Need nice hotel on TX/LA/MS gulf

[jimmyjazz]

We're going to drive up to St. Louis at some point in the next few weeks or so, and we want to indulge our almost-5-year-old daughter's obessession with seeing a beach on the way back. I figured we'd come down through Memphis, which pretty much puts anything west of Mobile in the crosshairs as we work our way back towards Austin.

So what's nice over there these days? Has there been any recovery from Katrina? We'd like a place with a great pool and walking access to a clean beach. It doesn't have to be the Four Seasons, but we'd rather not dip below a Marriott. A resort would be even better. Thoughts?

 

[bigup2dahorns]

beau rivage casino? i was there before katrina and it was nice. not sure if it fits what you are looking for though but check it out

 

[jimmyjazz]

Thanks . . . that sounds good. I called and their prices are fine (~ $155/night). There is another property in Biloxi called "Isle of Capri" -- know anything about it? It's pretty inexpensive ($89/night), and you probably get what you pay for; i.e., a dump.

 

[HornOnTheBayou]

There are really no good beaches in Louisiana. Nothing wrong with Biloxi, but the best place would be Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay. It's a little out of your way if you're going from Memphis back to Texas, but it's real nice. If you want to go even further east, there's always Gulf Shores.

 

[Benson32]

beau rivage is the place to go, ive heard good things. dont expect a great beach though, its not.

 

[ScoPro]

Here's the link to a Biloxi visitor's message board with several recent trip reports on the Beau Rivage and other properties: The Link

As for a beach, you might as well stop by Galveston on your way back.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Does Dauphin Island have any hotels, or is it all condos and beach houses?

Thanks to all for the tips . . .

 

[HornOnTheBayou]

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[jimmyjazz]

I would expect that we'd stay 3 or 4 nights. Our kids have a hard time with any drive over 6-7 hours, so I see us breaking this trip into 3 separate 2-day drives:

Austin - Tulsa
Tulsa - St. Louis

St. Louis - Memphis
Memphis - the Gulf

the Gulf - ???
??? - Austin


If there's no compelling reason to head to the Gulf east of New Orleans and stay for a few days, then we'll head back to Austin from St. Louis and just cruise over to Port Aransas or parts south some other time.