The iconic French Quarter might be quieter than usual right now, but the Royal Sonesta New Orleans still offers an opulent stay overlooking Bourbon Street

The iconic French Quarter might be quieter than usual right now, but the Royal Sonesta New Orleans still offers an opulent stay overlooking Bourbon Street

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Contrary to popular belief, there are islands of refinement to be found amid the lurid cacophony of Bourbon Street, the neon-lit center of New Orleans' historic French Quarter. The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, a full-service, somewhat opulent outpost of the Sonesta brand, is one such oasis. 

Helping it earn its place as one of the best hotels in the city, the location of this 480-room property could not be more central. It's an especially popular stay for guests who want the action of Bourbon Street right out their front door, but who also enjoy the idea of a civilized retreat away from it all at the end of the day. The building itself has a long history and was once a bakery and a brewery before it first became a hotel in 1969. Most recently, it received a welcome and major renovation five years ago to turn it into the posh stay that it is now.

Elegant rooms are spread over seven floors and, during non-pandemic times, the property features myriad dining options, including one of the city's best restaurants, R'Evolution. A heated pool and a reported