Growing up in Gulfport, the Oasis Resort is part of what was once the VA Medical Center situated on the beach. It is an amazing collection of buildings that have been repurposed into a resort complex now known as Centennial Plaza.
Intrigued by its history, I was thrilled to book a room at the Oasis, but my troubles began soon after check-in. The room I was originally given was quite lovely with wonderful views of the Gulf of Mexico. On my second trip to the room from the car with my belongings, my key no longer worked. The Welcome Center quickly gave me another key, which worked, but not long after I returned to the room, a couple entered using a key given to them. How can this happen? I was then told that I needed another key, which was delivered under my door.
Room instructions advise guests to secure valuables in the room safe, which I could find nowhere. I was told the safe was in the closet, which was not true. I was informed that security would bring me a safe. A security guard arrived and revealed that the safe was located in a dresser drawer. The safe was nice and spacious but, unbelievably, was not bolted in place. I could have easily picked it up and carried it from the room if I wished to do so.
And now the worst part… When I returned to the room after attending a local event, I prepared for bed only to notice that my bed was covered with ants. How is this possible for an establishment that bills itself as a resort? Great concept but much to be desired.