Hotels

Louisiana's bed-and-breakfast options are almost a historical tour in and of themselves -- from mansions built by early French and Spanish settlers and stately plantations to farms and former slave quarters, each spot seems to have its own special history. Contact the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association (www.louisianabandb.com) for options statewide. Beyond the usual chains, there is also the new, decadent 750-room casino/gaming resort, L'Auberge du Lac, 777 Avenue L'Auberge, Lake Charles (tel. 866/580-7444; www.ldlcasino.com). In late 2006, Baton Rouge got a stately new Hilton, in the former Capitol House Hotel at 201 Lafayette St. (tel. 800/HILTONS; www.hilton.com). The property features a fitness center, pool, and salons for both men and women; some rooms have views of the Mighty Mississippi.