There’s something about Louisiana that stirs the soul—jazz in the streets, moss-draped bayous, candlelit dinners, and balconies that catch the glow of dusk just right. Whether you're drawn to the mystique of New Orleans or the quiet charm of a lakeside retreat, the state offers luxury that feels deeply personal. I remember thinking, “Romance doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs the right setting.” These handpicked hotels and resorts offer a little indulgence, a lot of mood, and the space to reconnect.
Best Hotels:
Easy Escape at Margaritaville Resort Casino
From the moment we walked into Margaritaville Resort Casino, the mood shifted. Neon lights, the scent of salt-rimmed cocktails, and that signature carefree vibe—it was like vacation turned up a notch. I remember thinking, “This is where play and comfort meet.” With a view of the Red River and laughter echoing off the slots, it felt like we’d stepped into another world.
What I Loved Most: Soaking in the rooftop hot tub after sunset, the casino lights twinkling below like a miniature skyline.
My highlights? Dinner at Bamboo Asian Café. I had the Thai coconut curry shrimp and a watermelon margarita—the kind of bold, sweet heat that fits right in with the resort’s energy. We lingered over fortune cookies and shared plans we hadn’t made yet.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA
- Vibe: Tropical, playful, high-energy
- Best For: Couples who love fun, food, and lighthearted luxury
- Features: Casino, spa, rooftop pool, riverfront views
- Cost: ~$180–300/night depending on suite and season
Hidden Elegance in the French Quarter: Hotel Le Marais
Tucked just off Bourbon Street, Hotel Le Marais felt like a breath of calm in the middle of everything. Sleek and quiet with touches of deep purple and soft lighting, it was romantic without trying. I remember thinking, “This is the New Orleans I was hoping for.” We sipped wine by the courtyard pool while jazz drifted from somewhere nearby—it felt like time folded in on itself.
What I Loved Most: Opening our balcony doors in the morning to warm air and the scent of beignets from a block away.
My highlights? Cocktails at the hotel’s Vive! Bar before a night out—mine was a classic French 75, crisp and citrusy with just the right amount of sparkle. It set the tone for an evening that started slow and stayed sweet.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 717 Conti St, New Orleans, LA
- Vibe: Sophisticated, quiet, stylish
- Best For: Couples seeking French Quarter access with boutique charm
- Features: Courtyard saltwater pool, bar, complimentary breakfast
- Cost: ~$190–250/night
Romance and Ghost Stories at the Bourbon Orleans
Bourbon Orleans Hotel felt timeless. Chandeliers hung above polished floors, and the lobby carried echoes of history and hush. I remember thinking, “There’s something sacred about this kind of elegance.” Just steps from Jackson Square, the hotel felt both lively and mysterious—like it had stories to tell if you stayed quiet long enough.
What I Loved Most: Late-night whispers over cocktails in the candlelit lounge, the kind of moment that feels cinematic and personal all at once.
My highlights? We had drinks at Rouge Wine Bar—mine was a deep red blend from the South of France, paired with a chocolate truffle. We toasted to ghosts, laughter, and everything that brought us there together.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA
- Vibe: Historic, moody, graceful
- Best For: Couples who crave romance with a side of folklore
- Features: Saltwater pool, grand ballroom, rumored hauntings
- Cost: ~$220–350/night depending on view and suite
Timeless Glamour at The Roosevelt New Orleans
Stepping into The Roosevelt New Orleans felt like entering another era—one where gold ceilings, velvet seating, and piano music were just the start. The lobby glittered like a movie set, and everything felt dipped in elegance. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to be swept away.” Even in the heart of the city, the world slowed down inside those walls.
What I Loved Most: Soaking in the rooftop pool under string lights, sipping champagne while the skyline sparkled around us.
My highlights? Dinner at Domenica, the hotel’s upscale Italian restaurant. I had the wood-fired eggplant and squid ink tagliolini with Gulf shrimp—decadent and perfectly balanced. It was the kind of meal that lingers in your memory, like the stay itself.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA
- Vibe: Grand, romantic, lavish
- Best For: Couples celebrating something unforgettable
- Features: Rooftop pool, spa, classic Sazerac Bar, in-house fine dining
- Cost: ~$300–500/night depending on suite
Lakefront Stillness at Cypress Bend Resort
Cypress Bend felt like a deep exhale. Tucked along Toledo Bend Lake, the resort was serene and surrounded by towering trees and misty water. I remember thinking, “This is where we remember how to just be.” Mornings were made for porch rocking chairs and slow coffee, and evenings for stargazing and wine.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunrise break through the fog over the lake—soft, golden, and utterly still.
My highlights? Dinner at Sabine Social Room, their rustic-chic restaurant. I had grilled duck breast with blackberry glaze and sweet corn purée, followed by bourbon bread pudding. Every bite tasted like it was made just for us.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 2000 Cypress Bend Pkwy, Many, LA
- Vibe: Wooded, peaceful, nature-forward
- Best For: Couples looking for lake views, hiking, and true quiet
- Features: Spa, golf, private balconies, lakefront walking paths
- Cost: ~$180–250/night
Spark and Style at Bally’s Shreveport
Bally's had that vibrant casino energy, but with enough polish to make it romantic. The rooms were sleek, the views of the riverfront twinkled at night, and everything felt charged with fun. I remember thinking, “Let’s make our own luck tonight.” From spa time to slots to martinis before dinner, it was our kind of playful escape.
What I Loved Most: Laughing over roulette, then slipping into the quiet of the spa for a couple’s massage before room service and a river view.
My highlights? Dinner at William B’s Steakhouse. I had the filet with garlic butter, truffle mashed potatoes, and a glass of cabernet. The dim lighting and soft jazz turned the meal into something cinematic.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 451 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA
- Vibe: Upscale casino glamour
- Best For: Couples who want nightlife with comfort
- Features: Casino, spa, steakhouse, river views
- Cost: ~$160–220/night
Sunset Luxury at the Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget Lake Charles was bold, bright, and full of beachy elegance. The infinity pool stretched toward the bay, and palm trees framed every golden hour. I remember thinking, “We don’t need to go far to feel far away.” It was the kind of place where everything you want is within reach—food, spa, nightlife, and still moments too.
What I Loved Most: Floating in the lazy river at sunset, holding hands, letting time stretch with the current.
My highlights? Dinner at Landry’s Seafood House. I had the blackened redfish Opelousas with lump crab, shrimp, and lemon butter. We split a key lime pie with our toes in the sand at the private beach. It was simple, romantic perfection.
Plan Your Stay:
- Location: 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
- Vibe: Beachy glam, high-energy, indulgent
- Best For: Couples who want fun and luxury in one
- Features: Beach, pool, casino, spa, multiple restaurants
- Cost: ~$250–400/night
Why These Escapes Stay With You
Luxury in Louisiana isn’t just in the thread count or the wine list—it’s in the warmth of a welcome, the music in the background, and the way time seems to soften. Each of these romantic stays left a mark, whether it was a quiet sunrise by the lake or a velvet booth in a candlelit bar. If you're planning a trip with someone special, these are the places that remind you what it means to pause, indulge, and feel deeply connected.
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