Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, LA

The Heidelberg Hotel was constructed in 1927. Edward Nield, an architect of the time created the design for the hotel wanting to create a luxury establishment which fit within Louisiana structure. Huey P. Long was elected governor in 1928. Long built a new State Capitol Building in 1930. Underneath the ground running from the hotel to the State Capitol a tunnel was built. This enabled Long to reach his mistress. Long was assassinated in 1935 in the hall of the Capitol building, but many questions have gone unanswered about his death. The Capitol building and its location to the Heidelberg Hotel gave rise to the name Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The Hilton hotel was the Heidelberg Hotel. With $70 million in renovations Hilton took over the hotel.

Near the Hilton are the Shaw Center and River Center Convention Center, as well as the State Capitol Building. The renovations which took place at the hotel present modern amenities and a tasteful decor. Staying at the hotel ranges from $159 to $279 in a standard room. Suites are $350 to $800 per night. The exterior of the hotel is white brick, with European architecture above the entrance. The hotel rooms are made with soft colors, comfortable beds, and wood furniture. There are 290 guest rooms. These rooms have a view of the Mississippi River. Amenities in the rooms include high speed internet, flat screen TV, voicemail, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, hairdryer, and all rooms are non smoking.

Outside of the hotel rooms are concierge services, 24 hour room service, fitness center, pool, ATM, beauty shop, shuttle service, laundry service, babysitting service, and business meeting rooms. The meeting rooms allow for all sorts of events from weddings to conferences. The hotel offers modern technological conveniences for anyone who needs the facilities for meetings.

There are two places to get a meal at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The first is the Lobby Bar. It offers drinks, conversation, and a few appetizers. The dress code is casual. For a more sophisticated meal the Kingfish serves as a full dining room. The Kingfish is located in the once secret tunnel of Huey Long. It offers private dining with steaks and seafood on the menu. The hotel does have a coffee shop called Huey's. It is the place to get breakfast as well as a jumpstart for the day.

The Hilton location presents a number of attractions and activities in the city to enjoy. Riverboat cruises, casinos, shopping mall, and other activities are available. It is possible to walk to the New State Capitol Building to see Huey Long's creation. From there one might want to take a ride to the Old State Capitol Building which is now a museum. Other museums in Baton Rouge, like the Louisiana Art and Science Museum offers a look at history, culture, and art. There is also a planetarium on the premises for those interested in star gazing. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Park allows for outdoor fun.