Beau Rivage has managed to come back quickly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This 29-floor golden beacon has elaborately landscaped terraces that rise to the beachfront entrance where guests are greeted by bellhops and parking valets. The dramatic lobby, with its billowing masses of hydrangeas, sets the tone for the "French Riviera meets the South" look, and check-in is speedy and efficient.
The restaurant offerings here have been downscaled a bit, but there are still three fine dining options for steaks or Italian or Asian specialties. More casual fare is offered at the buffet or pair of diners—one for burgers and pizza, the other with touches of southern style. A round-the-clock cafe is also present, along with a coffee bar, ice-cream shop and quick-stop deli.
The sports bar becomes a nightclub after dark, and three other lounges each offer a distinctive personality. Thirteen shops line The Promenade, offering everything from designer clothing to fine jewelry and souvenirs. The casino offers the usual tables and slot machines, and the ventilation is better here, making the smoky haze far less noticeable.
Unlike other area casino-hotels, the Beau Rivage strives to attract those with interests beyond gambling. Within the hotel are a pampering day spa and salon, and the large, elaborately landscaped pool area comes complete with a restaurant, bar, dozens of deck chairs and cabanas. Boats are rented at the marina for deep-sea fishing and relaxing shore cruises. The young beach staff is eager to please. Entertainment ranges from dancing in the nightclub to headliners 
and Cirque du Soleil in the 1,550-seat theater.
Business and concierge services are available 24 hours a day, and the convention center supplies up to 1,800 people with state-of-the-art equipment and outdoor reception areas. Valet and self-parking are free.
The spacious guest rooms dazzle with artistic decor, pillow-top mattresses, and a high standard of luxury and comfort. The picture windows take in gulf or bay views, and the well-lit closets provide full-length mirrors. The 32-inch flat-panel TVs sit atop dressers, and desks have dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports, as well as high-speed Internet access. Safes, CD players and reading lamps are in all units. Huge baths boast Italian marble counters and floors, tubs, stall showers, makeup mirrors, third phones and hair dryers. Jasmine Suites add separate living-room areas, and Cypress Suites also have dining rooms.
There is private access to the top seven floors, and many floors are smoke-free. Dozens of rooms are wheelchair accessible.
The Beau Rivage offers the best for those who expect it and for those who want to experience it as well.
