You’re standing on the corner of St. Louis and Royal. It’s humid. The air smells like a mix of powdered sugar, old brick, and maybe a hint of jazz from a street performer three blocks away. This is the heart of it all. If you’ve been looking at the Omni Royal Orleans, you already know it’s the big name in the neighborhood. But honestly? Most people book it because of the name, without actually realizing how deep the history of this specific plot of land goes.
It’s not just a hotel. It’s basically the anchor of the French Quarter.
Before the Omni brand even existed, this site was the St. Louis Hotel. We’re talking 1830s. It was the place to be for the elite until fires and hurricanes did what they do in New Orleans. The current structure, built in 1960, was designed to look like it had been there since the beginning. It works. You walk in, and the marble and chandeliers make you feel like you should be wearing a tuxedo, even if you’re just there for a po-boy and a nap.
The Rooftop Pool at Omni Royal Orleans is Actually Better Than the Photos
Let’s talk about the pool. Most New Orleans hotels have these cramped, shaded courtyards. They’re fine. They’re cute. But the Omni Royal Orleans has a rooftop setup that basically gives you a 360-degree view of the Mississippi River and the steeples of St. Louis Cathedral.
It’s peaceful up there.
You’ve got the La Terrazza rooftop bar right next to the water. If you go up there around sunset, the way the light hits the slate roofs of the Quarter is sort of magical. It’s one of those rare spots where the noise of Bourbon Street—which is only two blocks away, by the way—just disappears. You hear the boat horns from the river instead. It’s a vibe.
Most travelers make the mistake of staying at a big box hotel on Canal Street. Big mistake. Huge. You end up walking twenty minutes just to get to the "real" parts of the city. When you stay at the Omni, you are already there. You step out the front door and you’re staring at antique shops and art galleries. You aren't "visiting" the French Quarter; you're living in it.
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Rib Room: More Than Just a Hotel Restaurant
The Rib Room is a legend. Period.
It has been a power-lunch spot for New Orleans politicians and lawyers for decades. If those walls could talk, they’d probably be under indictment. It’s famous for the giant rotisserie ovens you can see from the street. The prime rib is the obvious choice, but honestly, the wash-day red beans and rice on Mondays is the "if you know, you know" move.
The atmosphere is dark woods and brass. It’s moody. It feels like 1962 in the best way possible.
The bar there, the Touche Bar, is another hidden gem. It’s got an entrance right on Royal Street. It’s the perfect place to sit with a Sazerac and watch the tourists struggle with their maps. You see everything from there. The street performers, the wedding second-lines, the ghost tour groups—it all passes by while you’re tucked away in the AC.
Room Logistics and What to Expect
Let’s be real for a second: New Orleans hotels in historic buildings have quirks. The Omni Royal Orleans is no exception.
Because it’s built to mimic a historic style, some of the rooms can feel a bit snug. If you’re expecting a massive suburban Marriott floor plan, you might be surprised. But the trade-off is the French windows and the wrought-iron balconies. If you can swing it, get a balcony room. There is nothing—absolutely nothing—like drinking coffee on a Royal Street balcony at 7:00 AM before the city fully wakes up.
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- Petit Rooms: These are small. Great for solo travelers or people who literally only plan to sleep there.
- Deluxe and Premier: This is where you get the classic NOLA feel.
- The Service: This is an Omni property, so it’s "Four Diamond" service. They have a "Select Guest" loyalty program that actually gives you free coffee and a newspaper delivered to your door. In an era where most hotels charge you for a bottle of water, that’s a nice touch.
Location Strategy: How to Use the Omni as a Base
Staying at the Omni Royal Orleans means you have a specific tactical advantage. You’re right in the middle of the "Upper Quarter." This is the fancy side.
You’re two blocks from Brennan’s (go for the bananas foster). You’re three blocks from Jackson Square. You’re a five-minute walk from the Mississippi Riverfront.
People think the French Quarter is just Bourbon Street, but that’s the amateur version. The real magic is on Royal and Chartres. Staying here puts you on the street known for the best antiquing in the world. You’ve got M.S. Rau nearby—even if you can’t afford a $50,000 diamond-encrusted music box, walking through their gallery is like visiting a museum.
One thing people get wrong? They think it’ll be too loud. Surprisingly, because the hotel is a few blocks removed from the neon chaos of Bourbon, it’s actually pretty quiet. The thick masonry walls of the building help. You get the proximity without the 3:00 AM trombone solo right outside your window. Usually.
A Quick Word on the History
The hotel sits on the site of the old City Exchange. Back in the 1800s, this was the center of New Orleans' social and business life. It was also, tragically, a site for slave auctions, a dark part of the city's history that the local heritage tours will tell you all about.
The building has been rebuilt and rebranded several times. It was a statehouse at one point. It was a hospital during the Civil War. When the Omni took over and did the 1960s reconstruction, they were incredibly careful to keep the "soul" of the place intact. They used local architects and designers to make sure it didn't look like a corporate intrusion.
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Practical Tips for Your Stay
Don't drive. Just don't. Valet parking in the French Quarter is expensive—like, "I could have bought a fancy dinner for that" expensive. The streets are narrow, one-way, and full of potholes that could swallow a Vespa. Take a ride-share or a shuttle from MSY. Once you're at the Omni, you can walk everywhere.
If you must have a car, be prepared to wait a bit for the valet. It’s a busy corner.
Also, check out the fitness center. It’s actually decent, but more importantly, it’s near the observation deck areas. Even if you aren't working out, the views from the top floors are worth the elevator ride.
- Check-in: Standard is 4:00 PM. They are usually pretty good about holding bags if you get in early for a flight.
- Dress Code: The Rib Room is "smart casual," but honestly, it’s New Orleans. As long as you aren’t in a swimsuit, you’re mostly fine.
- The "Secret" Bar: Ask about the Esplanade room or private event spaces if you're there for a wedding. The courtyard architecture is some of the most photographed in the city.
Making the Most of the Neighborhood
When you walk out of the Omni Royal Orleans, turn right. Walk down to Pirate’s Alley. There’s a bookstore there, Faulkner House Books, located in the house where William Faulkner lived. It’s tiny. It smells like old paper. It’s perfect.
Then, walk over to Jackson Square. If the line at Café Du Monde is a mile long (and it usually is), go to the take-out window around the back. Grab your beignets and sit on the levee to watch the ships go by on the Mississippi.
This is why people love this hotel. It’s not about the thread count—though the thread count is high—it’s about the fact that you can do all of that and be back in your room for a nap in ten minutes.
Final Verdict on the Omni Experience
The Omni Royal Orleans isn't the cheapest place in town. It isn't the most modern, either. If you want glass walls and high-tech minimalist furniture, go to the Central Business District.
But if you want to feel like you’re actually in New Orleans, this is it. It’s the smell of old wood, the sound of the streetcar a few blocks away, and the feeling that you’re part of a story that started two hundred years ago. It’s classic. It’s consistent. It’s the French Quarter, distilled into a single city block.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book Directly: Use the Omni website to join the Select Guest program before you arrive. The perks (like the morning beverage service) are worth the two minutes it takes to sign up.
- Request a High Floor: If you want a view of the river or the cathedral, ask for a higher floor on the St. Louis Street side.
- Plan Your Meals: Make a reservation for the Rib Room at least a week in advance if you’re going on a weekend. It fills up with locals, not just tourists.
- Walk the Perimeter: On your first morning, walk the three-block radius around the hotel. You’ll find at least five world-class restaurants and three incredible bars before you even break a sweat.
- Check the Rooftop Schedule: Sometimes the rooftop is closed for private events (weddings are huge here). Ask the front desk when you check in so you don't miss your chance for that sunset view.