Our Hotel Planner Expert Reviews of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Our expert hotel planners periodically visit and review the hotels we represent in person. 
"TRUE FOUR STAR PROPERTY IN THE HEART OF THE QUARTER"
Overall Score4.5/ 5
If you are like me, you take a 4 or 5 star hotel rating seriously. Nowadays, hotel rating systems seem relative. A property can claim they are four star because they offer a certain amount of amenities, without actually executing the level of SERVICE that sets them apart from their peers. The Royal Sonesta is here to fulfill not only your NEEDS as a traveler, but your WANTS as a vacationer. Yes, they have the amenities: pool, concierge, banquet facilities, and room service. But there is something more. Whether it’s the unique architecture that embodies the French influence of New Orleans, or the staff that make the Sonesta hum, entering the Sonesta from any of it's doorways is like stepping into another world. The rooms, while smaller than box brands, are beautifully appointed with half-canopies and luxury linens. There are several tiers of indulgence for most budgets, so if it’s a special occasion go ahead and splurge on a balcony, or the RClub Concierge level. All 483 smoke-free rooms are immaculately arranged and feature a fully stocked mini-bar. There are several options for dining, from the casual (and always busy) Desire Oyster Bar to the Revolution Restaurant and adjoining lounge. Mayfield's Jazz Club is a well-renowned live music venue, with no cover every day except Wednesday. Brides should know that this is a premiere wedding destination hotel, so be prepared to meet an F&B minimum to set your block here. The Royal Sonesta is a destination on its own, but if you walk out the door to any direction you will find everything the downtown has to offer.
Michele P, a local HotelPlanner New Orleans expert from
26-Dec-2013 Verified Review
Verified Reviews of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Beautiful Hotel & Service!"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
This hotel is beautiful; the staff is remarkably friendly and responsive to every problem that may be encountered by a guest. You couldn’t be more pleased with the concern and hospitality of this venue.
Susan D. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
23-Apr-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Tue Apr 16 to Sat Apr 20 2024 at a $362.48 average nightly rate.
"Good Experience"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
Good hotel experience.
Katie C. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
10-Dec-2023 Verified Review, stayed from Sat Dec 09 to Mon Dec 11 2023 at a $283.27 average nightly rate.
"Great stay in New Orleans."
Overall Score5.0/ 5
Great hotel. All staff friendly and professional.
Dewith C. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
13-Jul-2023 Verified Review, stayed from Wed Jul 12 to Thu Jul 13 2023 at a $165.99 average nightly rate.
Customer Reviews of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
- 4.2 of 5Overall
- 4.1 of 5Amenities
- 4.3 of 5Cleanliness
- 4.3 of 5Comfort
- 4.2 of 5Condition
- 4.3 of 5Service
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Property Description
With a stay at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans in New Orleans (French Quarter), you'll be steps from Bourbon Street and 9 minutes by foot from Jackson Square. This hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from French Market and 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/cafe. Relax with a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Make yourself at home in one of the 483 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Cable programming and iPod docking stations are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Bourbon Street - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
New Orleans Jazz Museum - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
New Orleans Musical Legends Park - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Royal Street - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Canal Street - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Historic New Orleans Collection - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Decatur Street - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Napoleon House - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
Preservation Hall - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
Immaculate Conception Church - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
French Quarter Visitor Center - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
Marie Laveau House of Voodoo - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
The Shops at Canal Place - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Saenger Theatre - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
The preferred airport for The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY) - 25.7 km / 16 mi
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in New Orleans? This hotel has 20000 square feet (1858 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms.
Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including a nightclub, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and shopping on site.
Green Sustainability
Royal Sonesta Hotel is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operation through adopting initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle at every opportunity possible. Guest Room Programs: •The guest room energy management system manages heating and cooling when guests are not present. •Guest rooms are now lit by state-of-the-art compact florescent lighting.•To reduce water consumption, low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets were installed. •Guests have the option of reusing their bed linens and towels. Food & Beverage Programs: •Organic, local and sustainable food products are used whenever possible. •Air conditioning and lights are controlled by automated building system and turned off when meeting room is not occupied. •All leftover perishable food is utilized in the employee cafeteria. Business-wide Programs: •Building automation systems are used to efficiently control the building’s energy consumption, coordinating HVAC, boilers, chillers and common area lighting. •Use of latex paints vs. oil based paints in all hotel projects. •A horticulturalist on staff to maintain the lush, indigenous landscaping with as few chemical pesticides and fertilizers as possible.
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
I-10 West to International Airprot
Local Shuttle Info: Airport Shuttle$44.00 roundtrip
Breakfast Information
PJ''s Coffee Cafe Located in the lobby, PJ''s proudly offers premium roasted coffees and teas, along with freshly baked pastries. If you are not in the mood for coffee, choose from our selection of iced beverages and specialty sodas. Open daily from 7:00 AM –11:00 AM for a fee. We have 1 Restaurant and 2 Bars!
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Maximum number of pets per room 2
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Service animals are allowed
Pets cannot be left unattended
Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions
Pets allowed
$75 non-refundable fee, No weight limit Pet must be leashed whenever it leaves the room. Pet may not be left unattended at any time or left kenneled in your guest room.
Parking Info
Valet parking fee: USD 55.00 + tax per night (in/out privileges)Destination fee (USD 19 + tax per day)
Internet / WiFI
Wireless Internet (complimentary, in public area and all rooms, included in daily destination fee)
Misc Fees / Policies
- Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 16–20 per person
- Valet parking fee: USD 55 per day (in/out privileges)
- Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
- Service animals are exempt from fees
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 40 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property:
- Destination fee: USD 22.08 per accommodation, per night
- Utility fee (between 28 February and 04 March): USD 35 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
- Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
- The property allows pets in specific rooms only and has other pet restrictions (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- Parking height restrictions apply.
- The property is professionally cleaned.
- This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
Cleaning Policies
Property uses a professional cleaning service
Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
Property follows sanitization practices of SafeStay (AHLA - USA)
Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
About Sonesta
- For long stays, check out the Sonesta ES studio suites
- More than 55 properties in brand
- For groups they can typically comp 1 room per 40
The Sonesta highlights above are subject to change without notice.
