Bourbon Street is hardly the first place you’d expect to find an outpost of high-end hospitality, but The Royal Sonesta is perched proudly, right in the thick of the French Quarter’s nightlife strip.
This landmark hotel, which opened in 1969, knows how to party, but also knows when to call it a night. The façade fits right in, with wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps and flowers tumbling from railings, but behind the gates is a leafy courtyard with a pool that feels like it belongs to another world entirely. It’s a bit like New Orleans itself: chaos outside, charm inside. The Sonesta is a place where you can dive right in then retreat whenever you need a break. It’s a prime spot for visitors, but the restaurants, jazz club and on-site events draw just as many locals. If you’re staying here, get ready for a good time, both outside and inside.
Why stay at the Royal Sonesta?
Plenty of hotels claim to give you the ‘real’ New Orleans experience, but few put you right in the middle of it with such style. The Royal Sonesta leans into its Bourbon Street address with flair, while also serving as an oasis of polished marble, glittering chandeliers and a cool hush that dissolves the commotion outside. There’s no shade thrown towards the nightly revelry of tourists, and in fact one of the hotel’s most beloved annual traditions turns a typical nuisance—drunken revelers climbing the balconies during Carnival—into a party and competition with the annual Greasing of the Poles on the Friday before Mardi Gras. (It’s a can’t-miss event, where local celebs in costume help prep the balconies while putting on a show.) Staying here means you’re as close to the action as you can get, while just far enough away to relax.
What are the rooms like?
Once inside the hotel, you can tune out the nonstop Bourbon Street revelry thanks to top-notch soundproofing. Rooms are classic and unfussy, with big beds, crisp linens, dark wood, plenty of plugs for your devices and bathrooms made of marble and glass. If you’re lucky enough to snag a balcony, you’ll either be looking straight onto the madness of Bourbon (perfect if you’re into people-watching) or into the leafy calm of the courtyard (ideal if you’re not into seeing the crowds). Suites add a little more space and a little extra luxury, but even the standard rooms feel well-considered. Nothing wildly design-forward here—this isn’t a boutique hotel—but it nails comfort, which is exactly what you’ll need after a night out.
What is the food and drink like?
The Royal Sonesta is, in fact, a culinary hotspot for both visitors and locals. Desire Oyster Bar is a classic New Orleans joint: a casual, lively spot for Gulf oysters and Creole classics. The chargrilled oysters are a must, as is the deeply-spiced seafood gumbo. Then there’s Le Booze, a Bourbon Street bar with a prime perch for people-watching and strong cocktails to match.
But it’s Restaurant R’evolution that’s the star: it delivers modern Southern fine dining with a whole load of dramadramatic flair. There’s rabbit and dumplings, wagyu beef carpaccio, an unforgettable Death by Gumbo sampler and an award-winning wine list. The Jazz Playhouse is a destination itself, with local musicians performing jazz, soul, burlesque and more every night. You could check in, never leave the property and still feel like you’ve had a full taste of the city.
Note that the hotel charges a daily Destination Fee of $25, but it includes a $15 daily food and beverage credit (as well as discounts at The National WW2 Museum and local fave The Daiquiri Shop).
What’s the service like?
For a hotel of this size and scale, service at the Royal Sonesta is impressively personal. The staff here have seen it all—conference-goers in suits, bachelorette parties in sequins, Mardi Gras revelers in full costume—and they handle it with ease. The vibe is friendly and unflappable (just watch as staff point guests to meeting rooms, elevators and local attractions all in a few skilled moments).
The front desk team handles requests quickly, whether it’s storing luggage, arranging tours or recommending a late-night bite. At the restaurants, staff are as friendly as they are professional. You’ll hear some stories, and you might just make a new friend. Overall, the service isn’t fussy or formal—it’s warm and responsive, and you’ll want to have a chat with anyone on staff even if you don’t need any assistance.
What’s the property like?
The Sonesta scores for its location of course, but it’s also a destination where you can experience a real taste of New Orleans without leaving the property. With its renowned restaurants, a nightly lineup of top local musicians at The Jazz Playhouse and a bar that looks straight out onto Bourbon Street, what more could you ask for? Well, how about a lush courtyard with a bubbling fountain surrounded by palm trees? Or one of the largest pools in the French Quarter, quiet and sunny, with plenty of loungers?
You’ll obviously want to leave the hotel to explore all New Orleans has to offer, and the hotel is close to everything. You’re in the French Quarter, walking distance from Jackson Square, Preservation Hall, Cafe Du Monde and more, and you’re not far from the streetcar that takes you Uptown through the Garden District. But after all that activity, the peace and quiet available just inside the hotel is a welcome treat. You can fit in a workout in the fitness center and then completely unwind by the pool or in the lush courtyard.
Why you should book a stay at the Royal Sonesta
New Orleans is a city best experienced with all the senses, and the Royal Sonesta puts you right in the thick of it. You get the sensory overload you want, but you can retreat in style and comfort. You can drink, dine and dance in the hotel, or step right outside to experience the commotion of Bourbon Street and the culture of New Orleans. You can sleep soundly, recharge properly and enjoy the benefits of staying in a hotel that’s packed with history and character before you head out and dive back into the chaos that makes the Crescent City so beloved. In short, the Royal Sonesta offers a double-whammy of authentic New Orleans experiences in-house (food, music, fun) while putting you in an unbeatable location that lets you take in the city with ease.
DETAILS
Address: 300 Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price per night: $200-300
Closest transport: Two blocks to the streetcar
Book now: via Booking.com
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