The hype
Guests adore the location and the staff's Southern hospitality but are heartbroken by the closed amenities and worn-out carpets.
Omni Royal Orleans
$160-350/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential French Quarter location and don't mind sacrificing modern room dimensions for historic charm.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location at St. Louis and Royal streets
- Rooftop observation deck with 360-degree Quarter views
- The Rib Room's legendary rotisserie and old-school service
Quick Take: A faded beauty currently undergoing a loud, messy facelift that has closed the pool and gym until early 2026.
Reviewed by @theandreaandrade: I stayed here recently and was blown away by their new experiences. The candlelight concert was so intimate, and the VIP distillery tour followed by dinner at the Rib Room was the perfect way to taste the city without any hassle. It redefined NOLA for me!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'historic charm' often translates to peeling wallpaper, musty smells, and paper-thin walls where you can hear your neighbor sneeze.
- You prioritize location over room size
- You want to be steps from Bourbon Street but not *on* it
- You appreciate 'haunted' history and old-world aesthetics
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, but they are fighting a losing battle against age.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are generally clean but dated. Grout lines show age; water pressure is hit-or-miss.
- Maintenance: Peeling wallpaper and scuffed baseboards are common. The renovation is desperately needed.
- Linens & towels: Towels are standard hotel quality, sometimes a bit thin. Sheets are clean but not luxury thread count.
- Odors & scents: Common complaints of 'old building smell' — a mix of mustiness and cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street performers and sanitation trucks on Royal St
- Hallway noise and plumbing sounds from neighboring rooms
- Daytime construction drilling (until early 2026)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Petite' room is not a cutesy name; it is literally the size of a cruise ship cabin.
- There is no coffee maker in some standard rooms; you have to request one or go to the lobby.
- The $100/night incidental hold on your card can take days to release.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Slippers (the carpets have seen better days)
- A power strip (outlets are scarce in these old rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier Room with Balcony (290 sq ft) for actual breathing room and people-watching
- Courtyard Queen for a darker, quieter sleep sanctuary away from the street
Rooms to avoid
- Petite Queen (175 sq ft) — claustrophobic for two people
- Rooms near the elevator banks (high foot traffic noise)
- 7th-floor rooms near the construction zone
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am aware of the renovations. Please assign a room as far as possible from the construction noise. I would prefer a Courtyard view for quiet, or a Premier Balcony room if available. Please avoid the Petite category.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open?
No. The rooftop pool and gym are closed for renovations until early 2026. Partner facilities are available nearby, but it's not the same.
Is it haunted?
Allegedly. Guests frequently report a 'maid' spirit who tucks them in at night and turns on faucets. Ask for the 2nd floor if you want to meet her.
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, valet only. It costs ~$56/night. There are cheaper public lots (Premium Parking P405) a few blocks away for half the price.
How far is Bourbon Street?
Two blocks. Close enough to walk in 3 minutes, far enough to avoid the worst of the smell.
Is breakfast included?
No. Breakfast at the Rib Room is a la carte and pricey ($20-30/person). Grab a beignet nearby instead.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, under 25 lbs. There is a non-refundable $150 cleaning fee per stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop observation deck is separate from the pool area and offers the best free 360-degree view of the Quarter — perfect for sunset photos.
- ✨
Ask the Rib Room staff to show you the 'Pipkin' or 'Wine Cellar' private dining rooms downstairs; legend says Jazz Fest was conceived there.
- ✨
The 'Touché Bar' on the corner makes a killer Mint Julep that rivals the more famous spots.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Petite' rooms often have windows facing a brick wall just a few feet away.
💡The elevators are notoriously slow and clunky.
💡There is a secret 'VIP' entrance to the Rib Room bar from Royal Street that locals use.
💡The carpets in the hallways feel sticky in humid weather.
💡You can hear the steamboat calliope from the river in the river-facing rooms.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Omni Royal Orleans is located and what's nearby.