I am a local and booked a room on the Concierge Floor for me and my 16 year old niece and her friend who were visiting from California. Although the room was small, we did enjoy the jacuzzi and wi-fi. The rooms were always clean and the staff very helpful.

One of the beds was not comfortable, although management contacted me after my stay to apologize and assure me that the beds were new and that it was probably the box springs that were bad. Whatever. I've stayed in countless hotels all over the world and at my age, know a bad bed when I sleep in one. I guess at over $300/night, I expected a quality bed, although the duvet, linen and pillows were almost equal to what I have at home.

I have found in my travels that by paying a little extra for the RClub room, I actually save money because breakfast and cocktail hour appetizers are always included on a concierge floor. The wine and liquor at the Sonesta was definitely not top shelf but it was passable. Being from New Orleans, I'm somewhat of a snob about food but was pleasantly surprised that the food was very good.

My main complaint, especially having two 16 year olds with me, was that the pool closed too early. I was told that it closed early because the noise would disturb guests with a pool-side balcony but it make little sense to close the pool at dusk(!) in August, no less. A reasonable hour, such as 9PM should be the cutoff.

In summary, the Sonesta is all about location, location, location but the concierge floor was definitely a plus. I would warn tourists to stay off of Canal Street after dark (and Rampart Street for that matter) and to be careful in the first couple of hundred blocks of Bourbon, where for some reason thugs like to gather late at night. Other than that, if you stay aware and keep on the populated streets, your stay should be safe and fun.

your staff, especially, Katherine Jolivette, Russell (Concierge) & Jessica, were OUTSTANDING, but they've always been which is why I do all my TV, radio, media interviews from the Royal Sonesta when I'm in town for the Super Bowl or the Final 4 in College Basketbal etc. also I plugged (not that it needs it) the Royal Sonesta in my Super Bowl column in the Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013 Super Bowl Column in the Times Picayune, which I'm sure can be found on it's website: Nola.com.

We stayed at the Royal Sonesta for the 4th time on January 20, 2013. We drove down for the night since my husband and I were both off of work for the MLK holiday on 1/21. We love staying at this hotel due to the location. It's right in the thick of things being right on Bourbon. Upon check in, we were asked if we would like to upgrade our room to a balcony room, and were offered the option of a Bourbon Street balcony or interior balcony overlooking the pool. Of course we chose Bourbon Street!! The noice level was not bad at all. We were able to sleep just fine. PJs Coffee has some wonderful snacks/sandwiches/breakfast items, and several made to order coffee creations. the beds are awesome and while the hotel itself is a little dated, the cleaniliness and excellent service make up for it. I enjoy seeing the fresh flower arrangements in the lobby. WHen staying here, you truly feel like a guest and that everyone's mission is to help you enjoy your stay. We ate at the Desire for the first time, and had a half shrimp/half oyster po-boy. It was right on par for other restaurants in the quarter. Make sure you stay here on your next trip to NOLA. We'll be back soon!!

Royal was great. Right in the middle of the action. Benies were great right across the street at the outdoor Jazz resturant. The Royal Sonesta was clean and updated for Bourbon street. Nice time walking up to Canal and seeing the parades. Good Jazz bar in the Royal. Will defiastly stay here again. First time to NOLA but wont be the last. Large Coffee brought up from room serv in 10 minutes in the mornings for $20. Great time very nice hotel. They moved us to a Bourbon view when we asked. Noise not too bad as some reviews state. Slept fine.