As an education advocate, I often travel to Baton Rouge for the legislative session, and to the State Board of Education meetings. I had the opportunity of staying at the Belle in March and April 2011. I have been meaning to review this hotel along with 7 others, but after a 21 hour semester, I haven't had much free time.

As it relates to service:

- The booking process was smooth, on one stay, I actually had two complimentary nights in the hotel, and on the second trip I had to pay.

- A mid-week rate of $139.00 is pretty typical for a casino hotel, however I must admit, of all the riverboat casino hotels I've lodged at in Louisiana (Shreveport's Sam's Town, and Eldorado Casino Hotels, Bossier City's Horseshoe, Boomtown, and Diamond Jacks; and Harrah's New Orleans) the Belle is much different than your typical casino/hotel...

In all fairness the rooms are VERY CLEAN, and the front desk staff, contrary to some of the other reviews are cordial, helpful, and understanding.

On my third trip to the Belle, I was turned around because their new hotel policy would not allow them to hold the incidental deposit on a green dot, or prepaid Visa/Master Card. While I totally respect their policy, I had a hard time understanding why was it such an issue considering the funds were on the card, and in addition Larger more elegant hotels such as those listed above have no problems billing such cards.

But on the two previous trips, I was allowed to charge my incidental fee to my prepaid card - I guess it's all in who works the front desk... lol

The Belle Hotel has so much potential, I would suggest them take some pointers from some of the casino/hotels in North Louisiana.

Overall positive experience, and now that I have an actual Bank card and credit card - I would consider the Belle again!

Stayed at this hotel because of a seminar I was attending. So, for the location alone, it was worth not having to wake up earlier and fight traffic to get here. That being said, the hotel doesn't appear to have been updated since it opened. There were stains on the carpet in the halls that looked like puke. The room itself had worn furniture and fixtures. I'm not quite sure how granite (in the bathroom) can look scruffy, and be clean at the same time. However, this hotel seems to have mastered just that. While the room appeared "clean", it was hard to tell given how worn things looked. There is free self parking; and, your stay does include a buffet breakfast. However, this hotel was no better than accommodations at competing properties costing significantly less. So, if you don't need the location, I'd stay elsewhere unless you can have them match a "deal" from another hotel.

One last thing. I will say that the hotel staff were friendly and professional.

This is the worst bussiness hotel ever. Worst food. Every one was sending theirs back. No hot water. They ran out of botteled water in the lobby and you cannot drink the tap. Dirty bathrooms. But worst of all there are homeless and what looks like gang members walking all around. I feel dirty and scared and will never stay here again!

What can I say about The Belle of Baton Rouge? It's a gem of a place. I found this place while researching places in Baton Rouge as my friends and I were attending a concert at the River Center complex. Come to find out, the Belle was across the street. It's literally 50ft or so away. So if you are attending a show, convention, anything at the River Center, the Belle is VERY convenient. When I tried to book through the website, the hotel was booked but my friend was able to book a room through AAA. They do have an airport shuttle-the hotel is a distance away and I'm glad that they offered it. Since I was checking in before my friend who booked the room, they had to utilize my card for the reservation. There was an issue on my card at check-in time but the check-in Belle hotel associate was very helpful and was able to process the check-in. I've forgotten his name but it starts with a W as I recall. He would later come to help me even more later on- he was kind enough to drive to the airport the next day to drop off my cell phone charger which I had forgotten in my hotel room. He so rocked for doing this. He went far beyond his duties to help a customer out and I appreciates that very much.

We only stayed one night and it's a pretty basic hotel room that will cover your basic needs.
If you like casinos, theirs isn't like your typical ones found in Vegas or AC. Theirs is located on a boat- you can walk to it but they also do offer a golf cart type shuttle to take you down the pathway. My friends and I had dinner at the restaurant and the food and service was great.

All in all, this was a fine stay for my friends and I and we would come back again. =)