Hotels in Louisiana

Known for its Cajun spice and Creole culture, Deep South city Louisiana calls to the hearts of travelers everywhere. Whether you want to hear the mastery of jazz musicians in the New Orleans French Quarter or see the riotous parades of Mardi Gras at capital Baton Rouge, Louisiana's cities and parishes are rich with a unique mix of French, English and Caribbean influences. Outside of the cities, the landscape runs from the peaceful pine groves of Kisatchie National Forest to the alligator-dominated mangroves and bayous of Atchafalaya Swamp, for as much or as little adventure as you desire.

Where to stay

Baton Rouge

As Louisiana's capital and a major port off of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a good base for travelers. With blues and street food to rival the Big Easy, politically significant Old Louisiana State Capital and the Louisiana State University boosting the local culture scene, and Baton Rouge Zoo providing animals of the furry, slithery and scaly kind, the famous port offers enough to keep everyone entertained. Most hotels are located off or around I-10 to the south of the Downtown area, although you can find branches of Best Western near the university and some accommodations right on the Mississippi.

New Orleans

Recognized worldwide for sparking the beginnings of jazz, New Orleans leaves all its guests coming back for more. Walk down Bourbon Street, dance at the music clubs on Frenchmen Street, and enjoy beignets while soaking in the rich history of New Orleans. Take in dinner and a show while cruising the Mississippi on a traditional steamboat, imagining what this experience would have been like during Mark Twain's time. As far as staying in town goes, you're best bet is the area north of Canal Street and the French Quarter, which will put you within walking distance of St Louis Cathedral and Louis Armstrong Park. You can get rooms with a river view from just under $80 a night.

Things to see

Cemeteries

The cemeteries in Louisiana are famous, especially after their spectacular architecture and air of pathos was featured in the motion picture Interview with the Vampire. As the grave site of the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most visited cemeteries in Louisiana, probably also because of its proximity to Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Tour the swamps of Louisiana

From fireflies fluttering around the banks, to the nose of an alligator peeking through the murky water, exploring swamp land is an experience that no one should miss. Most Louisiana hotels will have flyers that offer discounts to many of the tours available in the area, and from New Orleans' wild Honey Island swamp to Bayou Teche near Breaux Bridge town, you can explore Cajun country in true authentic style.

Magazine Street

Spending an afternoon in and out of New Orleans' antique shops, boutiques and specialty restaurants can give a nice quiet alternative to the bars and nightclubs on Bourbon Street. Take a walk down from the French District to the Garden District, while enjoying the amazing architecture. The merchants set up along this street market to both visitors and locals, meaning their prices aren't too over the top.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol

A beautifully Gothic piece of architecture, the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge truly represents the pride and effort that antebellum estates worked hard to achieve. The interior features stained-glass art throughout, and woodwork on staircases and door frames. The outside has the look of an ancient European castle; don't miss the tour guides' tales of the resident ghost.

Climate

Hot temperatures and long days filled with humidity make up the summers in Louisiana. Although it rains quite a bit throughout the entire year, Northern Louisiana gets the most rain during the summer. Southern Louisiana sees a large amount of rainfall during the winter months, which is primarily related to weather patterns in the Gulf of Mexico.