Fringed by the mighty Mississippi River to the west and Alabama to the east, Mississippi is a fascinating southern state with a tremendous number of stories to tell. Whether you’re eager to discover the Delta blues, to follow in the footsteps of Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty, to delve into the history of the Civil War and the fight for Civil Rights or to navigate otherworldly landscapes, this is a brillinat destination to explore. Accommodation options range from heritage B&Bs to swish city hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Mississippi are in its lively cities, but we have some rural favourites too — perfect for escaping into the picturesque countryside.

Jackson, the state capital, is brilliant for both music lovers and culture buffs. The city is home to the Old State Capitol, the New State Capitol, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History — introduced by Mississippian Morgan Freeman — and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. For the origins of the famed Mississippi Sound, head to the Delta. You’ll find the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, the GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland (the only outpost from the original in LA), and a whole array of little live music venues for experiencing the state’s burgeoning talents. Don’t miss the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo!

Venture to Natchez for restored heritage residences and an unravelling of Mississippi’s complex history — including its Native American roots. There are dark tales to reckon with in Mississippi, expansive abandoned cotton plantations and sobering memorials to slavery, Civil Rights and injustice, best seen by following the state-wide Mississippi Freedom Trail. It's well worth taking the time to understand the impact of this history on the state's modern-day identity. For an insight into the Civil War, look no further than Vicksburg.

Finally, Biloxi’s Gulf Coast beaches and art museums are wonderfully appealing. There’s no shortage of adventuring to be done along the Mississippi River, or in places like Tishomingo State Park, including kayaking, fishing, wildlife spotting and admiring ancient Native American sites. With the best places to stay in Mississippi scattered across this striking state, this southern gem really has something for everyone.

The Best Places to Stay in Mississippi

For Great Value

• Cotton House is a stylish property in Cleveland, with swish, comfortable rooms, lovely bathrooms and a sociable vibe. Surprisingly great value for a business or leisure stay in the city. The restaurant and cooking classes are a very nice touch.
• Graduate Oxford promises a trendy base in downtown Oxford, perfect for university students, friends and families eager to stay close to the University of Mississippi. Interiors are bright and playful, there's a lively rooftop terrace and complimentary bikes make exploring a breeze. Affordable chic.
• Chancellor's House is a red-brick building in central Oxford with slick rooms and suites featuring big balconies, as well as a glossy restaurant, bar and library lounge. Excellent value for a property with an upmarket feel.

FOR COUPLES

• Stanton Guest House is a carefully renovated 1892 Natchez residence with six spacious suites decorated in soothing tones. Ideal for couples looking to unwind in elegant surroundings. The concert space is great for events, including small weddings.
• Choctaw Hall is a grand B&B in downtown Natchez, just moments from the City Auditorium. A romantic pick for couples looking to make the most of the area's cultural scene, the property features four big, beautifully-appointed bedrooms. An intimate choice in a landmark building.
• Castlehill of Oxford is a grand country house modeled on period residences. Rooms and suites are spacious and inviting, with traditional touches and all the mod-cons. Mornings begin with gourmet breakfasts. A hugely popular events venue for romantic weddings, with an enormous ballroom. For couples — especially those thinking about hosting an event.
• The Burn B&B is a charming property with nine bedrooms, a fascinating history, and a reputation for top-notch breakfasts. One for couples dreaming of a swimming pool, three acres of camellia-filled gardens, and a real immersion into Natchez's past: the informative house tours are a highlight.
• Travelers Hotel began life as a simple stop-over for railroad workers in the 1920s. Recently refurbished but retaining bags of character, this quirky Clarksdale hotel is a creative hub, perfect for music lovers eager to kick back in the home of the blues. A bohemian couples' base, where life is centred around the lobby lounge and bar.
• GardenSong Guest House was built in 1836, using materials hand-crafted in Cincinnati and transported down the Mississippi River. Choose this B&B for unique architecture, heaps of history — Clark Gable stayed in one of the three bedrooms — and its famous gardens, which have been featured in magazines and books. For quiet, garden-focused couples in Natchez.

FOR FAMILIES

• Devereaux Shields House is a top family pick, with two-bedroom suites and a standalone cottage offering lots of space for everyone. Expect traditional interiors, big breakfasts and pretty gardens in the heart of the Natchez's historic district. Also good value.
• Linden B&B offers sumptuous accommodation in an imposing 1790 mansion, and is popular for weddings and events. Stay in the three-bedroom cottage if travelling as a family. There are seven acres of grounds for little ones to discover, and Natchez's many attractions are within walking distance.
• The Inn on Whitworth has a fresh, comtemporary feel. Set in downtown Brookhaven, this spot is within easy reach of local attractions. Larger suites have full kitchens and can be adjoined for groups or families. Breakfasts are served onsite. A great long stay choice.

For Civil War Buffs

• Duff Green Mansion is a pre-Civil War residence in Vicksburg, filled with period furnishings and heaps of history. Sleep in an antique bed, stroll through the ballroom in which Jefferson Davis and Ulysses S. Grant both danced, look out for a Confederate ghost and peer into the cave in which the family hid during the war. A heritage B&B for history buffs — also great for weddings and events. Vicksburg offers Civil War sites aplenty.

FOR BOUTIQUE OPULENCE

• Monmouth Historic Inn promises an exquisite stay for couples or families, in a national landmark property with 26 acres of gardens. Think 30 antique-filled rooms, suites and cottages, elegant shared spaces and gourmet dining at Restaurant 1818. A striking boutique pick for an indulgent Natchez holiday.
• The Fairview Inn has 18 guestrooms and suites, with traditional interiors set within an imposing, 1908-built residence in the state capital, Jackson. Expect lavish bedrooms with crackling fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The restaurant serves up top-notch cocktails and Southern fare, whilst there's a lovely spa for unwinding, and excellent events spaces. A romantic wedding venue.

FOR A RURAL HIDEAWAY

• Clermont Bluffs B&B is a Victorian-era home on the Natchez Bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River. Natchez's Main Street is within walking distance, yet the house has an appealingly secluded feel. Expect pretty interiors with swish modern comforts in the house and cottage. An intimate hideaway.
• Brandon Hall Plantation is an impactful B&B base for families or couples, just north-east of Natchez. The 45-acre estate is dominated by an enormous white-painted plantation house. Stay here for the calm atmosphere, the chance to delve into the property's long history, and the proximity to both the Natchez Trace Parkway and the city. Great for cyclists, nature lovers and history buffs.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Jackson Evers International Airport and Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, or to one of the state's smaller regional hubs, before travelling to your destination by car or bus.
• Mississippi is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect hot and humid summers, with temperatures of around 30°C between June and September. Travel in April - May or October - November for cooler weather and great hotel deals. Hurricanes and tornadoes are most frequent in late spring and summer.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Jackson.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in the USA.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

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