Gulf Hills Hotel and Retreat
Historic 1920s waterfront hotel in Ocean Springs, MS, famous for Elvis Presley's stay, offering vintage charm and golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for golf & exploring
Gulf Hills Hotel and Retreat
Best Time
Pleasant weather for golf & exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1920s waterfront hotel in Ocean Springs, MS, famous for Elvis Presley's stay, offering vintage charm and golf.
"A quaint hidden gem with vintage vibes and waterfront allure, blending history with modern comfort."
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking available for guests, making arrival and departure hassle-free.
📞 Call ahead for service
Room servicing can be delayed; call early if you need attention.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elvis's Favorite Haunts
The 'Love Me Tender Love Me Suites'
Step back in time where Elvis Presley vacationed in 1956. Experience the vintage charm he loved.
Waterfront Serenity
Fort Bayou
Enjoy the unique position as Ocean Springs' only waterfront hotel, offering scenic bayou views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Historic Golf Course
Gulf Hills Golf Club
Tee off at the adjacent 18-hole golf course, a key part of the resort's historic appeal since 1927.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Book Ahead for Room Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking available for guests, making arrival and departure hassle-free.
📞 Call ahead for service
Room servicing can be delayed; call early if you need attention.
✨ Embrace the vintage vibe
Rooms have a cozy, mid-century modern feel. Enjoy the unique charm!
⛳ Golfers' paradise
The adjacent golf course is a major draw for many visitors. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking available for guests, making arrival and departure hassle-free.
📞 Call ahead for service
Room servicing can be delayed; call early if you need attention.
✨ Embrace the vintage vibe
Rooms have a cozy, mid-century modern feel. Enjoy the unique charm!
⛳ Golfers' paradise
The adjacent golf course is a major draw for many visitors. +1
💧 Be mindful of plumbing
Some rooms may have drainage issues; report them promptly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests often praise the warm customer service and the hotel's unique vintage charm, especially its connection to Elvis Presley and its waterfront location. However, some visitors note that the property's age leads to occasional maintenance issues, such as plumbing problems, and a lack of modern accessibility features like elevators. Management of room servicing and booking processes has also been a point of concern for some.
"We stayed at this hotel about a week ago, and overall I had a great experience, especially with the customer service. Every interaction felt warm, helpful, and welcoming, and that really made a strong first impression.
However, once we got to the room, things changed a little. Everything looked perfect at first, but when I took a shower, I noticed the water wasn’t draining properly. By the time I finished, I was standing in a full puddle, which definitely isn’t what you expect during a relaxing stay.
It became even more concerning when my father-in-law showered after me. He’s elderly, and because the water didn’t drain, the floor became extremely slippery. He almost fell, which made me feel uneasy because safety is important, especially for older guests. He didn’t complain and even tried fixing it himself, but it was clearly something that required maintenance.
I called the front desk and although they were kind, I was told maintenance wouldn’t be available until the next morning at 9 AM. Since we were only staying overnight, that wasn’t very helpful, especially because I usually shower twice a day.
The customer service was truly amazing, but this plumbing issue did take away from what could have been a perfect stay.
With better room inspections and follow-through on maintenance concerns, this hotel could easily become one of my top recommendations because their hospitality has the potential to be five-star."
Alexandra
"Cute little hotel; very old but modernized. It's right on a 9 hole golf course and has the bayou out back. Rates were reasonable and the hotel staff were friendly. The room was adequate if a little small and the bed was comfy. The shower was great, however, the towels could use an upgrade. This property is a short drive to a cute little beach town and the beach. This was our first time in Mississippi. If we ever make it back to the area, we would consider staying here again."
Laura Romero
"While I would like to give this a better rating, it comes down to experience and the booking experience was the worst I’ve ever had. We had a discounted rate for an event at the space and I could not get it to work correctly. I called and they said someone would call me back. I emailed and it took 2 weeks for a response. I finally got a rate set via email and when I called to book they said it would have to come from the day shift. After 5 calls, I finally got booked at the rate they gave me and when I got my confirmation, it was wrong. I messaged and they said the manager would call me, I’ve still not gotten that call.
Upon check in my rate was still wrong, however, Jasper the front desk person was great and fixed my rate. Thank you Jasper!
The hotel has been upgraded and very lovely. I was not disappointed in my room, however, we had to call 3 times to ask to have our room serviced on our second day. It was finally serviced at 5pm, right as we were about to get ready for an event.
Again, while I think in general the stay was decent, I feel the management needs some serious tweaking. Especially for such a historical location that tries to provide an elevated experience.
Not sure I’d stay again."
Kyle F. Finan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gulf Hills Hotel and Retreat is located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It's accessible by car, with major highways leading to the Gulf Coast region. The nearest major airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), about a 30-minute drive away. +1
Yes, Gulf Hills Hotel and Retreat is the only waterfront hotel in Ocean Springs, situated along Fort Bayou.
The hotel is a short drive from the charming downtown Ocean Springs, known for its art galleries and boutiques. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the wider Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Public transport options are limited in this area. It's best to have your own vehicle or use ride-sharing services for getting around.
The hotel is well-signposted and located in a scenic area. GPS navigation is generally reliable for finding the property.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a hotel, you need to book a room in advance. For events or golf tee times, it's also advisable to book ahead, especially during peak seasons.
Standard check-in is typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM) and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11 AM). It's always best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly when booking.
The hotel occasionally offers packages, especially for events or golf. Keep an eye on their website or inquire directly. Some guests have mentioned booking issues with discounted rates.
There is no entrance fee for the hotel grounds if you are a guest. Visitors may be able to access certain public areas like the restaurant or bar.
Cancellation policies can vary based on the rate booked and the time of year. It's crucial to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the hotel for clarification.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a golf course, and waterfront access. Rooms feature a vintage/mid-century modern aesthetic. +1
While it offers a peaceful retreat, some aspects like potential plumbing issues or lack of elevators might be challenging for families with very young children or those with mobility concerns.
Information on pet policies can vary. It's recommended to contact the hotel directly to inquire about their pet-friendliness and any associated fees or restrictions.
Yes, Wi-Fi is generally available for guests. It's a standard amenity in most hotels, though speeds can vary.
The atmosphere is described as secluded, peaceful, and laid-back, with a strong sense of history and vintage charm. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel has dining facilities, including the Pink Pony Clubhouse mentioned in some descriptions. Specifics on current offerings should be confirmed with the hotel.
While specific menus aren't detailed, expect classic American fare often found in historic hotel settings. The 'Pink Pony Clubhouse' suggests a casual dining experience.
Ocean Springs downtown area offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, a short drive from the hotel.
Breakfast is typically available for hotel guests, either through room service or an on-site dining area. Confirm with the hotel upon booking.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, historic hotels often have a bar or lounge area. The 'Pink Pony Clubhouse' could potentially serve drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vintage charm of the rooms, the waterfront views of Fort Bayou, and the historic golf course. The Elvis-themed suites are also popular photo opportunities. +2
The hotel hosts weddings and events, suggesting it offers picturesque backdrops with its historic architecture and waterfront setting.
While specific memorabilia isn't detailed, the hotel embraces its Elvis connection, so there are likely opportunities to capture that historical aspect. +1
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) will offer beautiful light for the waterfront and golf course. Midday can be good for capturing the hotel's architecture.
Generally, personal photography for memories is fine. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the hotel management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
💖 Couples Seeking a Quiet Getaway
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Legends: History at Gulf Hills
The resort has seen various iterations and updates over the decades, aiming to blend its historic charm with modern comforts. This blend is evident in the rooms, which often feature a vintage or mid-century modern aesthetic, complete with charming details like pink Frigidaires.
Despite its historical significance, the hotel is not without its challenges. Some reviews mention that while the customer service is warm and welcoming, the property itself can show its age, with occasional issues like plumbing problems or a lack of modern accessibility features such as elevators.
Navigating the Gulf Hills Experience: Tips from Travelers
The hotel's vintage aesthetic is a major draw, with rooms often described as having a cozy, mid-century modern vibe.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the waterfront location on Fort Bayou and the adjacent historic golf course are consistently praised.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit