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Located in the deep south of the United States on the Gulf of Mexico, The State of Louisiana is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north and Mississippi to the east. Its unique history, diverse and unusual cultural make-up, wetlands, swaps and bayous, waterways and sugar and cotton plantations have enthralled and captured the imagination of travelers since its inception. This diversity is well represented in many of the hotels Louisiana offer with beach resorts, countryside hotels as well as romantic getaways and luxurious grand establishments that bare testimony to the city's illustrious past.
Named after Louis XlV of France, the multi-cultural and multi-lingual heritage is especially evident in the capital city of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the state's largest city. Influenced by the Spanish, French and African cultures before the American influx of the early 19th century, the state developed into a major sugar producing area with the purchase of a large number of West African slaves. Cajuns and Creoles of French ancestry dominate the southern parts where their culture, food, music and their amazing lust for life has gained them international recognition. Today the state also has the second largest proportion of black Americans in the United States.
Tourism and culture are the stalwarts in the Louisiana economy and as such, many festivals and important cultural events are hosted here. Festivals include the world famous Mardi Gras, the French Quarter Fest, Jazz and Heritage Festivals and the Satchmo Summer Fest. Rich in petroleum and gas, it is also the largest producer of crawfish in the world with the Port of Louisiana on the Mississippi being one of the largest in the world.
Guests at any of the hotels Louisiana offer must be prepared for the long hot, humid and wet summer days by drinking plenty of water and wearing light colored clothing. The mild winters provide a relief from the heat and are a perfect time to explore this state. Louisiana is very vulnerable to tropical cyclones and hurricanes and no one will ever forget the devastation caused by the 2005 hurricane Katrina.
Many of the hotels Louisiana offer are congregated in the cities. The French Quarter in New Orleans is the favorite tourist attraction and as such many hotels are found here providing easy access to this fascinating cultural district. Here magnificent luxury hotels stand next door to quaint family-run establishments ensuring that all guests will find suitable accommodation. Spanish colonial mansions, plantation hotels, historic landmark hotels and French architecture are just some of the variety of hotels available. Beautifully decorated to evoke the atmosphere of a bye gone era, these hotels successfully blend the rich history with timeless service and modern amenities. One such example is the Soniat House which was built in 1829 and furnished with a collection of antiques and art works from around the world. The Queen and Crescent is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture while the Ambassador Arts District Hotel is made up of three 19th century carefully restored warehouses successfully achieving a subtle blend of old and new.
Many guest rooms are well appointed with wrought iron four poster king-size beds and retain the uniqueness, character and charm of old New Orleans but with all the modern conveniences expected of today's visitors. Large open spaces, exposed brick and high timber ceilings are just some of the charming finishes that guests can expect. An oversize desk, large screen TV, in-room safe, 24-hour valet parking and helpful concierge services are some of the facilities provided by many of the hotels.
At many of the hotels Louisiana offer, particularly in the south, breakfast is a daily rite. Who can resist hot Creole coffee with traditional southern biscuits and preserves. Daily high tea with champagne and pastries is another popular event of the day while stunning restaurants serve delectable cuisine in gardens with lavish surrounds or in beautifully decorated and intimate settings. The five-star Ritz-Carlton serves high-tea in the salon and chocolates and cocktails in the Liberty bar in the evenings.
The romantic hotels Louisiana offer provide an array of opportunities depending on how one defines romance. Stunning country small hotels or hillside inns provide grace and charm as well as privacy and tranquility while a romantic hotel and spa on the coast ensure there is plenty of outdoor activity. St. Francisville is a quaint historic town just outside Baton Rouge rich with civil war history which appeals to birdwatchers, history buffs and celebrities. Natchitoches is the oldest town in the state with architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter in its historic district on the Cane River Lake and here visitors will find graceful mansions and bed and breakfast accommodation. The Great River Road is one of the most visited destinations and consists of a 70 mile stretch along the Mississippi River with plenty of Creole and Cajun restaurants, B&Bs, rural settlements and sugar plantations.
The hotels Louisiana offer provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture of this fascinating state. Whether it is the stunning night life and music of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, or the garden district full of antebellum mansions, tours of the bayous and history of the river, golf, fishing or hunting, Louisiana hotels offer convenient access to all cultural and historic attractions. Sporting events and festivals, shopping opportunities from antique goods to luxury fashion and fabulous cuisine ensure that guests will keep returning to experience just a little more of this fascinating place.
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