An Honest Review Of The Oasis Resort In Gulfport Mississippi

If you are considering a visit to the Oasis Resort in Gulfport, Mississippi, read this review before you go! 

One of the top hotels for families along the Mississippi gulf coast is the Oasis Resort at Centennial Plaza. The beautiful Centennial Plaza is home to the Oasis Resort, the Grand Centennial Hotel, and a water playground.

With sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, this historic property is the ideal coastal family vacation destination.

We want to thank our friends at Coastal Mississippi for sponsoring this post. As always, my opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

How To Get To The Oasis Resort

The Oasis Resort Gulfport is centrally located in the small beach town of Gulfport along the Mississippi Coast. The Mississippi Coast is commonly known as the Secret Coast in the United States, as many don’t realize that the state is home to a gorgeous shoreline dotted with charming beach towns.

The Oasis Resort can be found at 200 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39507 in Harrison County. It’s location makes it the ideal home base to explore the nearby beach towns and even take a few day trips to nearby cities such as New Orleans, Mobile, or Gulf Shores.

Gulfport is a 90-minute drive to New Orleans and is a little over a two-hour drive to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The nearest airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT).

The History of the Oasis Resort in Gulfport, MS

Upon entering the Centennial Plaza, one quickly realizes that this was not always a resort. A historical marker indicates the Centennial Plaza as the designated site for the state’s centennial celebration in 1917. However, the “Mississippi Centennial Exposition” celebration never occurred due to the onset of World War 1.

As the scope of the global conflict consumed the nation and the Spanish flu pandemic racked the country, the Mississippi’s Centennial celebration receded into history. The site was given over to the war effort for military training and later became the Veterans Administration Medical Center – Gulfport Division.

The Veterans Administration Medical Center closed its doors in 2005 after damages from Hurricane Katrina. The site underwent a 100 million dollar redevelopment and reopened its doors in 2019 as the Centennial Plaza.

Many historic buildings remain, along with the property’s majestic oaks.

Things To Know Before Your Stay At The Oasis Resort

The Water Playground Is Only For Hotel Guests

A top reason so many families flock to the Oasis Resort is the Centennial Plaza’s 3-acre water playground. The water park is one of the best amenities and is reserved only for Oasis Resort and Grand Centennial Hotel guests.

Fun in the sun comes in many ways at the water playground. The zero-entry, seasonal outdoor swimming pool comes with a swim-up bar. Zip down water slides, float along the lazy river or let the kids cool off in the colorful splash pad.

My daughter adored hoping in the lazy river, then would venture down a few of the smaller slides designed just for her. Her only complaint was the dumping bucket since she does not like them!

The Oasis Grill has a walk-up window where guests can order a great selection of entrees and snacks to enjoy without ever leaving the water playground area.

Tips For Visiting The Water Playground

• There is no need to bring cash; you can bill all your drinks and snacks to the room!
• Towels are provided at the entrance of the water playground. They are not allowed to be removed from the area.
• The water playground is open until 9 pm! Arrive earlier if you want to ensure a lounger, as the water playground does get busy as the day goes on.
• Guests entering the water playground must-have wrist bands that are obtained at the front desk upon check-in.
• Standard queen and king rooms come with 2 water playground passes. Additional passes can be purchased. Children 5 and under do not require a wrist band.
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
• For guests looking for even more water fun, consider visiting the Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Check out our complete list of Fun Things To Do in Coastal Mississippi.

The Beach Is Across The Street

Before staying at the Oasis Resort, an important fact is that the beach is across the street. To get to Gulfport Beach, you will have to cross E Beach Blvd.

There is a traffic light at the resort entrance that makes crossing the street a breeze.

There is nothing but sandy beaches after you cross the street. Therefore, come prepared with a proper beach bag or portable wagon to help transport your gear.

Tip: We would often pack the car and drive to a parking area by the beach so that we didn’t have to haul all of our beach gear across the parking lot and the street.

They Have Really Cool Kid Suites

A unique feature of the Oasis Resort is that in addition to traditional hotel rooms that feature king and queen beds, they offer kid-friendly accommodations. The kids suite is designed to give parents and kids their own spaces.

The Kids Oasis portion of the suite is a special space with bunk beds, a TV, a bean bag chair, and an organizer for clothing and toys. Nightlights and smart device chargers are on a switch for each bunk!

Parents can stretch out and relax in The Parent’s Paradise on the other side of the dividing wall to the Kids Oasis. A comfy king-size bed, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, free wifi, and couch offer a perfect retreat at the end of a busy day.

My daughter made herself at home by placing all of her things in the organizer, her stuffies by the beanbag chair, and then would often retreat to her space after a long day of exploring. It allowed her to have a space to take a break from everything and relax.

Note: The Kids Oasis is not technically a room since the separating wall does not touch the ceiling, nor is there a door. We had to keep the lights dim, and the TV turned down low; otherwise, it would disturb our daughter.

Learn more about booking at room at the Oasis Resort.

Discover The Coffee Shop at the Oasis Grill

The Oasis Grill is a great dining option for families staying on property. With casual dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests are bound to find something tasty on the menu.

One of the things we didn’t expect was a full coffee shop inside the Oasis Grill. Even if you are not planning on dining in the restaurant, guests can grab coffees to go. Swing by in the morning to grab a mocha latte or espresso.

Watch The Dancing Fountain At Night

Take time during your visit to slow things down by admiring the dancing fountain at night. Claim a nearby bench, then let your mind wander as your stare into the starry night with the playful fountains dancing in the background. 

Useful Tips For Visiting The Oasis Resort

• Parking is free. There are private parking areas near each building.
• The front desk is near the water park. They will give you your building and room number upon check-in.
• The Resort has a variety of event spaces, such as Blue Marlin’s Social Hall and the Chapel.
• The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Conference Center is only minutes away.
• There is a train that runs near the property. I recommend sleeping with earplugs or a sound machine if you are a light sleeper.
• The Water Playground does get busy during peak season. Arrive early to experience fewer crowds and secure a lounger.

What To Bring To The Oasis Resort

The Oasis Resort offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy all of the best amenities the resort has to offer in casual attire. As you prepare for your trip, consult our packing list to help make your vacation go smoothly.

Packing List For The Oasis Resort

• A good beach bag. You will need this to take to the Water Playground and the beach.
• I recommend bringing beach towels. Since you are not allowed to leave the water playground with their towels, you will need them for the beach.
• Bring a cover-up for the pool.
• A pair of easy-to-remove sandals for the pool and beach.
• YETI water bottle or something similar that will keep water cold for a long time. It gets hot out there.
• Pack a sound machine or use the BetterSleep App. There is a train that runs near the property, and it does occasionally run at night.
• Pack a jacket. Especially if visiting in the fall, winter, or spring. The evenings can get chilly.
• Depending on the season you are visiting, your attire will vary. For those visiting late spring, summer, and early fall, pack lightweight clothing, multiple bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, and tanks as the temperature will be hot.
• For those visiting in the fall, winter, and early spring, packing to dress in layers will be the best approach. This includes t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, jeans, shorts, and a bathing suit.
• Sunscreens, toiletries, and medications.
• If traveling with kids, I suggest using packing cubes. It helps keeps everyone’s things separated and easier to find.
• Snacks. These are vital at any age!

I hope you enjoyed our review of the Oasis Resort in Gulfport, Mississippi. Be sure to check out these related articles.

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The Oasis Resort In Gulfport, Mississippi