What to pack for a stay at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Pack photo ID and the credit card you'll use at check-in (guests must be 21+ to check in), lightweight clothes for humid weather, comfortable walking shoes for the French Quarter, and a swimsuit for the heated courtyard pool. Add earplugs and a light layer for evenings on Bourbon Street and a nicer outfit if you plan to dine at Restaurant R'evolution or attend The Jazz Playhouse (21+ for entry).
In this guide
Must-have documents and check-in items
The hotel requires a photo ID and a credit card at check-in; the registering guest must be at least 21 years old. Bring the same card you used to guarantee the reservation or be ready for a deposit/authorization at arrival.
Also pack confirmation details (printed or on your phone) and any membership cards you want applied to the booking. If you plan to drive, bring the card you’ll use for valet parking authorization.
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Credit/debit card used to guarantee reservation (for incidentals/deposit)
- Booking confirmation or reservation number
- Health insurance card and any prescription details
| When to present | What to show |
|---|---|
| At check-in | Photo ID + credit card (21+ to check in) |
| At valet or garage | Car key and payment card |
| For dining reservations | Reservation confirmation and any special requests |
Room basics: what fits and what to bring
Rooms at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans range from Deluxe Room options to Junior Suite and multi-bedroom suites with furnished balconies. Expect typical hotel amenities, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and in-room coffee; cooked breakfast is available for an extra charge.
If you have a specific room type in mind, pack accordingly — a balcony room (Room, Furnished Balcony (Bourbon Balcony) or Room, Furnished Balcony (Side Street Balcony)) may invite a small reusable cup or travel mug for morning coffee on the ironwork balcony.
- Deluxe Room — plan for standard amenities and space for a small carry-on
- Room, Furnished Balcony (Interior) / (Bourbon Balcony) — bring a light sweater for breezy evenings
- Junior Suite (RClub) / Junior Suite — extra space for a garment bag or small shopping haul
| Room type | Packing tip |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | Foldable luggage or medium suitcase fits; bring travel-size toiletries if you prefer your brand |
| Room, Furnished Balcony (Bourbon Balcony) | Bring a light layer for evening street breezes and a camera for views of Bourbon Street |
| Junior Suite (RClub) | Use separate outfit bag for dining nights; suites have more surface space for gadgets |
Pool and courtyard essentials
The hotel has one outdoor heated courtyard pool open year-round (weather permitting) with a seasonal poolside bar. Pool access is complimentary for guests; there is no lifeguard on duty and children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Pack standard swim items and plan for sun protection even if you visit in cooler months, since the pool is heated but outdoors.
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case or zip bag
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
| Pool detail | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Heated outdoor courtyard pool | Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel provided by hotel in many cases (confirm on arrival) |
| No lifeguard | Supervise children; bring flotation or water-safe gear for non-swimmers |
| Oasis Pool Bar hours vary | Bring cash/card if you plan to order drinks or snacks |
Dining and nightlife packing notes
On-site dining options include Restaurant R'evolution (dinner), Desire Oyster Bar (casual, serves breakfast through dinner), The Jazz Playhouse (live jazz on the lobby level), Le Booze, and PJ's Coffee Café. Meals are not included in room rates; the Destination Fee includes a small daily food-and‑beverage credit.
Restaurant R'evolution requests guests avoid t-shirts, flip-flops, activewear, swimwear, or ballcaps in the main dining room — pack at least one smart-casual outfit if you plan to eat there or visit Bar R'evolution. The Jazz Playhouse requires guests to be 21+ for performances, so plan accordingly for childcare or family plans.
- Smart-casual outfit for Restaurant R'evolution or Bar R'evolution
- Casual streetwear for Desire Oyster Bar and Bourbon Street
- Light jacket for evening music venues and open-air Bourbon Street
- Portable charger for long nights out
| Venue | Dress / age notes |
|---|---|
| Restaurant R'evolution | Smart-casual; avoid flip-flops, activewear, swimwear, ballcaps |
| The Jazz Playhouse | Live music; guests must be 21+ to enter for performances |
| Desire Oyster Bar / Le Booze | Casual; suitable for families (Desire Oyster Bar serves breakfast–dinner) |
Health, safety and practical extras
Bring any prescription medications in their original bottles, a small first-aid kit, and hand sanitizer. New Orleans can be humid; pack blister bandages and breathable fabrics for long walking days.
If you rely on accessibility aids, the property offers accessible rooms (Room (Executive Level, Mobility), Junior Suite (Mobility,), etc.) and accessible paths of travel — bring any personal gear you need for mobility and request accessible room details before arrival.
- Prescriptions and a copy of prescriptions
- Over-the-counter remedies for allergies and upset stomach
- Reusable water bottle to refill (stay hydrated while walking the Quarter)
- Portable phone charger and a small umbrella for sudden showers
| Practical item | Why pack it |
|---|---|
| Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated while walking the French Quarter |
| Portable charger | Long days/nights out and heavy photo use |
| Small umbrella | Afternoon or sudden rain showers in warmer months |
Extras for events, weddings and meetings
If attending or hosting an event in one of the hotel's meeting spaces (Grand Ballroom, Fleur de Lis Suite and Courtyard, Evangeline Suite, Bourbon Balcony Suites), pack formal or semi-formal attire and any documents or presentation gear you require.
For wedding guests or couples, consider a garment bag for dresses/suits, comfortable shoes for courtyard and ballroom flooring, and chargers for cameras or phones used during ceremonies and receptions.
- Garment bag or wrinkle-resistant outfits
- Comfortable dress shoes for standing or dancing
- Presentation stick/adapter if speaking at a meeting
- Extra SD card or charger for event photos
| Event type | Packing tip |
|---|---|
| Wedding (indoor/outdoor) | Bring formal wear plus a light cover-up for courtyard ceremonies |
| Meeting or conference | Pack laptop, adapters, and business cards |
| Reception on Bourbon Balcony | Consider noise and wind — a light shawl or jacket |
