Best hotels in Lafayette
Lafayette Introduction
Lafayette’s early days as the center of Louisiana’s Acadian community have left their mark through a unique blend of French, Cajun, and Creole cultures—the perfect recipe for laid-back, fun-filled vacations. The locals call Lafayette “the happiest city in America,” and with good reason. From flamboyant street festivals to intimate music bars, high-end seafood restaurants to casual market stalls, and buzzing nightclubs to tranquil nature trails, Lafayette knows how to pitch its appeal to every holidaymaker. Plan a romantic break with the seductive rhythms of zydeco as the soundtrack, or treat the family to a tasty trip during the famous crawfish season.Hotels in Lafayette
Nowhere loves a party more than Lafayette, and all good parties need plenty of guests; so it’s no surprise to discover that hotels in Lafayette cater for all tastes, with everything from simple B&Bs to one-of-a-kind boutique hotels on offer. The city’s abundance of festivals ensures a steady stream of visitors all year round, while the high-profile sporting and cultural events and conventions held at the vast Cajundome arena also bring a demand for comfortable and practical short-stay accommodations. Whether you stay in a quaint inn downtown or a conveniently located motel on the highway, you’ll find that Lafayette hotels underscore the city’s reputation for unstinting hospitality.Where to stay
Soak up Lafayette’s infectious joie de vivre with a stay in the heart of downtown. A room in a historic inn adds the perfect finishing touch to a romantic break, and you’ll have lively restaurants and bars right on your doorstep. The city center also makes a great base for an action-packed family vacation close to all the sights. For a spontaneous getaway that won’t break the bank, look for cheap Lafayette hotels close to the airport, just a couple of miles from downtown. With little seasonal variation in Lafayette hotel rates, last-minute deals in this popular location can offer surprisingly good value, even at the busiest times of year.Things to see
Life in Lafayette is one long party; shake off your inhibitions at the spectacular Mardi Gras parade, or try something new during the Festival Acadiens et Créoles, which showcases indigenous food, music, and crafts over a weekend in October. Celebrate Lafayette’s vibrant Francophone culture in the company of local and international performers and visual artists during the Festival International de Louisiane in April—this family-friendly outdoor event is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The peak crawfish season lasts from around March to May, when the city’s seafood restaurants serve up these flavorsome crustaceans in a variety of different ways. Get another angle on Lafayette’s cosmopolitan heritage at the Steampunk and Makers Fair, a colorful celebration of technology, industry, art, and science presented by the Lafayette Science Museum and Cité des Arts each November.How to get to Lafayette
Lafayette Regional Airport offers scheduled passenger services to Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth, with onward international connections from all 3 hubs. The best way to make the 3-mile journey from the airport to downtown Lafayette is by taxi—many local hotels also provide free shuttles for guests. US Route 90 provides road access to the city, which also conveniently lies at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 49. Travelling within Lafayette’s downtown area is easy and enjoyable on foot, and the city is also bicycle-friendly. The Lafayette Transit System operates the public-bus network within the city limits.
