If you’ve spent any time driving through Northern Louisiana, you know that the stretch of I-20 through Shreveport can be a bit of a blur. Between the neon glow of the casinos and the industrial silhouettes of the Red River, finding a place to crash shouldn't be a mission. But it often is. The Royal Inn Shreveport LA is one of those spots that pops up immediately when you're searching for "cheap hotels near me" or a quick place to park the car for a few hours of sleep before hitting the road to Dallas or Jackson.
Budget travel is tricky. Honestly, people usually look at these types of motels with a mix of necessity and skepticism. You want a low price. You also want a door that locks and a bed that doesn’t feel like a bag of rocks. The Royal Inn sits in that specific niche of the hospitality market—the no-frills, "I just need a roof" category.
Where is the Royal Inn Shreveport LA located?
Location is basically the only reason people pick certain motels over others. The Royal Inn is situated at 1906 N Market St, Shreveport, LA 71107.
If you aren't familiar with the geography of the area, North Market Street is a major artery. It’s a straight shot into the downtown district. You’ve got the Shreveport Convention Center and the core business area just a few minutes south. This is helpful if you're in town for a quick gig or a local event but don't want to pay the "premium" prices of the downtown Hilton or the casino hotels like Bally’s or Horseshoe.
Is the neighborhood fancy? No. It’s an older part of town. You’ll see a lot of local businesses, industrial yards, and older residential pockets. It's the kind of area where you find the best hole-in-the-wall diners if you look hard enough, but it isn't the scenic, tree-lined suburbia some travelers might be expecting.
Getting there from the Interstate
Driving in is simple enough. You take the North Market exit off I-20 or I-220. Traffic in Shreveport can get weirdly congested during the 5:00 PM rush, but generally, you can zip from the highway to the motel parking lot in under five minutes.
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What to expect from the rooms and amenities
Let’s be real. When you book a room at a place like the Royal Inn Shreveport LA, you aren't expecting a chocolate on your pillow or a 5-star spa. You’re looking for the basics.
The rooms generally feature the standard layout: a king or two double beds, a television, a small desk, and a bathroom. Some rooms might have a microwave or a mini-fridge, which is a lifesaver if you’re trying to save money by eating leftovers from Herby-K’s (a legendary local seafood spot you should actually visit while you're there).
The decor is... vintage. Or "classic motel." Think patterned bedspreads and functional furniture. It’s a place designed for utility. It serves the worker who is in town for a construction job, the traveler on a cross-country move, or someone who just needs a quiet spot for the night.
- Free Wi-Fi (Usually standard, though speed varies depending on how many people are streaming movies).
- Air conditioning (A non-negotiable in the Louisiana humidity).
- Surface parking right outside your door.
- Pet policies vary, so always call ahead if you've got a dog in tow.
Managing your expectations in the budget tier
There's a massive difference between a luxury resort and a budget motel. Most of the negative reviews you see for places like the Royal Inn come from people who paid $60 and expected the Ritz.
You’ve got to be realistic.
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Older buildings in the South deal with things like humidity-related wear and tear. Sometimes the carpet looks a bit dated. Sometimes the AC unit hums a little louder than you'd like. That’s the trade-off for the price point. If you’re the type of person who carries your own Clorox wipes and a travel pillow, you’ll be fine. If you need high-thread-count sheets to sleep, you’re probably looking in the wrong part of town.
Safety and Security
This is the big question everyone asks about North Market Street. Like any city, Shreveport has its rougher edges. The Royal Inn is a standard roadside motel. It’s generally well-lit, and the fact that you can park right in front of your room is a plus for many. However, common sense applies. Don’t leave your laptop bag on the passenger seat of your truck. Lock your doors. Be aware of your surroundings. This isn't unique to this motel; it's just standard advice for staying anywhere near a major city center.
The "Real" Shreveport Experience Nearby
If you stay at the Royal Inn Shreveport LA, you're actually in a decent spot to see some of the city's more authentic side. You aren't trapped in the "tourist bubble" of the riverfront.
Check out the local food.
Shreveport food is a weird, beautiful mix of Cajun, Creole, and Texas BBQ. Since you’re on the North side, you aren't far from some decent catfish joints. If you head toward the Highland area, you can find Strawn’s Eat Shop. Their strawberry pie is famous. Like, "people drive three states over for it" famous.
For a little bit of culture, the Shreveport Aquarium isn't far away. It’s surprisingly good for a mid-sized city. If you’re into history, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is where Elvis Presley got his start on the Louisiana Hayride. You can literally stand where the phrase "Elvis has left the building" was coined.
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Comparing the Royal Inn to other local options
Shreveport has plenty of hotels. Why pick this one?
- Price: It’s almost always going to be one of the cheapest options in the zip code.
- Access: If you need to be on the North side of town for work or to head up toward Texarkana, it’s a better launchpad than staying in Bossier City.
- Simplicity: No elevators, no sprawling lobbies to navigate, no valet parking fees. You pull up, you check in, you sleep.
If you want a pool, a gym, and a breakfast buffet with those little DIY waffles, you might want to look at the chains out by the airport. But if those things don't matter to you, the Royal Inn is a straightforward choice.
Practical Advice for your stay
If you decide to book, here are a few "pro tips" for staying at any budget motel in Shreveport:
- Call the front desk directly. Sometimes the online booking sites (Expedia, Booking.com) don't have the most up-to-date availability or pricing. A quick phone call can sometimes snag you a better rate or a room that isn't right next to the vending machines.
- Check the room first. Before you lug all your bags in, do a quick walkthrough. Make sure the lights work and the AC is blowing cold. Most desk clerks are happy to swap you to a different room if something isn't right at the start.
- Bring your own toiletries. Budget spots often have those tiny bars of soap that barely lather. If you like a specific shampoo, bring it.
- Keep your receipts. If you're a business traveler, ensure you get a printed copy at checkout.
Shreveport is a city that’s easy to navigate once you get the hang of the grid. The Royal Inn Shreveport LA isn't trying to be a destination in itself. It’s a tool. It’s a place to recharge so you can get back to whatever brought you to North Louisiana in the first place.
Whether you're visiting for the State Fair (which is huge and right down the road), a casino run, or just passing through on your way to somewhere else, knowing what to expect makes the trip a lot smoother.
Final Actionable Steps
- Verify your route: Use a GPS to check the "North Market" traffic if you're arriving during rush hour.
- Pack a power strip: Older motels often have fewer outlets. If you have a phone, a laptop, and a tablet to charge, you'll thank me later.
- Search for local eats: Skip the fast food on the corner and look for a local diner within a 3-mile radius to get a real taste of Shreveport.