Look, there are plenty of hotels in New Orleans. But the Omni Royal Orleans? It sits right at the intersection of St. Louis and Royal Streets — literally in the beating heart of the French Quarter. You're one block from Bourbon Street, a five-minute walk from Preservation Hall, and surrounded by some of the best antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the city. It's got four-diamond status, a rooftop pool with river views, and a history that goes back way further than 1960. Oh, and did we mention it's haunted? More on that in a bit.
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Quick Facts
The Full Write-Up
First Impressions: Elegance Meets History
The Omni Royal Orleans isn't trying to be the flashiest hotel in New Orleans — and that's exactly what makes it special. Walk through the doors and you're greeted by marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and the kind of old-world charm that feels like stepping back in time. It's sophisticated without being stuffy, historic without feeling outdated. The lobby buzzes with energy during the day — business travelers typing away, families checking in, couples sipping cocktails at the bar. At night, live piano music fills the space and the whole place takes on a warmer, more intimate vibe.
Now, full disclosure: I haven't personally stayed here (yet). But I've spent enough time in the French Quarter to know that location is everything, and this hotel has it in spades. Being at the corner of St. Louis and Royal means you're close enough to the action to enjoy it, but just far enough from Bourbon Street to actually get some sleep. That's a bigger deal than you might think if you've ever tried to sleep two blocks from a neon-lit karaoke bar at 3 a.m.
The Rooms: Cozy, Classic, and Characterful
The Omni Royal Orleans has 345 rooms, which range from "petite queen" options to spacious suites with separate living areas. Now, fair warning: some of the rooms are on the smaller side — we're talking starting around 120 square feet for the most budget-friendly options. But what they lack in square footage, they make up for in charm and amenities.
Think flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, stocked minibars, and that classic French-Creole decor that makes you feel like you're actually in New Orleans, not just any generic hotel room. Some rooms have wrought-iron balconies overlooking St. Louis Street — and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like sitting out there with a coffee in the morning, watching the Quarter wake up below you. If you're traveling with family or just want more space, the suites are the way to go. They've got separate living areas and some pretty stellar views.
Amenities: Rooftop Pool, Rib Room, and More
The rooftop pool at the Omni Royal Orleans is one of those features that makes you wonder why every hotel doesn't have one. It's a heated saltwater pool (gentler on the skin than chlorine) with an observation deck that offers sweeping views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River.
Then there's the Rib Room, the hotel's award-winning restaurant that's been a local institution for decades. It's the kind of place where you'll see politicians and attorneys holding court at lunch on Fridays, and the jazz brunch on weekends is genuinely something to write home about. If you're not in the mood for a full meal, the Touché Bar is great for a mint julep or a nightcap.
Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, babysitting (for a fee), and a business center if you're mixing work with pleasure. Wi-Fi is available — free in common areas, and free in rooms if you're a member of Omni's loyalty program.
Parking and Practicalities
Let's talk about the not-so-fun part: parking. Valet parking is available on-site for about $56 per day. Is that steep? Yes. Is it worth it to not circle the French Quarter for an hour looking for a spot? Also yes. The hotel also offers private parking, and reservations aren't needed. Just budget for it ahead of time so there are no surprises.
So, Is It Haunted?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room — or should I say, the ghost in the hallway.
Yes, the Omni Royal Orleans is widely considered to be haunted. And honestly? In a city like New Orleans, that's almost a selling point.
The most famous spirit is a 19th-century maid who reportedly died during the hurricane of 1915, when the building was still the St. Louis Hotel. Guests on the second floor have woken up to find their sheets neatly tucked around them, as if someone was trying to keep them warm. She's also been blamed for mysterious toilet flushes and faucets turning on in the middle of the night. Some say she's helpful and maternal; others say she's just playful.
But that's not all. There are reports of children's apparitions tugging at guests' arms in the night, a ghostly Confederate soldier who appears on the seventh floor, and even a flirtatious spirit from the hotel's "quadroon ball" era who's been known to blow phantom kisses at female guests. Lights turn on by themselves. People feel like they're being watched. Some say there may be as many as 50 spirits residing in the hotel.
Then there's the darker story. In 2006, a man named Zackery Bowen jumped to his death from the hotel's rooftop bar. Zack and his girlfriend, Addie Hall, had become local celebrities after staying in the French Quarter during Hurricane Katrina — they were profiled as the couple who held down the Quarter while the city flooded. But their relationship deteriorated. Zack, an Iraq War veteran, was struggling with PTSD. After Addie disappeared, Zack left a confession in his pocket before jumping. Police found Addie's remains in their apartment. It's a tragic, unsettling chapter in the hotel's history, and some say Zack's spirit still lingers.
So yes — the Omni Royal Orleans is haunted. Whether you find that fascinating or terrifying is entirely up to you. Personally? I think it adds to the character. This is New Orleans, after all. The city wears its history — and its ghosts — on its sleeve.
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Nearby: What to Do in the French Quarter
The beauty of staying at the Omni Royal Orleans is that you don't need a car. Everything is right there.
Preservation Hall is a five-minute walk away — and if you've never experienced traditional New Orleans jazz in that intimate, no-frills setting, you're missing out.
Jackson Square is about six minutes on foot, with Café du Monde right there for your beignet fix.
Royal Street itself is lined with antique shops and art galleries that are worth browsing even if you're not buying.
And of course, Bourbon Street is just one block away.
For a deeper dive into the neighborhood, check out our guides to the French Quarter's best activities and hidden gems.
The Takeaway
The Omni Royal Orleans is one of those hotels that delivers exactly what it promises: a historic, elegant stay in the middle of everything that makes New Orleans special. It's not the cheapest option, and some rooms are on the smaller side. But the location is unbeatable, the amenities are solid, and the atmosphere is genuinely unique. Plus, if you're into the paranormal, you're staying in one of the most haunted hotels in a city that's basically the ghost capital of America.
Is it worth it? If you want to be in the heart of the French Quarter without sleeping on top of a Bourbon Street bar, absolutely. Just book a room with a balcony, grab a drink at the Rib Room, and maybe leave a light on at night. You know. Just in case.
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