Possible work trip to the area.... looking for where to stay if it happens.

Which of the two is the better place for safety, food, drinks/craft beer/breweries, etc.?

I remember being told one is good, the other to avoid... but I can't remember which was which.

Travel to Bossier City several times every year for work. While it isn't very nice, everyone there says Shreveport is even worse, at least crime wise. We normally stay close to the horse race track. Can point you in the direction of a few decent restaurants if you end up staying in Bossier.

Thanks.
Hoping I don't have to go.

Stay at margaritaville or horseshoe. They have security and keep the riff raff out. Also dining plenty of dining on site or at the open air mall next door

C. Marshall.

Bossier City is where I prefer up there. Horsehoe has decent food, although I'm a Marriott ho so I stay at the Courtyard next to the mall.

Flying Heart Brewing is a block away and has solid pizza and good brews if you're into that.

I can tell you to avoid the Microtel in B City. It is right on the tracks and the whole damn building shakes every time a train goes by.

horseshoe

Morbo the Annihilator said:

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Bossier City is where I prefer up there. Horsehoe has decent food, although I'm a Marriott ho so I stay at the Courtyard next to the mall.

Flying Heart Brewing is a block away and has solid pizza and good brews if you're into that.

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The East Bank area has several good restaurants. L'Italiano is right across the street from Flying Heart.

Silver Star near the racetrack is also very good. The N La A&M Club holds its Muster there.

Horseshoe is probably your best bet in BC. Be aware that there is construction on I20 just past the Traffic St exit that slows traffic down a lot.

If you must stay in Shreveport, then the downtown Hilton is OK. I wouldn't recommend the downtown casinos on the Shreveport side of the river. You may be happier checking out some B&Bs on Fairfield Ave if you want something comfortable and unique.

If you need some Shreveport recommendations for good dinner spots, just ask.

G Martin 87 said:

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Morbo the Annihilator said:

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Bossier City is where I prefer up there. Horsehoe has decent food, although I'm a Marriott ho so I stay at the Courtyard next to the mall.

Flying Heart Brewing is a block away and has solid pizza and good brews if you're into that.

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The East Bank area has several good restaurants. L'Italiano is right across the street from Flying Heart.

Silver Star near the racetrack is also very good. The N La A&M Club holds its Muster there.

Horseshoe is probably your best bet in BC. Be aware that there is construction on I20 just past the Traffic St exit that slows traffic down a lot.

If you must stay in Shreveport, then the downtown Hilton is OK. I wouldn't recommend the downtown casinos on the Shreveport side of the river. You may be happier checking out some B&Bs on Fairfield Ave if you want something comfortable and unique.

If you need some Shreveport recommendations for good dinner spots, just ask.

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Get the Au Gratin potatoes at Silver Star. You won't regret it.

Thanks for the advice y'all.
Question though.... everyone is saying to stay in the casino hotels.
Im titanium at marriot and diamond at hilton, along with being a work trip, not sure a casino hotel would be allowed.

How are the residence inn and courtyard in BC?

I've stayed at the courtyard next to the horseshoe before. It was fine, but your hotel mates will definitely be a step or two down from horseshoe or margaritaville guests. Should be safe enough though

I've stayed at the Hilton on the Shreveport side before, and it was fine. A little expensive for what it is, but it's way better than the alternatives. For breweries, Great Raft is great.

Good to know. Thanks.

For now I've dodged this bullet.... but i may have to go in future.

Appreciate all the advice

Superior Grill in Shreveport is always on the list to visit when in town.

mneisch said:

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Superior Grill in Shreveport is always on the list to visit when in town.

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Reliably great choice. Try Ki Mexico on your next visit, too. The elotes and street tacos can't be beat.

mneisch said:

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Superior Grill in Shreveport is always on the list to visit when in town.

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I second this, especially if it is on the company tab.

Well.......
Looks like trips might be back on.... for multiple weeks.

Whats the best way to get there?
Fly in?
Fly to Dallas or BTR and drive?

How are the hiltons (like the garden inn etc) around the area?
Ends up I need 27 more stays or 40 more nights to retain diamond so would be jumping hotels every night I'm in town.

Born and raised in Shreveport and still have tons of family around that area. Where are you needing to be each day? That will depend some on recommendations.

Agree with most that in general Bossier is significantly better/safer than Shreveport but Southwest near Bert Kouns loop and 171 is ok. Also Youree Drive and 70th street area is decent (Whole Foods is there). North bossier is the best general area (I-220 and Airline Drive or Benton road)


Stay far away from st Vincent mall area.

Thanks for the recs and info AEP.

So I'm currently booked 1 night at the downtown Hilton, 1 night at the Bossier garden inn,
1 night at the garden inn by the airport, and 1 night at the Hampton by the airport.

Your comment about the mall St. Vincent area has me a bit concerned now as I had planned on hitting up the 2 breweries in town, but I see they are right by there.
Would you say I should avoid those places?

Typically when I travel I work the day. But at night, if possible, I like to go out and hit up breweries or other local places for food and local craft beer; trying to avoid being stuck in the hotel doing nothing.

For example, in Springfield or Wichita I would typically stay downtown allowing me to walk to local eateries or breweries or grab a short uber ride.

Those hotels should be fine/safe. Never stayed at any of them since I have family all over there but location wise no issues.

Never been to the breweries (not my thing) but if you make smart decisions you will be fine. Don't be the last guy out after closing, don't be stumbling drunk, park in a well lit spot ,etc.

In general I mostly see pan handlers and folks hoping for a few bucks for drugs. It isn't like there are gang shootouts left and right or anything .

But your Texas license plates are a magnet for "extra" so just don't be stupid and you will be fine. Lots of good places to eat and ways to enjoy.

If you get a chance go down to Natchitoches and get some meat pies, walk along the cobblestone street and enjoy the river. It really isn't that far and is a great side trip.

Good to know... and I remember from 20 years ago Texas plates tended to get extra attention from people and police i that state. .
Im actually flying in as I live in Nashville so I hope the rental car has local plates.