As iridescent as its namesake, the Pearl Hotel in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, stands four-stories high, its white stucco exterior housing fifty-nine rooms, a sprawling pool, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and unbeatable proximity to all that the area has to offer. Crafted as an homage to the family business–oystering–the lobby doubles as both a space for guests to relax and as a history lesson on the generations of Cures that, to this day, operate Bayou Caddy Fisheries Inc. alongside the family-owned hotel. A painting of a toadfish (every oyster’s worst enemy) hangs above the front desk, while custom oil paintings of the family’s decades-old oyster boats ornament the landing outside of the elevators. The lighting features, rich, blue fabrics, and distressed wooden accents, combined with the carefully curated art, signal that the ocean is near.
The Neighborhood
Situated at the corner of North Beach Boulevard and Main Street in what is known by coasties as “Old Town,” the Pearl Hotel serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Bay St. Louis. The harbor and Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier sit opposite the boulevard where spectators can watch vessels near the shore, be they sailboats, yachts, or the fishing boats that carry the bounty for tonight’s dinner. Clustered around the hotel are local retail favorites, a popular folk art and antique museum, and a wide range of bars, ice cream shops, and coffee spots to snack at throughout the day.
The Food Scene
Pearl Hotel houses many spots for food and drink. Hinge—named after the near-indestructible bit of oyster anatomy that keeps the two shells clamped shut—is a plush cocktail bar that provides a space to unwind after a day of wandering. Cocktails range from classics to riffs inspired by the area, such as the Bay Bridge Bonfire: a creamy martini rimmed with chocolate and graham crackers, garnished with charred marshmallows. The Thorny Oyster, meanwhile, serves the sea like no other. An abundant menu of clams, calamari, a whole roasted fish, and lobster rolls is balanced with bites from land, like the Thorny Burger or signature frog legs, all of which can be enjoyed from the green velvet booths beneath the bubbly lighting.
The Digs
The natural and weathered elements in the lobby carry into the design of the guest rooms, each of which has a private balcony space. Think calming blues, warm lighting, and textured upholstery that is reminiscent of the coast. Each room features water, downtown, or pool views. Set on the second floor, out of view of the street, the pool deck is outfitted with cabanas for relaxing out of the sun and comfortable chaises for soaking it up.
