When it comes to getting a superior hospitality experience, even those in the casino industry know it’s best not to take a gamble on a place with a lackluster reputation. That’s why at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the only gambling that takes place is on the 70,000-square-foot casino floor.
“L’Auberge takes leisure time to a whole new level,” said Jennifer Jacobson-Yap, senior hotel sales manager, who was drawn to the resort by the hotel’s reputation.
Founded in early 2005, L’Auberge recently unveiled a large renovation that includes upgraded amenities and 754 revamped rooms and suites. Even with the resort’s new enhancements, the original charm of the southwestern Louisiana resort hasn’t been lost.
Natural stone and wood elements and warm lighting help create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Guests are greeted by massive stone fireplaces in the lobby, where a nearby coffee bar lightly scents the air with roasted aromas. It doesn’t take long for groups to feel at home at this massive 242-acre property, with a single-level casino only steps from the front door, eight food and beverage locations throughout, and a full-service spa and golf course.
The resort’s 26,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, include a business center and conference registration. The meeting space’s early 20th century arts and crafts style provides an inspiring setting for everything from weddings to business meetings. Its rich colors and fabrics, paneled wainscoting and beamed coffered ceiling balance out the buzz from the casino, making the resort a tasteful yet exciting space to hold meetings in Louisiana.
Tasteful Temptations
With all the rich woods and fine finishes used in the resort’s decor, it’s obvious that L’Auberge Lake Charles caters to a refined palate, and the same is true for its catering operation, which crafts custom menus for meetings of all sizes and styles. The passion the staff puts into events is evident whether it’s a breakfast buffet to start the morning or a wine-paired formal banquet to toast success.
Pampered to Perfection
Delegates who attend meetings at L’Auberge can use their free time to play a round on a Tom Fazio-designed golf course where beer carts and indigenous alligators add to the excitement or visit the full-service Spa du Lac and 1740 Barbier, where they can sip premium Scotch as they enjoy the Poker Face traditional shave, deluxe pedicures or a shoeshine.
For sunny days, there’s a heated pool, an adults-only pool and a lazy river with a swim-up bar.
A Moveable Meeting
Almost all of L’Auberge’s five separate meeting spaces can be sectioned into smaller sizes.
The 14,140-square-foot L’Auberge Ballroom for instance can accommodate a 1,182-guest banquet or 1,402 people theatre-style, but also breaks into six meeting areas. The 3,892-square-foot Sycamore Room has classroom seating for 260, but divides into four meeting areas, including two 697-square-foot boardrooms.
Cocktail receptions for up to 200 guests are best held in the 1,653-square-foot Cypress Room, while the 11,000-square-foot Terrace and 15,000-square-foot poolside lawn are ideal for events under the stars with tranquil fountains, dramatic pergolas and lush landscaping.
