Omni Royal Orleans, New Orleans

I love the French Quarter of New Orleans, with its unique architecture and proximity to the heart of all things New Orleanean. Right smack dab in the middle of it is a great hotel to base yourself in when you explore southern Louisiana. It’s the perfect place to settle in for some real southern charm, the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.

The Omni Royal Orleans is a luxury four diamond hotel nestled right in the heart of the French Quarter. Its French façade, Spanish wrought iron balconies, and Creole inspired interior are so inviting! Enter the majestic multi-level lobby from the bustling streets of the French Quarter, where fountains and flowers, music and marble stairways await. Check-in is a breezy warm reception, just like it should be in the big easy and the experienced multi-lingual concierge staff are always on-hand to assist you.

At this historic hotel, the stand-out personalized service not only greets you at the door, but meets every expectation of your stay. The Royal Orleans has 346 guestrooms and included in that number, there are 15 suites. The suites range from the Penthouse Suite, which is on the rooftop of the hotel, which has a great view of the Mississippi and the French Quarter, to the Royal Suite, which is my personal favorite. It has wrap around balconies that overlook Royal Street, Brennan’s restaurant and all of the art galleries.
The guest rooms and suites offer private baths, custom made furniture, original artwork, and even some extra special treats! And you can rest easy with nightly turn-down service and goose-down filled pillows! Mini-bars, wireless internet, and 24-hour room service satisfy those ‘staying in’ sort of moments, but don’t stay in for long – there’s more meat on the bone!

Go up to the rooftop to workout in the fitness center or lounge by the pool – the only saltwater pool in the crescent city! And to top it off, check out the observation deck! Bring your camera, because from up here, you get a 360 degree view of the whole French Quarter. All I can say is, wow! While on the rooftop enjoying the view, you can indulge in some lite fare and cocktails at one of three restaurants and bars in the Omni Royal Orleans, La Riviera.

Return to the street level, where every moment is a New Orleans social at the Omni’s beloved restaurant, the Rib Room – Rotisserie extraordinaire. It’s the envy of every hotel in the city, because the Rib Room, is, without a doubt, the most popular restaurant located in any hotel in New Orleans. The Rib Room is famous for its French rotisserie, where it is believed they have the best prime rib in the Big Easy, possibly in the United States. The rib room has offered their unique blend of classic Creole, French, and American cuisine to local diners and international guests for over 44 years! If you are there over a weekend, check the special menus for Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch featuring “Sugar Bear and the Jazz Cats” for your listening enjoyment. It’s definitely the place to see and be seen!

If you prefer a private dining room for a special occasion, try the Round Rooms, or the historic Wine Cellar and Pipkin. In the old cellar level of the hotel, these private dining rooms offer discreet and quiet interludes with the wonderful fare from the restaurant above.

Did I mention the wonderful food to be found at the Royal Sonesta? They have a great selection to choose from. Take Begue’s Restaurant a 4 diamond French Quarter landmark overlooking the exquisite courtyard. The locally renowned chef prepares extraordinary French and Creole specialties plus there is their famous Friday Seafood Buffet and Sunday Champagne Brunch, where you can have a sampling of everything. Something fishy? You’ll enjoy fresh Louisiana seafood and Creole delicacies in the Desire Oyster Bar, a casual street-side bistro with French doors overlooking colorful Bourbon Street.

The Royal Orleans also offers the Touche Bar, the classic neighborhood bar on Royal Street, where both food and drinks are served. I say try a famous New Orleans Bloody Mary with hot beans… You’re gonna love it!

The Omni Royal Orleans can cater to any special occasion, from weddings to conferences, to Mardi Gras, they have plenty to offer the visitors from all over the world who stay during Mardi Gras, some have been staying here every festival for over 30 years. These are people of all ages who are here to really experience the heart and soul of what New Orleans is all about.

There is always a festival, celebration, or holiday festivities going on in New Orleans and you can experience the heart and soul of New Orleans year round with the fine hospitality of the Omni Royal Orleans. New Orleans and the French Quarter are alive and well, the people, the sights, the sounds, and the sweets are as vivacious as ever. So come on down to New Orleans, where you’re sure to have a swingin’ good time! Bring the whole family, for it’s a city that is suited for the young and old. It is simply unforgettable!