When looking to be mesmerised by the sheer beauty of Lake Charles, where you can watch the morning mist swirl in the weak early sunlight and birds flutter past your window, L’Auberge Lake Charles is your answer. Easily spotted as you approach, this stunning hotel is impressive both in terms of size and substance. A casino resort with almost 1,000 rooms, it offers a combination of uptown luxury and down-home comfort.
You can spend your days floating upon the lazy river, cocktail in hand while the hot sun blazes down. You can play golf to the sounds of birds, soft grass underfoot, relax in the spa to the scent of toasty towels and floral oils, or eat your way around the six unique dining outlets. There is 70,000 square feet of gaming action in the casino, with over 80 tables and 1,500 slot machines, as well as retail stores enabling you to pick up any gifts or resort wear for your stay. Teetering on the edge of the lake, each room is impressive, but you’ll really want one with a view of the water, from one of the higher floors. From this vertiginous vantage point, it enables you the ideal spot to see boats gliding across the lake, luscious palms swaying in the sun and check out the action of the pool below.
L’Auberge Lake Charles is impressive from the moment you enter, with a large, high-ceilinged lobby complete with a beautiful bar ideal for a welcome drink, pre or post-dinner tipple or a cup of coffee while taking in the action. Exposed beams and neutral coloured walls lend a rustic, outdoorsy feel, while the extensive amenities and general air of grandeur let you know you’re somewhere special.
Check-in is effortless and I make my way to my room which is on one of the higher floors. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it journey up in an elevator and a short walk takes me to my deluxe room. These tend to be around 400-460 square feet and include a comfortable king or queen bed, spacious work desk, flat-screen TV, minifridge and modern bathroom with premium amenities. Many deluxe rooms include views of the lake, golf course or resort grounds. Suites are larger and include all of the above as well as amenities such as a separate sitting area, dining table and sometimes a kitchenette.
I open the door to a blast of air conditioning – much appreciated in the hot weather and am instantly impressed with the room design. It’s spacious yet cosy, relaxing and luxurious, decadent but welcoming. It takes everything in me not to flop onto the large King-sized bed and stay there for the foreseeable. Complete with fat pillows just begging to be laid down and crisp cotton sheets, it’s only the floor-to ceiling view that entice me away. Sunlight streams in and views of the lake peppered with green foliage sprawls below. It’s beautiful. Jewel accent chairs and low-level lamps add a pop of colour, while soft music playing from the flat-screen TV adds to the atmosphere. The bathroom is a blend of smooth white marble and dark wood, with a large mirror and smaller vanity one, ideal for putting on or removing your makeup. It’s a good size and the waterfall shower offers a welcome reprieve to wash the day away.
While the rest of Lake Charles is begging to be explored, I have a couple of hours spare before needing to head out so I decide to make the most of the pool. The heated pool, lazy river and surrounding lounging areas transport you to a tropical oasis, where you can float around under the sun and just let yourself relax. I grab an inflatable ring, lower myself into the water and feel utterly weightless, the sun caressing my face and the water cooling me down. Any tension leaves my body and I feel more relaxed than I have in a while – it’s difficult to be stressed here. With palm trees casting soft shadows on the water and the scents of greenery and sun cream, I feel further from the smoggy streets of London than I have in a long time. And all the better for it. Just as I wonder if this moment can be topped, a swim-up bar comes into view and less than five minutes later, I’m floating with a frozen cocktail in hand. For those that don’t fancy the lazy river, there’s a serene adults-only pool complete with luxury cabanas and a full-bar service where you can order an array of drinks and snacks.
As evening falls, L’Auberge Lake Charles comes to life with the flashing lights of the casino, glasses chinking in the bars and intermingling scents from the restaurants filling the air. Head to Asia for Asian-fusion cuisine and Vietnamese selections, Daiquiris and Dogs for a bit of light-hearted indulgence, Drago’s for Seafood or the Ember Grille and Wine bar for an unforgettable steak and a choice of over 240 bottles of wine. Johnny Sanchez offers a traditional taste of Mexico from award-winning chef, TV personality, cookbook author and philanthropist Aarón Sánchez, whereas Modern Pantry and ESPN Bet offer more casual dining experiences.
L’Auberge Lake Charles is not just a fantastic place to stay, but is also ideally located when looking to explore the area. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious boat tour, a bike ride under the sunset before stopping for a bite to eat on the water’s edge, or drive-through daiquiris, there is so much to see and do. You must visit the many museums in the area, as well as Downtown where there’s an array of boutique shops and restaurants just begging for languid afternoons spent picking up little gifts and accessories. Once you’re done, head back to the hotel for every amenity you could possibly need and helpful staff to match.
L’Auberge Lake Charles isn’t just somewhere to make your base when visiting Lake Charles, it’s so much more. Whether you’re looking to have a flutter in the casino, relax poolside with an ice-cold drink in hand, or sink into sumptuously soft sheets after a busy day of exploring, you’re spoilt for choice. Make your way around the various dining outlets, wander through the resort shop and treat yourself to a pamper in the spa. When heading to Lake Charles it’s an effortless choice of where to stay, the only hard bit is checking out. But don’t worry, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be planning your next trip before you’ve even left for the airport.
L’Auberge Lake Charles
777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Find more information for Visit Lake Charles here
