien.
It’s Pan-Asian, which usually means it tries to do everything and succeeds at nothing, but tien actually pulls it off. They’ve got separate sections for sushi, teppanyaki, and even a noodle bar. If you’re hungover or just want something comforting, the Vietnamese pho is legit.
For something casual, Bayview Café is open basically all the time. They do a Crab Boil Skillet for breakfast that is peak Mississippi. It’s got crab cakes, poached eggs, and this crab boil hollandaise that is probably terrible for your heart but great for your soul.
The Gaming Floor and That Studio A Vibe
The casino itself is over 80,000 square feet. It’s big, but it’s laid out in a way that doesn't feel like a labyrinth where you’ll never see daylight again. They’ve got the FanDuel Sportsbook right there, which is usually packed on Saturdays and Sundays.
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But the real draw for a lot of regulars is Studio A.
It’s not some giant, echoing arena where you need binoculars to see the band. It’s an intimate theater. In the first half of 2026 alone, they’ve got a weirdly great mix of acts coming through. You’ve got The Temptations bringing the soul in March, and Clint Black doing his country thing in February. Even the comedy lineup is solid, with Donnell Rawlings and Jamie Lissow scheduled.
The acoustics in there are surprisingly tight. You aren't just hearing the music; you’re feeling it. Plus, since it’s a smaller venue, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Relaxing Without Losing Your Mind
If you aren't a gambler, you’re probably looking for the spa or the pool. Senses Spa & Salon is pretty high-end. They do the whole "total immersion" thing with steam rooms and saunas.
Then there’s the pool.
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It’s on a rooftop deck, so it catches a lot of sun. They call the poolside bar Quench. In the summer, it’s basically a party up there. They have these private cabanas you can rent, which sounds fancy, but if you’re with a group, it’s actually the way to go so you aren't fighting for a lounge chair at 10:00 AM.
Quick Logistics for Your Trip
- Parking: It’s free. Both valet and self-parking. In 2026, finding a place that doesn't charge $30 for parking is a miracle.
- Check-in: It starts at 4:00 PM. Don't show up at noon expecting a room unless you’re a high-tier Boyd Rewards member.
- Location: 850 Bayview Avenue. It’s about a 5-minute drive from the beach, so you'll want a car or a rideshare if you plan on dipping your toes in the Gulf.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Basically, yeah. If you want the loud, neon-soaked beach experience, go to Beau Rivage or Hard Rock. But if you want a place that feels a bit more "insider," the IP Casino Resort Biloxi Mississippi is the move. It’s more relaxed. It feels like a local spot that just happens to have a thousand hotel rooms and a world-class steakhouse.
The renovations have really dragged the property into the modern era. You don't feel like you're staying in a time capsule from 1997 anymore. It’s clean, the service is surprisingly snappy, and the views of the Back Bay are some of the best in the state.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Concert Calendar: Before you book, see who is playing at Studio A. Seeing a show there is a completely different experience than a stadium tour.
- Join Boyd Rewards: Even if you don't gamble much, the discounts on rooms and the Bayview Café are worth the two minutes it takes to sign up.
- Request the North Side: When you check in, ask for a room facing north. The view of the lights on the bridge and the winding bay is way more scenic than the south-side parking lot views.