Las Vegas in Louisiana: Lake Charles, LA Casino Overview

Currently there are two Casino Hotels operating in Lake Charles, Louisiana which creates a similar, yet less overwhelming feel to Vegas. Las Vegas has the Strip and Downtown, Lake Charles has the L'Auberge du lac and the Isle of Capri. The Isle of Capri which is a familiar sight on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles is what I consider to be the downtown alternative of Lake Charles. The opulent L'Auberge on the south side has built into a self-contained strip that welcomes you in winding through a nice golf course. The two casinos give a variety to the experience and are geared toward different crowds.

Though I compare the Isle of Capri to downtown Vegas it is not meant in a bad way, but one of value. The Isle is kind to their guests and return on a lot of rewards on the Isle Card. As far a gambling is concerned your money will last a lot longer due to lower table limits and such. I have commonly seen five dollar tables at the Isle, and not being a big gambler I like the lower bets. I also liked staying their when on business because of the low rates during the week at the adjacent hotel. The snow crab buffet during the week was also one of my dinner stops while in town. The smaller Isle of Capri seems to be easier to navigate for seniors and easier on the pocketbook.

The L'Auberge would be on the strip if it were in Las Vegas as it exudes that sort of class in a Texas Hill Country kind of way. The L'Auberge du Lac is an entertainment complex consisting of a golf course, spa, restaurants, beach/water park, theater, casino and hotel, and I'm sure I missed something. The L'Auberge is more like a vacation and a good getaway for a couple. The crowd is younger and more affluent but is willing to pay for the rich feeling you get at L'Auberge. The casino is beautiful although expensive for my tastes, the food on the other hand is worth every cent. The Eggs Benedict are wonderful, and I have eaten at the Jack Daniels Grill inside and didn't find anything I didn't like.

So in the brief description I have given of the Lake Charles casinos where would I go? If it were a family trip or just a trip to gamble inexpensively it would be the Isle of Capri. If it were a romantic getaway, bachelor/bachelorette party, nice dinner or you have going on and want to throw it down then the L'Auberge is your choice.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!