The IP Resort Spa (Formerly the Imperial Palace Biloxi )

The Imperial Palace Biloxi reopened after Hurricane Katrina with a new name, the IP Casino Resort Spa. At 32 stories tall, it is tied with the Beau Rivage as the tallest building in Biloxi. The hotel tower is easy to spot on the left side of I-110 coming from I-10 (towards the Gulf).

The IP hotel is one of our favorites. Though the basic rooms are very nice, the jacuzzi room is a nice step up for not a lot of extra money. Many of the rooms overlook the Back Bay of Biloxi.

The hotel has a total of 1088 rooms, so it usually easier to book a last minute trip at the IP than at the smaller Biloxi casino hotels. We have also found that the room rates are usually a little better at the IP. However, during peak season, holiday weekends and major show dates, room rates are going to be much higher (as they are at every other hotel property in Biloxi.)

Since we aren't big gamblers we never get comped rooms, and there is a limit to how much we will spend. When the IP quotes us a big price we know that we can forget about getting a better deal at a hotel elsewhere in Biloxi. (So if we just have to be in Biloxi for a particular show, we just either book a motel on the interstate or drive to Gulf Shores after the show).

The IP has a wide array of restaurants, everything from casual at the Back Bay Buffet to fine dining at "thirty-two" and Carnaval de Brasil.

Like all Biloxi hotel properties the buffet is going to be the most popular dining choice and Back Bay Buffet is no exception. The lines can get very long, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. We always try to be in line before four o'clock when the buffet opens for dinner. The buffet was always good, but it is even better than it was during it's Imperial Palace Biloxi days.

The IP has a nice swimming pool with a small restaurant and bar. There are also private cabanas and usually plenty of room around the pool. During the warm weather months, relaxing around the pool is very nice, but something most people never think to do when they are staying in a Biloxi hotel.

Since Hurricane Katrina and the name change (from Imperial Palace Biloxi), the IP has been booking more national touring acts. In the first months of 2009, Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, Loretta Lynn and Gtetchen Wilson are just a few of the names that will perform at the IP.

Though it doesn't bother us, some Biloxi visitors might consider the location of the IP a drawback. It sits off to itself, and it is about four blocks from the nearest other Biloxi attraction, Boomtown.