Best Hotel Experience: Radisson Baton Rouge Hotel and Conference Center

I found a diamond while in Baton Rouge, an unexpected treasure that surprised me. I had been booked at a hotel by my company for the first 3 nights of my trip, but couldn't get a flight home on the 4th night, making it necessary to find other lodging accommodations. I could have paid for the extra night where I was staying, but the service was terrible, and the hotel was not clean-and the expense was overwhelming, so I searched elsewhere for a place to sleep, and my only requirements were a bed to sleep in. I didn't care about services and didn't expect anything special at all for less than $100.00 a night, not in this city. When I chose the Radisson Baton Rouge Hotel I was exhausted and simply wanted to fall face first into bed the second I walked in. I thought that if the expensive hotel was a nightmare, the cheaper hotels must be worse, but I found very quickly that I was wrong.

I've always been told you can't judge a book by it's cover. When arriving at the Radisson Baton Rouge Hotel, I viewed from the highway a very non descript looking building, which appeared rather small. Painted yellow and orange, with some flags out, seemingly begging for attention. I thought "oh boy, here we go" as my taxi pulled into the lot. I paid my driver and brought my bags to the entrance of the hotel, took a deep breath and entered the building, almost sure I knew what to expect. At least I thought I knew.

On my entry, I encountered the standard service desk, with a uniformed employee speaking on the phone with a customer. While I waited I glanced around at my surroundings to see what I might have to endure for the night, surprised to see a very clean shining floor just inside the entrance, a very enticing cafe and bar area, and a comfortable and calming sitting area that would accommodate many hotel patrons. I also noticed a computer off to the side for customers to use, with Internet services. The decor was very modern and tasteful and the hotel seemed to be maintained well inside. My spirits elevated ever so slightly, and I began to relax.

I returned to the front desk, as the employee had finished their conversation and was ready to help me get signed in. I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the person who assisted me, and the speed of service. It felt personal and comfortable, as if they were here to ensure I had a nice visit. They gave me a key card for my room, and gave me instructions on how to get there, and told me to call the desk if there is anything I needed during my stay. I was also told that high speed Internet was included in my stay, and was very happy with this as I had to pay for this at my previous (again, very expensive) hotel.

When I entered my room, I felt immediately at home, rather than in a hotel. The decor was muted but modern and felt like home. The comforters on the beds were fluffy and inviting, but of course I had to check out the bathroom right away. The washcloths were folded origami style, and there were nice lotions and soaps (bath and body works) rather than hotel stock soaps and shampoos that you would find elsewhere. These added comforts made me feel like a valued customer, not just another guest. To top it off, everything was clean and shiny. The plumbing was up to date, and corners hadn't been cut. But the real treat was to come later.

I dined in the bar that night, and the service was as awesome as the meal served. The food was fresh and very enticing. The bartender was interesting and conversed with guests as if he'd known them for years, and seemed to genuinely enjoy his job. I began to wish I had stayed here for the full 4 nights. As nightfall came, I decided to return to my room, and get some sleep so I could catch my flight the next day with a fresh mind. I have a difficult time sleeping away from home, so I turned the TV on and flipped through the channels as I prepared to get to bed, and slipped in between the sheets not long thereafter. That's when it happened.

I felt the immediate comfort of the soft sheets, the pillows you could simply sink into, and the cuddly soft comforter on the bed. I never had seen or felt sheets and comforters like this before. Pillows and bed linens in hotels are usually bottom of the line, cut the corners budget type deals with no frills, but this certainly wasn't the case here. I snuggled in more and actually, for the first time in 4 days, slept like a baby. When I rose in the morning, I was relaxed and felt really good! I checked the tags on the linens at that point, as I had decided that I simply had to have these at home. Now, feeling tremendously spoiled, I started coffee and jumped into the shower and enjoyed having decent soaps and shampoo. I hated to unwrap that origami washcloth, it was such a nice touch. I felt more like a guest at a bed and breakfast than a hotel customer. I felt good.

I ventured to the restaurant that was in the hotel when I was finished to enjoy breakfast and more coffee, and then got ready to leave. I was asked when I checked out if everything was satisfactory, and I promised to tell others about my stay, since it was quite a memorable experience. I smile now when I think of that little orange and yellow hotel, that was not rated very well on the travel website I looked at. That website's information must have been incorrect. I learned to never judge a book by it's cover, from experience this time. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone that wants a personal one on one experience and a home style atmosphere, that makes them feel as if they are a valued guest. If I ever have the opportunity to visit Baton Rouge again, this will be where I stay. The others can stay in the 5 star, expensive over rated hotels on a hard mattress and toss and turn all night, but I'll sleep like a baby in the orange and yellow place with the flags!

Radisson Baton Rouge Hotel and Conference Center
2445 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Toll Free: 1-800-395-7046 Fax: 225-925-0084
Email: radissonsales@cajun.lodging.com