Carriage House Hotel

"Why did this hotel catch your attention?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 feeling place to stay. There are some welcome neoclassical flourishes to the building and a scenic courtyard. What's the backstory?The hotel is Lafayette’s only AAA 4-Diamond hotel and is nestled in the residential and commercial development of River Ranch. It’s an architecturally mixed neighborhood, and the modern brick building is as close to a boutique hotel experience as you’ll find in the city, a fine example of the New Urbanist movement that informed the original design. It’s a little outside downtown, and so having a car is advantageous. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?My one-bedroom suite was unfussy and felt more than spacious thanks to the 12-foot ceilings, excellent daylight and a clean, white color palate. The fittings are all modishly utilitarian and aside from a couple of modern abstract prints in the bedroom, there’s not much in the way of decoration, which will appeal to minimalists. The modern quality carries on through the bathroom and there’s a small but welcome kitchenette/parlor with a fridge, microwave and granite counter tops. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The food and beverage offering is function over form. There’s a complimentary to-go breakfast that provides guests with waffles, muffins, cereals, fruit, and hot drinks. The main restaurant is just opposite in the City Club (of which the hotel is part), its Bar & Grill offering a familiar selection of modern American dishes, plus more unusual diversions such as poke bowls, duck fat-fried brussel sprouts, and crawfish pasta. How was the service?The hotel is small enough for the staff to offer a personal level of service, and guests were addressed by their names during my stay, which felt reassuringly professional. The front desk staff are on hand for basic orientation and questions about the City Club and River Ranch, and they had a good breadth of knowledge about local nightlife and dining options in downtown Lafayette. What type of travelers will you find here?With the hotel being a mix of short and long stay guests, there was a fair proportion of visiting businesspeople and a couple of young families staying in the larger, two-bedroom suites. It seemed to be mostly a corporate clientele, though, as opposed to leisure travelers. But the facilities and use of the club mean that both are well catered to. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in?The development was purpose-built and so the entire aesthetic, including the hotel, is a cohesive one. The hotel fits in seamlessly with the backdrop of residential and commercial units, and the location is a tranquil one, it being a twelve or so minute drive into the heart of downtown Lafayette. Is there anything you'd change?It would be nice to have the option of a cooked breakfast on site, ideally delivered to the room, as the nearest café is a few minutes’ walk and it gets very busy in the mornings. Any other hotel features worth noting?The amenities at the City Club really elevate the hotel experience. Their outdoor pool has extensive lounging areas as well as 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. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Lafayette is a lovely city that sadly doesn’t have an abundance of high quality hotels, so this collection of very comfortable suites is a welcome addition to the choices here for visitors. The fact that it isn’t a national chain and that it enjoys the amenities of the City Club also work entirely in its favor." - Paul Oswell