The Royal Sonesta~New Orleans

If you love being in the thick of it, The Royal Sonesta - New Orleans puts you front and center, right on lively Bourbon Street. While the entrance was a bit hard to find, the friendly lobby staff made up for it with warm Southern hospitality. 

Accommodations – 6.5/10

We stayed in a Standard King room with direct access to the pool, which was definitely a perk. But overall, the room felt a little tired. The lighting was dim, the carpet aged, and the poolside door gave us a minor wrestling match each time we used it. Amenities were basic, and while the room was cozy enough for a quick stay, it lacked the upscale touches we tend to love.

Overall Experience – 7.5/10

In a sentence?

"A quaint, low-key, classic feel located right in the middle of the fun."

If you're not looking for luxe, but want to be where the action is, this is your spot.

Access & Location – 9/10

Location is everything here. The hotel sits smack dab in the middle of Bourbon Street and is within walking distance to the French Quarter’s most iconic sights, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport and completely walkable once you're there. Safety-wise, it's as good as Bourbon Street gets, touristy and bustling.

Food & Room Service – 8/10

While we didn’t try room service, Desire Oyster Bar on-site deserves a shoutout. The shrimp and grits? Bangin’. Drinks were strong and well-crafted, and the bartender added just the right amount of NOLA flair. 

Staff & Cleanliness – 8.5/10

The team here was one of the hotel’s biggest highlights. Check-in was seamless, even with separate arrivals, and staff was accommodating and genuinely friendly throughout. Daily housekeeping kept the basics in check, but the hotel's age does make "clean" feel more functional than fresh.

Good to Know

• Couple-friendly? Yes. We had a great time as a couple despite the business-trip beginning.
• Would we stay again? Sure—but only for a quick, convenient getaway.

Final Thoughts

Recommend it to: Business travelers or couples wanting a central, affordable place without luxury expectations.

What we’d improve: A much-needed renovation to refresh the rooms and common areas.

Would we feature it again on Umbrella Travels? Probably not. It's a solid stay, but doesn't quite meet our bar for romantic or unique escapes.

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