Author Anais Nin once said, "Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are." I agree with her. I don't have to have luxury in order to survive, but my psyche and soul crave beautiful and good things. That being said, when an opportunity to experience luxury comes along, it is an exhilarating feeling.
I was on a press trip to several cities along I-10 in south Louisiana in early March and learned that the other writers and I would be spending our first night at L'Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. I expected a nice room and a fabulous dinner, but I never dreamed I'd be handed the key to one of the hotel's Versailles Suites. When I opened my door, I was stunned at the size, the lavishness, and the amenities I would get to enjoy for a night.
ROOM AMENITIES
The suite was 600-square feet with a foyer, separate living area, king-size bed, kitchen/bar space, and a bathroom almost as large as the bedroom! The floor-to-ceiling drapes on the windows opened to look out on the elaborate swimming pool. And, as if anything else could be added, a tray of sweet treats was waiting on the coffee table in front of the giant flatscreen TV. THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS STEVE, WHO WAS BACK HOME IN HARTSELLE!! What a shame!!
DINING
There are seven dining options at L'Auberge that range from a casual deli to the ultimate in fine dining. I have enjoyed two of the great restaurants at the resort -- Jack Daniel's Bar and Grill and Ember Grille and Wine Bar. At Jack Daniel's, you can taste the wonderful Cajun-style creations of Chef Lyle Broussard. If you have a chance to meet him, be sure to do so. He's an exceptionally nice guy who knows how to cook. The atmosphere is casual, but the food is truly elevated.
The Ember Grille is a special occasion kind of place where you will want to enjoy an unhurried, multi-course meal. It's where you want to linger and taste every bite.
SHOPPING
A number of high-end shops line the promenade areas between the grand lobby, the casino, and all the restaurants. Here are photos of just a few of them. This is not a place to find a bargain or a discount, if you know what I mean.
FRESH FLOWERS AND A FOUNTAIN
The fresh flower arrangements inside and the large, noisy, splashing fountain outside let you know that the owners go the extra mile to give their guests a stay that fills the senses.
If you know me or read my blog with any frequency, you know that I don't gamble or spend any time or money inside a casino. The good thing is that you can enjoy a night or two at L'Auberge without ever entering that area. This is not like Las Vegas where you have to pass slot machines to get anywhere. The casino at L'Auberge is in a totally separate area, which I was very glad to see.
If you want to know a little more about Lake Charles cuisine or about Jack Daniel's Bar and Grill, click on the links to these articles I've also written.