Vibrant, charming, and nocturnal, it’s safe to say that Bourbon Street is the life of the party in New Orleans. Whenever we go to New Orleans, we find ourselves in this place, where jazz spills into the streets and balconies drip with wrought iron charm. Of course, being a major attraction, Bourbon Street has tons of amazing accommodations. We’ve rested our heads in many different hotels, but our nights at The Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans were especially memorable. This luxurious escape gave us an unforgettable stay, blending timeless elegance with the infectious energy of NOLA. From its spacious balconies, alluring bars, massive pool, and 5-star service, everything about our stay was flawless. Keep scrolling to learn more about our experience, and you’ll soon find yourself at this Bourbon Street gem, too.
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Bourbon Street convenience
Like many other hotels in the area, The Royal Sonesta offers its guests an impeccable location. Staying at this hotel, we were in the middle of the French Quarter’s energy. Bourbon Street’s lively atmosphere was just steps away, but thanks to the hotel’s design, we could escape the hustle and bustle when we wanted.
Jackson Square, a must-see for any New Orleans visitor, was just a short stroll away. We spent afternoons wandering the square, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the street performers. The French Market, another iconic spot, was also incredibly close, allowing us to easily grab unique souvenirs and local specialties.
While Bourbon Street is the heart of the action, we also loved that The Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans offered easy access to other interesting areas. We enjoyed exploring Algiers Point, a quick ferry ride across the Mississippi. The New Orleans Jazz Museum, where we learned all about the city’s rich musical heritage, was also within easy reach.
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A look inside the balcony room
The Royal Sonesta has a plethora of comfortable rooms to choose from. However, no matter which you choose, all of them come with the essentials: complimentary Wi-Fi, a huge flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and others.
For our stay, we opted for the Interior King Room, which offered a private balcony. This was a lovely perk, especially since we could choose between a tranquil courtyard view or a view of the lively pool area. Which one did we choose? The former, of course! Also, our room was well-appointed with a comfortable seating area, so we had a proper place to relax after going sightseeing. There was also a Keurig coffee maker for those mornings when we needed a quick caffeine fix. We also appreciated the plush bathrobe and hairdryer, which were nice little touches that made our stay even more comfortable.
“Whether it’s morning or night, we never got tired of chilling on the balcony, witnessing what was going on on the street.”
WOW Travel
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Guests: pampered
We found ourselves pleasantly surprised by the range of amenities offered by The Royal Sonesta. Whether you’re looking to stay active, unwind by the pool, or explore the city like a VIP, this hotel has you covered.
Right from the start, the concierge service impressed us. These folks can handle anything, from hidden gem recommendations to executing an over-the-top surprise for your little travel companion. Yep—based on Royal Sonesta New Orleans’ pet policy, your pet can stay at the hotel for free.
We also loved the PressReader access. Imagine—nearly 7,000 publications at your fingertips, all complimentary once you connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. We were able to catch up on current events and indulge in our favorite glossy magazines, all while lounging in our comfy robes.
Also, the 24-hour fitness center is great for fitness fanatics. Modern equipment, from cardio machines to free weights, ensures you can maintain your exercise regimen. After hours of flight, we were a little sore. While we didn’t use the gym, we did take advantage of the chlorine-free freshwater pool.
This isn’t your average hotel pool, though. The Royal Sonesta boasts one of the largest pools in the French Quarter, offering ample space to soak up the sun or do some laps. Plus, there’s the seasonal Oasis Pool Bar right there for poolside refreshments. Talk about convenience!
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A culinary tour
The Royal Sonesta isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a launching pad for a full-on sensory adventure, especially when it comes to food and drink. The hotel’s philosophy is “Food is Art,” and this philosophy is evident across its five distinct venues.
For a truly immersive New Orleans experience, we can’t recommend Desire Oyster Bar & Restaurant enough. Stepping off Bourbon Street and under the iconic marquee, we were transported into a contemporary space buzzing with energy. Here, you can pull up a seat at the raw bar and watch expert shuckers transform fresh Gulf oysters into culinary masterpieces. Whether you prefer them chargrilled, on the half shell, or another way, Desire promises an authentic taste of the Big Easy.
We also enjoyed The Jazz Playhouse a lot. Set on the hotel’s lobby level, this Art Deco gem boasts a luxurious ambiance that perfectly complements the sounds of the city’s top jazz virtuosos. Resident acts like Big Sam and Nayo Jones keep things lively while special guests add an extra layer of excitement. We loved sipping on our cocktails while letting the sounds of the music wash over us.
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Say, “I do.”
While The Royal Sonesta exudes timeless sophistication, it goes far beyond just a beautiful space. Imagine exchanging vows in a charming French Quarter courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and iconic wrought-iron balconies. This evocative setting is just the beginning. The hotel boasts exceptional cuisine, perfect for creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience for you and your guests. We’ve tried most of the on-site restaurants, and they were all splendid.
The hotel understands that your wedding day is about much more. That’s why it offers private rooms for pre-wedding festivities like elegant bridal showers, celebratory brunches, or intimate tea parties. Their experienced staff takes the stress out of planning and coordinating as much as you’d like.
And because your wedding day should be completely relaxing, the hotel can pamper you with pre-ceremony pampering sessions, including massages, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling. The Royal Sonesta truly leaves no detail unturned. To learn more about the hotel’s wedding venues, click here.
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Pros
- The Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans is in the heart of the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street itself. This means you’re steps from all the action, bars, restaurants, and sights.
- Many rooms have balconies overlooking the lively Bourbon Street.
- The hotel boasts one of the area’s biggest outdoor pools in a tranquil courtyard, a 25-hour gym, and multiple on-site dining options.
Cons
- Bourbon Street is famous for its party atmosphere, and rooms facing the street can be noisy at times.
Conclusion
So, why do we love The Royal Sonesta so much? Probably because it has a little bit of everything: an amazing location, friendly service, fantastic amenities, luxurious rooms, multiple restaurants and bars—you name it. It has even been awarded as one of the best hotels in the Big Easy, so there’s really no reason not to spend at least a night at this fabulous hotel.
Read Also
- Westin in New Orleans: A Riverfront Gem
- Omni Royal Orleans New Orleans: Fit for Royalty
- New Orleans Marriott at Lakeway: Lakeside Luxury
- 11 Best French Quarter Boutique Hotels (New Orleans)
- 11 Best Motels in New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Royal Sonesta New Orleans check-in time and check-out time?
A: Check-in at the hotel is from 4 PM, and check-out is until 11 AM.
Q: How old is the Royal Sonesta?
A: The hotel first opened its doors in 1969, so it is over 54 years old as of this writing.
Q: How old do you have to be to check in at the Royal Sonesta?
A: You must be at least 21 to check in at the hotel.
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