Honestly, if you drive down Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, you can’t miss it. It’s that massive, gleaming white building that looks like it belongs in a classic movie from the 1920s rather than sitting across from a modern Gulf Coast beach. The White House Hotel isn’t just another place to sleep. It’s a survivor. This place has been through more than most buildings in Mississippi—hurricanes, decades of rot, and a restoration that most people thought was a total pipe dream.
You’ve probably seen plenty of "historic" hotels that feel a bit like a museum where you’re afraid to touch the furniture. This isn't that. It’s got this weirdly perfect mix of high-end luxury and a "come as you are" Southern vibe.
The Long, Weird History of The White House Hotel
It didn’t start as a hotel. Not really. Back in the 1890s, Gulf Coast lawyer Walter White (no, not that one) and his wife Cora started taking in boarders at their home. It was basically the Victorian version of an Airbnb, except people stayed for months. People loved it. Before they knew it, the Whites were buying up neighboring houses and tacking them onto the original structure. That’s why the layout feels a bit like a beautiful maze if you look closely at the architecture.
By the early 1900s, it had become the spot on the Mississippi Sound. We're talking about a time when people came to Biloxi for the "healing" sea air. It stayed a staple of the coast for decades, surviving the Great Depression and the early days of the gambling boom. But then things got dark. For about 30 years, the building sat empty.
If you grew up in Biloxi in the 90s or early 2000s, you remember the White House Hotel as a ghost. It was a crumbling, haunting eyesore. Vines were literally eating the columns. Windows were smashed. People assumed it would eventually be bulldozed for a parking lot or a high-rise condo.
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The Resurrection Nobody Expected
Then came 2014. A local developer named Robert Lubin saw something everyone else missed. Or maybe he just had more guts than most. He dumped millions into a restoration that felt like a gamble. He didn't just want to fix it; he wanted to bring back the specific 1910s-era aesthetic while making it actually functional for modern travelers.
When it finally reopened, the locals were stunned. The lobby—which is now known as Cora's, named after the original matriarch—is easily one of the most beautiful rooms in the South. Massive windows, crisp white molding, and a bar that feels like you should be ordering a sidecar while wearing a linen suit.
What It’s Actually Like to Stay There
Let’s get real about the rooms. Since the building is a frankenstein-build of several older homes, the rooms aren't cookie-cutter. Some are huge. Some are a bit more "cozy," which is just travel-speak for small, but they all have these high ceilings that make them feel airy.
The design is very "Coastal Chic." Think white linens, dark wood floors, and enough natural light to make your Instagram feed look like a professional photoshoot.
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- The Rooftop Bar: This is the hotel's secret weapon. It’s called 769 Rooftop. You get a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. At sunset, it’s unbeatable.
- The Pool: It’s small. Let's be honest. If you’re looking for a massive Vegas-style pool party, you’re in the wrong place. But for a quiet dip with a cocktail? It’s perfect.
- Cora's Restaurant: The food is actually good, not just "hotel good." Their seafood is caught locally—which you’d expect in Biloxi—but their steak game is surprisingly high-level.
Is it Haunted?
People always ask this. Given that it sat abandoned for thirty years and looks like a Southern Gothic set piece, the rumors are everywhere. Staff won't usually confirm anything officially, but if you talk to the locals at the bar, you'll hear stories about Cora White still keeping an eye on things. Whether you believe in ghosts or just a stiff breeze in an old building, the atmosphere at night is definitely... "spirited."
Why This Place Beats the Casinos
Biloxi is dominated by massive casino towers. Hard Rock, Beau Rivage, IP—they’re great if you want 24/7 lights and the sound of slot machines. But the White House Hotel offers something those places can't: silence.
It’s located slightly away from the main casino strip. You’re close enough to go gamble if you want, but you’re far enough away that you can actually hear the waves and the wind in the oak trees. It’s a boutique experience in a town that usually does "massive."
The Service Vibe
It’s Southern. That means it’s friendly, but it might be a little slower than what you’d find at a fast-paced business hotel in Atlanta or NYC. People here take their time. They want to talk to you. They want to tell you about the history of the tree in the front yard. If you’re in a rush, you’re doing it wrong.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don’t just book the cheapest room. Ask for a Gulf view. Looking out over the water in the morning with a cup of coffee is the whole reason this place exists.
Also, walk across the street. The beach right in front of the hotel is surprisingly quiet. Most tourists cluster near the casinos or the pier, so you often get a big stretch of sand mostly to yourself.
Practical Realities
- Parking: It can be a bit tight when the restaurant is busy.
- Events: This is a huge wedding destination. If you’re staying on a Saturday in the spring, expect a lot of bridesmaids and "Electric Slide" echoes.
- Accessibility: They’ve done a great job with elevators and ramps, which is tough in a historic building, but some of the hallways are still narrow.
The Actionable Truth
If you want the "real" Biloxi—the one that existed before the neon lights and the poker tournaments—The White House Hotel is the place. It represents a specific kind of resilience. It’s a building that refused to die.
Next steps for your trip:
- Book directly on their site. Sometimes they have packages that include dining credits at Cora's which aren't on the big travel sites.
- Check the event calendar. If you want peace and quiet, try to book a mid-week stay.
- Explore the neighborhood. Walk a few blocks inland to see some of the other historic homes that survived Hurricane Katrina.
- Visit the Rooftop at Sunset. Even if you aren't staying there, you can grab a drink. It's the best view in the city, period.
The White House Hotel is a reminder that some things are worth saving. It isn't perfect, and it isn't a generic luxury box, but that’s exactly why people keep coming back.