We have stayed at both the mansions and the bayou rooms.
The mansions are all 3 stories tall with many rooms. Standard rooms face the parking lots, and water view rooms may face the quiet pools or the Sassagoula River.
The rooms are done in a French Provential motiff, sleep 4 and have 2 double beds. There are a few with king beds, as well.
Magnolia Terrace is the most centrally located and is non smoking. It is a 5 minute walk to the main pool and about 8-10 minutes from the main building. Depending where in the building you are, the bus stop is a 2-5 minute walk.
In the mansions, if you can get a room on the upper levels, your view will be a bit better...just make sure that your window is not situated behind one of the pillars... ours was, and we had a lovely water view of the backside of a pillar... I was very disappointed, and didn't know enough at the time to request a room change.
The grounds are beautiful and the landscaping around the mansions is very manicured, with beautiful flowers and fountains. The landscaping around the Bayou rooms is more rustic and woody with wild flowers, and many squirrels, bunnies and ducks (this is our preference as that area is quieter and more secluded feeling).
Have a great time
