The Royal Sonesta New Orleans Hotel extends an entire city block on Bourbon Street. While the hotel is conveniently situated in the French Quarter, its location may be troublesome for families at night, when Bourbon Street transforms into one big party. Luckily, the hotel provides ear plugs, and rooms facing away from the action are available.

Partying aside, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a lovely, luxurious property, with an outdoor pool and lushly landscaped courtyard; several onsite eateries; and newly appointed guestrooms and suites with mini-fridges, coffeemakers and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers fantastic concierge services for families planning excursions in the Crescent City.

The hotel touts 483 modern guestrooms and suites with all the necessary amenities to make you feel at home -- and then some. Perks include (empty) mini-fridges for storing snacks and drinks, Keurig coffeemakers, iHome radio clocks, safes and comfy bathrobes. Beds are outfitted with pillow-top mattresses and giant, cushy pillows, while flat-screen TVs are equipped with in-room movies -- perfect when it's time for a break from sightseeing.

Rooms also come with earplugs -- that's important considering the hotel's location on Bourbon Street. If you need more, just ask housekeeping.

Cribs (complimentary), rollaway beds ($40 per night), and connecting rooms are available with advance notice.

Deluxe Rooms
These are the most basic option for families, with one king, two double or two queen beds.

Pool and Patio Rooms
These rooms also feature one king bed, two double or two queen beds, plus beautiful French doors that open to a view of the pool and patio.

Bourbon Balcony Rooms
These rooms also feature French doors on balconies that overlook other buildings in the French Quarter. They come with one king bed, two doubles, or two queens.

R Club Level
Those who stay on the R Club Level (sixth and seventh floors) receive access to the concierge lounge, where complimentary breakfast is served each morning and wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres are served nightly, 5 to 7 p.m. The lounge, which has both indoor and outdoor seating, is open until about 10 p.m. or so, with other light snacks and bottled water available throughout the day.

Note: R Club Level rooms feature one king bed only, with no room connecting options available. They're only ideal for single travelers, couples, or families of three who rent a rollaway bed or crib.

Bourbon Balcony Entertainment Suite
These suites are designed for those planning to entertain, with space for up to 115 guests! They have one or two bedrooms (sleeping four) and wet bars. French doors open out onto balconies for a view of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.

Split-Level Suite
These bi-level suites (with separate entrances on separate floors) include a living room and separate bedroom, divided by spiral staircases (be careful with young kids). Some of the suites also feature French doors and private patios -- be sure to request one of those when booking.

Presidential Suite
Presidential Suites come with one or two bedrooms and the finest amenities -- think crystal chandeliers, oriental rugs and baby grand pianos. They can sleep two to five people (two beds and a rollway or crib).

Governor's Suite, Senator's Suite, Ambassador's Suite
The Governor's Suite and Senator's Suite are situated on the third floor, and feature one or two bedrooms, plus two seating areas, a dressing area, bar, and French doors that open to a view of the pool. They're ideal for families who may be attending a wedding at the hotel. (The Royal Sonesta has several ballrooms for weddings and other events.) The Ambassador's Suite offers the same amenities, but is located on the fourth floor.

The hotel also has Jacuzzi Suites and Honeymoon Suites, best for couples.

Pool
Located on the third floor terrace is the hotel's heated swimming pool, open year-round, 7 a.m. until sundown each day. You'll also find the Oasis Pool Bar here, serving salads, sandwiches and other light fare, plus refreshing cocktails.

Courtyard
The hotel's lushly landscaped courtyard is a lovely place to relax, with tables, chairs and water fountains throughout. Enjoy a board game or even a meal in this area.

Concierge
Visit the onsite concierge, who are a wealth of local knowledge for everything from restaurant recommendations to the best things to do on a rainy day in the city.

Desire Oyster Bar
Desire Oyster Bar is the most family-friendly dining option onsite, with kids' menus and highchairs available for little ones. Desire serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast is served 6:30 to 11 a.m. daily, and the lunch/dinner menu is offered from 11:30 a.m. onward.

Restaurant R'evolution
Lunch and dinner are served at this fine-dining restaurant that's best suited for families with teens. Among the menu highlights are Sheep Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster and Crawfish Stuffed Redfish Napoleon. (Is your mouth watering yet?)

Lunch is served Wednesday to Friday only, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

You might also consider visiting for the Jazz Brunch (a local tradition) on Sundays, hosted from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

PJ's Coffee Café
PJ's is one of two local coffee chains in New Orleans (the other is Community Coffee). Visit for coffee, espressos, lattes and more, plus specialty sodas, beer and wine. Pastries, fruit parfaits, sandwiches and salads are also served. PJ's is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Perks for Kids
Kids ages 12 and under receive a free hotel T-shirt upon arrival, and the hotel also provides in-room amenities for an additional fee. They include Little Sweeties Cookies and Milk, Sonesta Signature Cupcakes, and A Movie Night In, with cheddar popcorn, candies and sodas.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a state-of-the-art fitness center with all manner of equipment, open 24 hours. Key cards are required for access.

Pets
Pets weighing up to 30 pounds are welcome at the hotel for a one-time, non-refundable fee of $75. Pets cannot be left unattended in guestrooms, however.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3 p.m., with check-out time at 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Located on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta bustles with excitement year-round. It's especially busy from Mardi Gras (of course) through about June, and then again in the fall. Visit in the summer for slightly fewer crowds and lower rates (but be prepared to brave the heat -- temps typically climb to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above).

You might also consider a visit during the winter holidays, when the hotel hosts a special Royal Teddy Bear Tea for kids!

Getting There
New Orleans' airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. From there, you can get to the Royal Sonesta via taxi, Uber (the cheapest options) or the Airport Shuttle, the latter of which is $20 per person. The shuttles depart from the airport every half hour or so and stop at most area hotels, including the Royal Sonesta.

Getting Around
With a location in the French Quarter, there's really no need for a vehicle. In fact, New Orleans is a very walkable city, with a fantastic streetcar line ($1.25 one way) for trips further afield (Garden District, City Park, etc.) If you have your own car, however, you can park it at the hotel for $41 plus tax per day (valet).

For Mom and Dad
Head to Le Booze for a nightcap and pub grub (burgers, wings, Po'Boys and the like), or make a reservation at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse for music performed by well-known acts. Shows typically take place at 8 p.m. nightly.