Royal Sonesta Hotel

This was my family's first trip to New Orleans and we wanted to stay somewhere special. Staying in NOLA would represent seeing our 40th state as a family in our quest to see and experience all 50 states.

Driving from the NYC area, with stops in Knoxville and Birmingham, we didn't get into NOLA until about 7:30 PM...this presented a bit of a problem since Bourbon Street closes to traffic at 7 PM unbeknownst to us. This actually turned out to be a small blessing. We wound up parking at an indoor garage on IBERVILLE about a block and a half from the hotel that cost $20 a night vs. the $31 a night that the hotel charges for its lot. It wasn't fun hauling our luggage - but we're a hardy bunch.

The lobby of the SONESTA is GORGEOUS...simply stunning. The rooms however a great disappointment given the first impression. The manager who checked us in was very pleasant in changing our room request (my two daughters needed a room with two queens although booking on the internet only allowed for booking a king at the sale price).

Their room turned out to be bigger and nicer than the one for my wife and I.

The rooms themselves were ordinary. I was particularly put back by the artwork in the room. A bunch of cheesy graphic prints - ours a winter scene of what looked like New England?

With all the great independent artists in the New Orleans area - why not some original artwork. Jackson Square is filled with artists whose work would look great in those rooms.

Management should take a page from the old HOUSE OF BLUES in Chicago where they had a great electric mix of American folkart and other influences fused incredibly.

Housekeeping nothing special; no little touches...animal towels...mints nor chocolates....dirty drink glasses that should have clearly been removed - left in room after room was serviced.

If you want to be on Bourbon then a good place to stay...otherwise shop around.

Unique Quality: Great pool area on third floor.

Directions: French Quarter

I stayed at the Royal Sonesta for a Conference, and I found it to be very nice, friendly service, great bed. The only warnings would be that Bourbon Street is very loud, so if you want to sleep it's good to ask for a courtyard room. These have lovely french doors that open onto an interior balcony. The elevators are rather slow, and some of the conference rooms were right on Bourbon Street so that you could hear the music from the bars as well as the presenters, but otherwise I'd say it's a good place to stay.

Directions: Bourbon Street, New Orleans

the royal sonesta is located in the heart of the french quarter on bourbon street. this first class hotel is the place to stay if you plan to party on bourbon street. the royal sonesta offers all of the amenities that you would expect from this better chain. if you are a business traveler or want a quiet location the royal sonesta may not be for you. bourbon street is loud at night and the nightly street party lasts into the wee hours.

Directions: intersection bourbon and iberville, french quarter.

Royal Sonesta is a very nice place that we decided to check out when we went down to NOLA for the weekend with some friends.

This place is as centrally located as it gets and is a great location to call home base while visiting the Quarter.

Unique Quality: Location is the best aspect.

This place was great. It's right in the French Quarter on Bourbon St. Extremely clean, the staff was friendly, great pool area to relax and sweat out your hangover. Was extremely pleased and got a great deal through Orbitz.com. Would definitley go back again.
FYI- If you get a room facing the street (even if you don't have a balcony) do not plan on getting any sleep before 6am.

Unique Quality: Pool. Balcony rooms available.

Unique Quality: The Royal Sonesta Hotel , is within steps of world-famous restaurants, antique shops, and premier tourist attractions. Its atmosphere reflects a strong European influence and Southern charm, with its elegant marbled lobby, tranquil fountains and sparkling chandeliers. The 500-room hotel features a secluded tropical courtyard, a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool, fitness center and five unique restaurants and lounges..

if that's not enough, there's a Lucky Dog cart right out front.

If you're looking to be right in the thick of things, then this hotel is for you! It's right on Bourbon Street. If you want a bit of quiet, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard area/pool. If you want to throw beads, show your stuff, etc., then ask for a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street.

Unique Quality: Great service. Lovely pool area. The best beds of any hotel I've ever been to!

Directions: French Quarter

Located across from wild strip clubs and bars, the Royal Sonesta is a diamond in the rough that is Bourbon Street. It's one of the more photographed hotels in the city for sure and is worth checking out. Too bad it's out of my price range. Check out the website for more information and prices. The cheapest room I could see on their website is a single for $209/night. Ouch!

Directions: French Quarter

My favorite is the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street. Wonderful balcony rooms if you happen to need a suite and don't mind the nightly entertainment from the street below. Other rooms look on to a lovely courtyard or a gorgeous pool complete with full service.

Unique Quality: Fantastic - great pool, restaurants/bars, great view of Bourbon Street (especially if you don't enjoy being down among the crowd), chocolates on your pillow at night.

$249, I know steep, but the Company was paying. Woohoo!

Unique Quality: Many of the rooms have balconies which overlook Bourbon Street, which is great for people watching. Also, the outdoor pool is on an upper floor, with a bar (say it isn't so?) so you can stay lubricated all day long.

Directions: In the French Quarter, right near the beginning of Bourbon Street, not far from Canal. If you want to be in the thick of it all, this is the place to stay.
300 Bourbon Street
New Orleans,