You’re driving across the bridge from Shreveport into Bossier City, and the skyline is basically a row of massive neon logos. Most of them look like every other regional casino in the South—lots of glass, gold accents, and that specific brand of "corporate luxury" that feels a bit dated the second you walk in. Then there’s the Margaritaville Resort Bossier City. It’s got that giant volcano-looking entrance and a vibe that feels like it accidentally got transported from a Florida beach and dropped right onto the banks of the Red River.
Honestly? It should feel tacky.
In some ways, it definitely is. But here’s the thing about Margaritaville: it’s consistently the highest-grossing casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market for a reason. It isn't just about the Jimmy Buffett songs playing on a loop or the salt-rimmed glasses. It’s about the fact that they actually nailed the "resort" part of the name in a way many of their neighbors haven't. If you’re planning a trip, you need to know what’s worth your money and what’s just clever marketing.
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The Room Situation: High Floors or Bust
Let's get into the actual logistics. The hotel tower is 18 stories tall, and if you end up on a lower floor facing the parking lot, you're going to feel like you're staying at a standard Marriott. You want the river view. It makes a massive difference. Looking out over the Red River at sunset while the lights of Shreveport start to flicker on actually gives you that "away from home" feeling you’re paying for.
The rooms themselves are surprisingly modern. Unlike some of the older properties in the area that still smell vaguely of 1994 and stale Virginia Slims, Margaritaville keeps things crisp. Think white linens, light wood, and turquoise accents. It’s "Island Casual," which basically means you don't have to feel weird walking to the elevators in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops.
One quick tip: The "Luxury King" rooms are the standard, but the "Premium" rooms give you a bit more breathing room. If you’re there on a weekend, the elevators can be a nightmare. It’s just a reality of high-rise hotels. Plan an extra ten minutes into your schedule if you’ve got a dinner reservation, or you’ll be standing in the lobby fuming while your steak gets cold.
The Gaming Floor: Bright, Loud, and Tight?
People come to Margaritaville Resort Bossier City to gamble. That’s the engine that runs the whole machine. The casino floor is 30,000 square feet, which isn't the biggest in the world, but it’s laid out well. It feels open. They have over 1,200 slot machines and about 50 table games.
Now, if you talk to the locals, you'll hear the usual grumbling about the machines being "tight." Every gambler says that about every casino they aren't winning at. But objectively, Margaritaville tends to lean into the "entertainment" side of gaming. They have the latest licensed slots—the ones with the giant 4K screens and booming sound systems. If you want old-school mechanical reels, they have a few, but this is a tech-heavy floor.
The table games are where the energy is. The dealers here are generally more personable than at some of the "stiff" corporate spots. They’ll actually joke around with you. If you’re a high roller, there’s a dedicated area, but the main floor is where the noise is. On a Friday night, the place is electric.
Jimmy Buffett’s Steakhouse: More Than Just Burgers
You’d expect a place called Margaritaville to only serve Cheeseburgers in Paradise. While they definitely have those (and they’re fine, if a bit overpriced), the real sleeper hit is Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak.
Most people don't expect a high-end dining experience from a brand built on beach bums. But Jimmy’s is legit. We're talking prime cuts of beef and actual fresh seafood. In North Louisiana, "fresh seafood" can be a gamble, but they fly stuff in. The atmosphere is darker, quieter, and way more sophisticated than the rest of the property.
- Order the crab cakes. They don't overdo it with the breading.
- The steaks are seasoned heavily, so if you're a purist, ask them to go light on the rub.
- Reservations are mandatory. Don't think you can just stroll in on a Saturday at 7:00 PM. You won't get a seat.
On the flip side, the Riverview Restaurant is where you’ll probably end up for breakfast. It’s standard fare. It’s reliable. It’s where you go to soak up the previous night’s decisions with a plate of hash browns and overpriced coffee.
The Pool Scene: The "LandShark" Experience
During the summer, the pool is the centerpiece. This is where Margaritaville Resort Bossier City tries to earn that "resort" title. They have the LandShark Bar & Grill right there, so you can drink a beer while sitting on a submerged barstool.
It’s a vibe.
But be warned: it gets crowded. If it’s a holiday weekend, it’s basically human soup. If you want a cabana, you have to book it way in advance, and they aren't cheap. Is it worth it? If you have a group of four or more, yes. Having a dedicated spot with shade and a server makes the difference between a relaxing afternoon and a stressful search for a plastic lounge chair.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
Bossier City isn't New Orleans. It isn't even Baton Rouge. It’s a blue-collar, military-adjacent town (Barksdale Air Force Base is right around the corner). Some visitors show up expecting a tropical oasis and are disappointed when they see the industrial scenery surrounding the resort.
You have to take it for what it is. It’s an escape within an urban environment. Directly next door is the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. You can literally walk out of the casino and be at a Bass Pro Shops or a movie theater in five minutes. This makes Margaritaville a better choice for families or couples where one person wants to gamble and the other wants to shop.
The Spa and "Me Time"
If the noise of the slot machines starts to make your brain vibrate, the Spa & Salon is the escape hatch. It’s surprisingly high-quality. They do the whole "signature Margaritaville" thing with tropical scents and coconut oils.
It’s one of the few places in the building where the music isn't at a volume level of 11. It’s pricey, but if you’re staying for a long weekend, it’s a necessary reset. A lot of people overlook the spa because they’re focused on the gaming, which means you can often snag a last-minute appointment on weekdays.
The Financial Reality: Watch the Hidden Costs
Let’s be real for a second. Staying here isn't "cheap." While the room rates might look enticing on a Tuesday, they skyrocket on weekends. Then there are the resort fees. Everyone hates them, but they’re a staple here.
You’re also going to pay "resort prices" for drinks. That margarita might be delicious, but it’s going to cost you $14 plus tip. If you’re on a budget, keep an eye on your players' club card. Margaritaville is known for being pretty generous with "Free Slot Play" and dining vouchers if you’re actually putting time in on the floor.
Pro Tip: Sign up for the Mararitaville Perks (or whatever the current iteration of their loyalty program is) before you even arrive. Sometimes they have "new member" specials that give you an immediate discount on your first meal.
Why This Place Stays on Top
There are other casinos in Bossier—Bally's, Horseshoe, Boomtown. Horseshoe is probably the biggest competitor in terms of "serious" gambling. But Margaritaville wins on atmosphere. It feels younger. It feels less "heavy."
The staff generally seems like they want to be there. In the service industry, especially in the 2020s, that's a rare find. Whether it’s the valet guys or the bartenders at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar, there’s a level of "hospitality" that feels authentic rather than scripted.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to do this, don't just wing it.
- Check the Event Calendar: The Paradise Theater hosts some surprisingly big names (think classic rock, country stars, and comedians). If a big show is in town, the hotel will be packed and the vibe will be different.
- Download the App: Use the property’s app to check in. The line at the front desk during peak hours can be soul-crushing.
- Explore the Boardwalk: Don't eat every meal inside the casino. Walk over to the Boardwalk. There are decent spots like Flying Heart Brewing just a short drive away if you want to see what the local scene actually looks like.
- Manage Your Bankroll: It sounds cliché, but the bright lights and "island" music are designed to make you relax. When you’re relaxed, you spend more. Set a limit before you hit the floor.
- Parking: Use the garage. The surface lot is huge, but in the Louisiana heat, your car will turn into an oven. The garage is covered and usually has plenty of space on the upper levels.
Margaritaville Resort Bossier City is a bit of an anomaly. It’s a tropical-themed playground in the middle of the Ark-La-Tex. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s unapologetically exactly what it claims to be. As long as you know that you’re paying for the experience as much as the room, you’ll have a great time. Just remember to hydrate—those margaritas catch up to you faster than you think.