When planning a family trip to Louisiana, many visitors naturally focus on the bright lights and live music of New Orleans. However, the state capital of Baton Rouge has plenty to offer families too, from fascinating museums and riverfront attractions to great food and Southern hospitality. On our southern USA road trip, we stayed at Bally’s Baton Rouge and found it to be a stylish, comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city.
While Bally’s is perhaps best known for its gaming facilities, families should not overlook the hotel itself. We discovered a modern property with spacious accommodation, great dining options and a fantastic location that places many of Baton Rouge’s top attractions within easy reach.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Location in the heart of Baton Rouge
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Bally’s Baton Rouge is its central location. Situated in downtown Baton Rouge overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, the hotel offers easy access to many of the city’s most popular attractions.
Families can enjoy a stroll along the riverfront, explore nearby museums, or visit the impressive Louisiana State Capitol. The hotel is also conveniently located for the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, one of Baton Rouge’s most family-friendly attractions, where children can climb aboard a historic naval destroyer and discover fascinating stories from the Second World War.
The downtown location means that restaurants, shops and entertainment venues are all close at hand. For visitors arriving by car, the hotel provides a convenient base from which to explore the wider Baton Rouge area.
Bedrooms at Bally’s Baton Rouge
After a busy day of sightseeing, we were delighted to return to one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed guest rooms.
The bedrooms strike an excellent balance between modern style and comfort. Contemporary furnishings, tasteful décor and thoughtful design help to make this a really relaxing space.
The standout feature for us was undoubtedly the bed. The mattress was great quality. High-quality bedding with crisp linens all contributed to an excellent night’s sleep.
Families know that a comfortable bed can make or break a holiday, and Bally’s certainly delivers in this department. The room felt spacious and well designed, with plenty of room to unpack and settle in.
We really enjoyed having interconnecting rooms which gave us plenty of space to spread out as a family. It meant we had one room with two queen beds and another with one bed. Ideal for a family of five.
Large windows allowed plenty of natural light into the room during the day, while effective blackout curtains ensured a peaceful night’s sleep. Modern conveniences such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a large television, ample charging points and a practical workspace added to the overall comfort.
Bathrooms that feel a little luxurious
The bathrooms deserve special mention.
Often overlooked in hotel reviews, a good bathroom can significantly enhance a stay, and Bally’s has clearly invested in creating attractive and functional spaces.
Our bathroom featured stylish finishes, contemporary fixtures and a clean, modern design. The spacious shower provided excellent water pressure, while quality toiletries added a welcome touch of luxury.
Everything felt exceptionally well maintained and spotlessly clean.
Dining options for the whole family
We were really pleased to find the main Bally’s restaurant was open to the whole family and outside of the casino area. This was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast at Bally’s Baton Rouge
Breakfast was a great spread of everything from pancakes to yoghurt. We enjoyed a meal here each morning and it set us up perfeclty for the day ahead.
The main menu
We loved that the menu combined classic American favourites with regional Louisiana influences. This gives visitors the opportunity to sample some local flavours without having to venture far from their room.
We particularly appreciated the generous portions and friendly service. Staff members were welcoming and attentive, creating a relaxed environment where families could enjoy a meal together.
It was so good to have the opportunity to try a Louisiana po’boy and the children loved the onion rings and jalapeno bites. A few,healthier, more vegetarian friendly options would have been great, but that was the case on most of our trips to. the USA with kids.
In all we enjoyed the food here and the convenience of dining in.
A café perfect for busy days
Alongside the restaurant, the hotel’s café proved to be a real asset during our stay.
It featured a section of good coffee, pastries, snacks and lighter meals. The café provides a convenient option for grabbing breakfast before heading out or enjoying a quick refreshment during the day.
Friendly Southern hospitality
One of the highlights of our stay was the consistently warm and welcoming service.
From check-in through to departure, staff members were friendly, professional and eager to help.
This genuine Southern hospitality helped create a positive atmosphere throughout the hotel and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
Exploring Baton Rouge with the family
Bally’s location makes it easy to discover many of Baton Rouge’s family attractions.
The nearby riverfront offers pleasant walks and fantastic views across the Mississippi. The USS Kidd Veterans Museum provides an engaging and educational experience for children, while the Louisiana Art & Science Museum combines interactive exhibits with opportunities to learn about science, space and local culture.
Families can also explore the grounds of the Louisiana State Capitol or venture further afield to enjoy parks, nature attractions and family-friendly dining across the city.
We really enjoyed trips out to the Saturday farmer’s market, the incredibly moving Magnolia Mound Plantation, a trip to the local outlet malls and picking up some Louisiana style snowballs.
Returning to the comfort of Bally’s at the end of each day was always something we looked forward to.
Ready to book?
Bally’s Baton Rouge is a well located, incredibly comfortable hotel that is perfect for families visiting the city.
We loved the relaxed bedrooms, the valet parking and the convenience of the on-site restaurant. The staff were some of the friendliest we encountered.
For families seeking a modern hotel with great facilities and easy access to Baton Rouge’s attractions, it proves to be a great choice.
Check availability and book here.
Read more about our southern USA road trip here.
