After updating the guest rooms at the IP Casino Resort & Spa, Boyd Gaming now plans on beginning the phase two round of the complete hotel makeover. According to Duncan McKenzie, the General Manager of the property, the casino hotel will now see the 54 suites remodeled with $2.5 million spent in the process.

Last year, the casino resort upgraded over 350 guest accommodations and spent a total of close to $8 million in the process. The first class guest accommodations are now considered first class, with a completely new look. The changes will of course give the hotel an updated look but will also help the property to stay in competition with the Scarlet Pearl Casino, which should open in D’lberville before 2015 comes to an end.

McKenzie pointed out that the casinos in the area have taken great strides after Hurricane Katrina took place ten years ago. The GM stated: “We all came back much better after the storm. It has created a great tourism destination. I consider the casino business the anchor store of the tourism mall on the Gulf Coast.”

IP, along with other casinos, have come to the realization that the gaming properties need to be constantly cared for and upgraded to maintain popularity. McKenzie points out that the casino must put a physical plant in front of consumers to compete in the industry properly. The accommodations and dining areas receive constant upgrades with the theater and meeting rooms also to be upgraded. The IP is hoping to be done with the new renovations by January of 2016.