Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront: I've stayed and did fine, though my main purpose was gambling, not tanning.

It's a former Holiday Inn that got slammed by Katrina, rebuilt and rebranded.

Rooms facing the Gulf have great views; rooms facing north might as well have frosted glass windows - nothing to "view" on that side.

The beach is wide open and flat, but you have to walk across a busy road to get to it.

For restaurants, you'll have to drive - the hotel is pretty isolated in its spot.

Flat panel TVs in the room but they're small - 27".