
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Best for experiencing Bourbon Street nightlife and live jazz while staying right in the French Quarter.
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The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a large, 4.5-star French Quarter hotel on Bourbon Street with live jazz, multiple restaurants, and a heated courtyard pool — good for travelers who want Bourbon Street energy and roomy accommodations. Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is a 4-star boutique lifestyle hotel in the CBD/Warehouse District — read this if you prefer a modern boutique stay with easy access to Canal Street, the convention center and meeting space.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for experiencing Bourbon Street nightlife and live jazz while staying right in the French Quarter.

Best for travelers who want a contemporary boutique hotel near Canal Street, the convention center and CBD businesses.
When The Royal Sonesta New Orleans wins: choose the Royal Sonesta if you want to be on Bourbon Street, walk to French Quarter attractions, enjoy on-site Cajun/Creole dining and nightly live jazz, or if you value a large property with many room types and an outdoor heated courtyard pool.
When Kimpton Hotel Fontenot wins: choose the Kimpton if you prefer a smaller, design-forward boutique hotel in the CBD/Warehouse District with conference space, complimentary evening reception and easy access to Canal Street, casinos and the convention center.
Bottom line: pick the Royal Sonesta for classic French Quarter atmosphere, dining and nightlife on your doorstep; pick the Kimpton for a quieter, boutique CBD base that’s still walkable to the Quarter and convention-center destinations.
| Category | The Royal Sonesta New Orleans | Kimpton Hotel Fontenot |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Classic French Quarter hotel with Bourbon Street energy, live jazz and multiple event spaces | Modern boutique lifestyle hotel in the CBD/Warehouse District |
| Location | 300 Bourbon Street — directly on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter | 501 Tchoupitoulas St — steps from Canal Street and Caesars New Orleans Casino |
| Distance between hotels | about 0.8 km to Kimpton Hotel Fontenot | |
| Size (rooms) | 483 rooms | 235 guestrooms |
| Ages / check-in minimum | All ages welcome; 21+ to check in | |
| Pools | Outdoor heated courtyard pool (open year-round, no lifeguard; complementary for guests) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets including Restaurant R'evolution (Cajun/Creole), Desire Oyster Bar, The Jazz Playhouse, Le Booze and PJ's Coffee | Three restaurants and a coffee shop; two bars/lounge and daily complimentary reception |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa listed; 24-hour fitness center available | Health/beauty spa listed as nearby; 24-hour fitness and wheelchair-accessible fitness center on site |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space (Grand Ballroom, multiple suites and courtyards); large wedding capacities | About 12,000 sq ft conference/meeting space and one meeting room |
| Known for | Bourbon Street location, live jazz at The Jazz Playhouse and large courtyard pool | Boutique lifestyle branding, central CBD location, complimentary evening reception |
The Royal Sonesta sits directly on Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter.
Choose the Royal Sonesta if you want to be in the middle of French Quarter sights and nightlife.
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is in the CBD/Warehouse District, a short walk from Canal Street and the convention center.
Choose the Kimpton for a quieter downtown stay with quick access to CBD meeting points and Canal Street.
The Royal Sonesta offers a wide range of room types and suites across a large property.
Pick the Royal Sonesta if you want more room-type choices and larger rooms in the Quarter.
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot offers boutique-style rooms and a variety of premium and suite options.
Pick the Kimpton for boutique design, curated room types and a smaller property footprint.
The Royal Sonesta emphasizes Cajun/Creole dining and an on-site jazz club.
Pick the Royal Sonesta for New Orleans-focused dining and live-music nights without leaving the hotel.
Kimpton lists three restaurants, a coffee shop and two bars, plus a complimentary reception.
Pick the Kimpton if you prefer a boutique hotel with multiple dining outlets and a daily guest reception.
The Royal Sonesta has a heated outdoor courtyard pool open year-round (weather permitting).
Pick the Royal Sonesta when a courtyard pool is important to your stay.
Kimpton's supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool.
Kimpton may not be the best pick for travelers prioritizing a hotel pool; confirm directly if needed.
The Royal Sonesta combines 24-hour fitness access with an on-site jazz club for evening entertainment.
Choose the Royal Sonesta if you want late-night music and immediate access to Bourbon Street nightlife.
Kimpton offers fitness facilities and a quieter, boutique-oriented evening atmosphere.
Choose the Kimpton if you want boutique social time without Bourbon Street crowds.

The Royal Sonesta sits on Bourbon Street with live jazz at The Jazz Playhouse and multiple on-site bars and restaurants.

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot offers a contemporary boutique experience in the CBD/Warehouse District near Canal Street.

Kimpton lists about 12,000 sq ft of conference space tailored for business and events in the CBD.

The Royal Sonesta has a heated outdoor courtyard pool open year-round for guests.
The Royal Sonesta is directly on Bourbon Street; Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) away toward the CBD.
The Royal Sonesta has an outdoor heated courtyard pool; Kimpton's supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool—confirm with the property if a pool is essential.
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is geared to CBD and convention-center access and lists 12,000 sq ft of meeting space; the Royal Sonesta is walkable to the convention center but is primarily a French Quarter hotel.
Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages, though hotels require a 21+ guest to check in.
Explore how The Royal Sonesta New Orleans stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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