I am continually asked what is a good hotel to stay at in Bossier City, Louisiana; with good access to the Red River. The Red River is a favorite bass tournament water for the bigger professional angler circuits, B.A.S.S., FLW, and many other regional or national bass tournament events. When these events come to town, you better get your reservations early. We have a lot of accommodations in the area; however, they fill up quickly.
The optimum place to stay would be at the Red River South Marina. Most of these events will launch from this marina. Staying here will put you right in the middle of the morning action. However, you will have about a 20 minute drive to get into Bossier City for food and shopping. Red River South Marina has four launch ramps, a full store with food and drinks, along with boat slips for parking your bass boat in the water. Red River South Marina has plenty of cabins, but they fill up quickly. They also have a large number of camper spaces with full hook ups.
Bossier City, has more hotels than we can use under normal circumstances; however, it never fails that an additional venue will be in town at the same time as one of the larger bass tournaments. This usually leads to No Vacancy signs throughout town. I’m here to tell you that not every hotel in Bossier City is created equal, and it’s easy to end up in a place that is either a theft hazard or the room cleanliness is less than desirable. With that in mind, I did a little research to pick hotels that I could recommend.
First would be the Country Hearth, formerly known as the Best Western, 1984 Airline Drive, Bossier City, 71112. It has ample parking, in case you want to bring your boat with you. I have personally stayed at this hotel recently and found it to be comfortable. The rooms are clean and have the basic necessities. Small refrigerator, small coffee pot, iron, and ice maker on each floor. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. There is a cafe and casino in the front lobby. The best part for me is the Waffle House inside the same parking lot. The Country Hearth’s phone number is 318-742-6000.
Rodeway Inn and Suites, 3033 Hilton Drive, Bossier City, 71112, is right next to the Country Hearth. It also has ample parking for someone towing a boat. Rodeway, basically has the same amenities. Both of these hotels are on the north side of Interstate 20 with very easy access. The Rodeway is right next to Interstate 20; I would caution that there may be some traffic noise. Most times this will not be an issue.
MicroTel, 2713 Village Lane, Bossier City, 71112 and Quality Inn, 2717 Village Lane, Bossier City, 71112 are on the south side of Interstate 20. They are cheaper; but do not have room for boats. It’s possible to get a boat in and out of the parking lot, but you will have to disconnect it for overnight parking. The local Outback restaurant sits between them with seafood and catfish just across the street. Both these hotels also have coffee pots in each room but to get a mini refrigerator and microwave you will have to upgrade to a suite. A continental-style breakfast is available each morning until 9 am. According to the manager at the Quality Inn there are some outside plugs for boat battery chargers; however, parking is limited.
Within just two or three minutes drive from any of these four hotels, you will find restaurants from Chili’s to Red Lobster along with all the typical fast food style eating. Also, within just a couple minutes, is the Bossier City Mall with enough shopping to keep even the biggest enthusiast happy for some time. Bass Pro Shops is along hwy 80 on the shores of the Red River. This is just a couple stop lights north on Airline Drive from any of these four hotels. The Shreveport Convention Center is also accessed from hwy 80 after you cross the Red River.
For the camping or cabin enthusiast, check out the information on Bisteneau Lake State Park. It’s about 20 minutes from Red River South and sits right along the shores of a very majestic, cypress tree filled lake. Bisteneau offers fantastic fishing and can show you what Louisiana is all about.
When planning your trip to the Bossier City area, check out these hotels for convenience and comfort at a fair price. The Shreveport/Bossier area casino’s offer a wide range of rooms as well but the parking is limited when towing a boat and not recommended. However, if you have some place to keep your boat or are without it, the casino rooms can be quite nice along with all you can eat buffets each night.
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