3 Best Day Trips from New Orleans

"A search for accommodation beyond cookie-cutter national chains in Lafayette doesn't turn up many results, especially if you’re looking for relatively upscale digs. An unflashy brick building in a newish part of town, the Carriage House has some 21 luxury suites and a handful of extended-stay condos, and given the very ordinary local competition in the local hotel portfolio, it’s a refreshingly contemporary and fresh property. There are some welcome neoclassical flourishes to the building and a scenic courtyard. The amenities at the City Club (of which the hotel is part) really elevate the experience. The outdoor pool has extensive lounging areas, a water slide, and fountains, making for a fun spot for families. The Club also has some pristine all-weather tennis courts and a wonderful fitness center, with a gymnasium, sauna, and a wealth of exercise classes." - Paul Oswell