WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection

I’m back at The Watermark a couple of times most months, and the service stays smooth from check-in through leaving. Britney, Mr. Bill, and the rest of the team are professional and genuinely kind. They greet me with smiles and make me feel welcome and valued every visit. That consistency is why I keep returning. It’s a comfortable, quality stay with service I can count on for either business or leisure.

My wife and I came with our kids to see museums nearby and visit family. The Watermark is usually my favorite Marriott property around greater Baton Rouge, and we were given two high-floor upgrades for our elite status. Things were fine until bedtime, when music from a nearby bar was loud enough to hear and feel on the 10th floor, probably higher too. I texted the front desk and appreciated the quick reply. They said the bar noise is a recurring problem but that the bar follows local rules. If those rules allow this, they might as well be for pre-game warmups at Tiger Stadium. Marriott brings in plenty of revenue, and I have a hard time believing the world’s largest hotel chain can’t find a creative fix for a known issue. If The Watermark is Marriott’s flagship in the state’s capitol, it should expect more consideration from the neighbors, or use political and legal options to push for it. Marriott International can afford that. The state legislature is right down the street, and I’m sure the city council and policy jury are nearby. Spend money to get a new ordinance, or lose Marriott loyalists who expect more from the most expensive hotel east of the Ritz Carlton and JW in New Orleans.

Bartender Ben made my visit feel world class, with top-tier drinks and a skill and personality few bartenders I’ve met can match. I stopped by the bar while staying at a nearby hotel, and my expectations were easily exceeded. I’ll be back whenever I’m in town.

Food was decent, the fitness setup was good, valet was easy, and the staff were pleasant. There’s complimentary morning coffee at Milford's, though it isn’t advertised. I’d give it a solid 4 for the price. The only things keeping me from a 5 were refuse trucks waking me at 5:00 am and general street noise. The sink and vanity placement in the room was odd, but a draw curtain gave some privacy. The shower had excellent pressure, and it and the toilet were behind a sliding glass door.