You’ve probably seen it from the bridge. That massive, glowing Mediterranean-style monolith rising out of the Mississippi Sound. Honestly, the first time you walk into the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi MS, it feels a little bit like you’ve been teleported to Vegas, but with better air and way more humidity. It’s the "Bellagio of the South." That isn't just marketing fluff; it’s literal. Steve Wynn built this place back in 1999, and he used the same DNA that made his Nevada properties iconic.
But here’s the thing.
A lot has changed since '99. Hurricane Katrina basically tried to erase this building from the map in 2005. It didn't work. The Beau—as locals call it—reopened exactly one year later, and it’s been the undisputed heavyweight champion of Mississippi gaming ever since. People come for the slots, sure, but they stay because the place feels like it has a soul, which is a weird thing to say about a massive corporate casino owned by MGM Resorts International.
The Secret to That Famous Lobby Smell
Walk through the front doors. What’s the first thing you notice? It’s the flowers. The conservatory at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi MS is a constant, living production. They have a massive team of horticulturists who swap out thousands of plants every few weeks. It’s not plastic. It’s real. Depending on when you visit, you might be walking under a canopy of massive lilies or through a forest of seasonal azaleas.
It’s an expensive flex.
Maintaining a botanical garden in the middle of a casino lobby costs a fortune, but it sets the tone. It tells you that you aren’t in a sawdust-on-the-floor joint. You’re in a place where details matter. That attention to detail carries over into the guest rooms. There are 1,740 of them. If you’re booking, try to snag a room on the higher floors facing the Gulf of Mexico. Watching the shrimp boats head out at sunrise while you’re sitting in a plush bathrobe is arguably the best way to experience Biloxi.
Gaming Reality: What to Actually Expect on the Floor
Let’s talk about the casino floor because that’s why most people are here. It’s 85,000 square feet of noise, lights, and adrenaline. You have over 1,800 slot machines. They range from the penny slots where you can kill an hour on twenty bucks to the high-limit room where the "Max Bet" button costs more than my first car.
The table games are where the energy lives.
Craps at the Beau is an experience. If you’ve never played, the dealers here are actually pretty patient—provided it’s a slow Tuesday morning. On a Friday night? Not so much. They have blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and a dedicated poker room that’s arguably the best in the state.
Pro Tip: If you’re a serious poker player, check the tournament schedule before you drive down. They often host World Poker Tour (WPT) events that bring in pros from all over the country.
The BetMGM Book is a newer addition that changed the vibe. It’s basically a massive wall of screens where you can bet on everything from NFL Sunday to obscure European soccer leagues. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and during the playoffs, the energy is infectious. Even if you don't bet, it's a great spot to grab a beer and watch the game.
Eating Your Way Through the Property
You’re going to get hungry. You have options.
BR Prime is the big hitter. It’s a classic American steakhouse. Think dark wood, heavy silverware, and steaks that are aged in-house. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at the right side of the menu" expensive. But if you’re celebrating something, this is the spot. The wine cellar there is genuinely impressive, holding thousands of bottles.
For something a bit more laid back, there’s Jia. It’s pan-Asian, meaning you can get sushi, teppanyaki, or dim sum. The "Oysters Rockefeller" at the Terrace Cafe is another local favorite, though some purists argue you should go off-property for seafood. I disagree. The Beau’s supply chain is top-tier; they get the same fresh Gulf catch as the smaller shacks down the road.
- The Buffet: It’s currently called The Buffet at Beau Rivage. It’s better than most, but it’s still a buffet. Go for the crab legs.
- The Roasted Bean: Best coffee on the property. Period.
- Eighty-Eight Chinese Restaurant: Tucked away and often overlooked, but the authentic flavors are legit.
The Fallen Oak Factor
You can’t talk about the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi MS without mentioning Fallen Oak. It’s their golf course. There’s a catch, though: you have to be a guest at the resort to play it.
Designed by Tom Fazio, it’s consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the country. It’s about a 20-minute shuttle ride from the hotel, tucked away in the pine forests of Saucier. It’s quiet. It’s pristine. It’s also incredibly challenging. If your handicap is in the double digits, bring extra balls. You’re going to need them. The course was carved out of the forest, and the signature "fallen oak" that gives the place its name is a massive, sprawling tree that survived the storm and stands as a testament to the area's resilience.
Entertainment and Nightlife
The Beau Rivage Theatre seats about 1,550 people. It’s big enough to land major acts but small enough that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. I’ve seen everyone from Jay Leno to REO Speedwagon here. The acoustics are surprisingly sharp for a casino theater.
Then there’s Black Clover Lounge. If you want a craft cocktail and a place to actually hear the person you’re talking to, go there. If you want to dance and see a bit of a "scene," Eight75 is your spot. It’s centrally located in the heart of the casino, so it’s great for people-watching even if you aren’t hitting the dance floor.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Biloxi has plenty of hotels. You can find a Red Roof Inn down the street for a fraction of the cost. So why stay at the Beau?
It’s about the "bubble."
When you’re at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi MS, you don’t really have to leave. Everything is self-contained. The spa is world-class—try the stone massage if you’ve had a rough run at the blackjack table. The pool area overlooks the Gulf and has private cabanas that make you feel like a high roller even if you’re just a tourist from Hattiesburg.
The downside? It can feel a bit corporate. If you’re looking for "Old Biloxi" charm—the kind of place where the floorboards creak and the ghost of a sea captain might haunt your room—this isn't it. This is a polished, high-efficiency machine designed for maximum comfort and entertainment.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Smart
If you’re flying in, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is your best bet. It’s a short 15-minute Uber or taxi ride to the resort. Most people drive, though. It’s a straight shot from New Orleans (about 90 minutes) or Mobile (about an hour).
Parking is free. That’s a big deal. In an era where every major resort is charging $30 a night for "resort fees" plus "parking fees," the Beau is relatively fair. Yes, there is a resort fee, but it covers the basics like Wi-Fi and fitness center access.
- Weekdays: Much cheaper. You can often find rooms for under $150.
- Weekends: Expect to pay double or triple, especially if there's a big concert or a holiday.
- MGM Rewards: Use your card. Even if you aren't a big gambler, the points add up for dining discounts.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the best experience at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi MS, follow this loose plan:
First, join the MGM Rewards program online before you even arrive. It saves time at check-in and occasionally unlocks "hidden" room rates.
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Second, book your dinner reservations at BR Prime or Jia at least two weeks out if you're coming on a weekend. These places fill up fast, and walking up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday is a recipe for disappointment.
Third, take the time to leave the property for at least one meal. Walk over to the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor or visit the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. The Beau is great, but Biloxi has a history that deserves a look.
Finally, keep an eye on the "special offers" tab on their website. They frequently run packages that include free play or food credits that aren't advertised on third-party booking sites. If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well get the most "free" stuff possible.
The Beau Rivage remains the gold standard on the Coast for a reason. It’s luxury without being stuffy, and it’s a casino that actually cares about the non-gambling experience. Whether you're there to hit a jackpot or just to hide from the world in a fancy room, it delivers. Just remember to hydrate; that Mississippi sun is no joke, even when you're sitting poolside with a drink in your hand.