Seek Out the Secret Speakeasy at The Roost Boutique Hotel in Ocean Springs, MS

In the artistic town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, The Roost Boutique Hotel stands out as a must-visit destination. Recognized by Architectural Digest as the “Best Place to Spend the Night in Mississippi,” this hotel blends coastal charm with modern comfort. Just over the bridge from Biloxi, yet far from the city’s bustle, The Roost Boutique Hotel in Ocean Springs offers uniquely styled rooms, a welcoming porch perfect for relaxation, and a hidden speakeasy for an exclusive evening experience. It’s the ideal spot to soak in the beautiful yet laid-back atmosphere of Coastal Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.

A restored historic property, The Roost boasts 19 gorgeous suites. What sets this property apart from other boutique hotels is that each room is unique in style and size. Rooms are decorated in a relaxed Southern shabby chic style, incorporating linen, shiplap, wrought iron chandeliers, and antiques. There are oyster shell walls, wood accents, and old-weather tin.

Suites:

Each room has the usual amenities (ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, mini-fridges). There were also two large suites with kitchen facilities and expansive living rooms. I stayed in the Pelican Suite, which had a comfortable sitting area, a shiplap-clad vaulted ceiling, a mini bar, a large closet, and a luxurious bathroom.

The marble bathroom had an antique mirror and a huge walk-in shower. The Gilchrist & Soames soaps create a spa-like atmosphere and are made with the environment in mind. There were also smaller suites (but not really small) with antiques and lovely chandeliers without large sitting areas.

The Canopy Suite can be connected to the more extensive Heron executive suite. As each suite is unique, the appeal of the Heron Suite is the private balcony facing Porter Ave. There are two large suites on the second floor, each with a separate bedroom, spacious living area, and fully equipped kitchen. These larger suites can access the large shared porch area.

There is a sizeable second-floor porch where you can congregate and enjoy a cocktail. It has comfortable chairs, a large table (to play board games or cards), and views overlooking the live oak canopy. The Roost would be a great boutique hotel for a girls’ getaway—each guest could have their own room and a place to socialize.

As tempting as it is on the Gulf Coast, and the beach is only a few minutes away, there is a plunge pool on the property! Situated beneath the oak canopies and heated, it’s perfect for year-round swims! Relax on one of the loungers or hang out by the fireplace with an aperitif from Wilbur’s.

The Wilbur – Secret Speakeasy:

You would never believe a speakeasy is tucked away on the first floor. Order your drink at the bar, and then ask about the secret lounge behind the bookcase—a nod to prohibition-era bars. Serving up delicious craft cocktails and delectable bites, we loved the charcuterie board and fancy cocktails.

Room Rates:

Room rates vary by season, but a nightly rate starts at $199 USD in winter and reaches $450 USD in summer. Note that, from spring to late fall, weekend stays have a two-night minimum. These rates are for rooms only. Breakfast is NOT included in the nightly rate. Parking is free on the hotel property.

Check the latest rates for the Roost Ocean Springs online at Hotels.com or Expedia.

The Oak House is comprised of eight beautiful suites. This latest expansion features the same luxurious furnishings and immaculate attention to detail as the main historic building. A few of the suites have direct access to the backyard and plunge pool.

Nearby Attractions:

• Walter Anderson Museum of Art – 0.6 km / 0.4 mi – the museum was opened in 1991 and is dedicated to celebrating the masterworks of Walter Inglis Anderson.
• Ocean Springs Beach – 0.8 km / 0.5 mi – beautiful waterfront overlooking Biloxi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
• Historic Biloxi Lighthouse – 7.8 km/4.8 m – erected in 1848, this cast-iron beauty has long been a welcoming beacon for visitors to Coastal Mississippi.
• Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art 4.9 km/3.1 mi – See the insider tip.

Nearby Restaurants & Cafés:

There is no restaurant on the property, but plenty of great eateries are within walking distance or a very short drive. We had dinner at Patio 44 and Vestige (well worth a visit; Vestige was exceptional).

• Eat, Drink, Love. The lunch menu features warm sandwiches, cool salads, and yummy $3-4 cups of homemade soups.
• Vestige is a James Beard Award nominee and a finalist for Best Restaurant in America in 2024. It offers fine dining featuring modern American and Asian fusion. It was excellent!
• Patio 44 features prime cuts of beef at a reasonable price. It also offers fresh seafood, including blue crab fondue as an appetizer, blackened shrimp tacos and crab cake burgers for lunch, and blackened redfish on the dinner menu.

Overall Recommendation:

Overall, I would highly recommend this property. After driving by the huge casino hotels in Biloxi, it was lovely to arrive at The Roost Boutique Hotel. Although the lobby was very small (and very casual), we were all impressed with our rooms. Every one of them was different and created a laid-back, luxurious vibe. The bedding and bed were very comfortable, and the upstairs porch provided a meeting place for us.

It was the perfect location for a girl’s getaway. The beach had beautiful sunrises and was so very easy to walk to. I would highly recommend this hotel. I would love to return and see the new rooms and plunge pool in the Oak House.

Fine Details:

Seven air-conditioned rooms, which feature refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access and flat-screen televisions are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Location: 604 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Phone: (228) 285-7989

As part of a press trip to Coastal Mississippi, I visited The Roost Boutique Hotel in Ocean Springs, The Wilbur Speakeasy, Vestige, the Ohr-O’Keefe and Walter Anderson Museums. All the opinions and images for this article are my own.