Celebrate Love at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Taylor Van Ness
CATERING SALES MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
Nestled in the vibrant heart of the French Quarter on Bourbon Street, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans epitomizes Southern elegance and charm with its 20,000 square feet of exquisite event space. This legendary venue, known for its striking façade and luxurious interiors, offers a timeless backdrop for weddings, combining old-world glamour with modern sophistication.
Inside, the hotel boasts a variety of event spaces tailored to meet your needs. The Grand Ballroom dazzles with sparkling chandeliers and opulent décor, accommodating up to 550 guests for grand wedding celebrations. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Fleur de Lis Suite features a lush tropical courtyard, perfect for picturesque ceremonies and lively cocktail hours. The Regal Suite offers a quaint ambiance with vintage-tiled floors and antique-bronzed chandeliers, ideal for smaller gatherings. Additionally, the Bourbon Balcony Hospitality Suite provides a unique semi-outdoor experience for pre-wedding festivities and cozy receptions.
Our culinary experts are on hand to craft exquisite menus, tailored to complement your taste and impress your guests. Choose from a curated selection of beverages to round off the perfect dining experience.
At The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, we are dedicated to making your wedding day unforgettable. Let us help you celebrate your love story in the most spectacular way!
+56 years in business
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception
$10,430
Reception
$10,430
Ceremony
$1,500
Bar services
$25 per person
Catering
Contact for price
- Couples usually spend $14,750
- Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees.
- Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices. Peak season for this venue is Feb-May and Oct.
Are you interested?
Reach out and share your wedding details.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Guest Capacity
300+
Settings
Ballroom
Historic Venue
Hotel
Restaurant
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Destination Weddings
Food & Catering
Planning
Service Staff
Any questions?
Meet the team
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- Taylor Van NessCatering Sales ManagerWith a rich background in Hotel and Tourism Management, Taylor brings a blend of passion and professionalism to the wedding industry. As a graduate of the University of New Orleans, where she earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree, Taylor has honed her skills at prestigious establishments like the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Currently, as a Catering Sales Manager at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Taylor specializes in creating unforgettable events that are as unique as each couple. Her expertise not only lies in meticulous planning and coordination but also in providing top-tier customer service, ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless and memorable celebration. Whether you're dreaming of a sophisticated, intimate gathering or a grand, lavish affair, Taylor is committed to making your wedding day exceptional. Let her help you turn your vision into reality, making every moment count.
- Timika SpurlockDirector of Catering & Convention ServicesTimika Spurlock is a seasoned Event Management professional with more than 21 years of experience in hospitality, meeting planning, and conference management. As the Director of Catering and Convention Services, she is recognized for her highly motivated and industrious leadership style, coupled with exceptional skills in driving top-line revenue and delivering high-quality customer service. Timika excels in project management, staff management, and development, demonstrating a profound ability to foster effective team building. She has a unique expertise in engaging and building synergies between clients and hospitality staff, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all stakeholders involved. A distinguished communicator, Timika possesses outstanding abilities to deliver first-rate client service, always centered on providing excellent and consistent customer satisfaction. Her versatility and proven expertise enable her to adeptly manage teams in fast-paced and constantly changing environments, maintaining a focus on customer-oriented service. Committed to both professional and personal excellence, Timika’s leadership ensures that her teams are not only successful but also share a commitment to excellence that echoes her own. Her dedication to the industry and her role has continually resulted in successful events and highly satisfied clients.
- David BilbeGeneral ManagerDavid Bilbe is a distinguished General Manager in the hospitality industry with over two decades of leadership experience across several high-profile properties. Currently, he serves as the General Manager at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, a position he has held since July 2024. Under his guidance, the hotel continues to enhance its reputation for exceptional service and guest satisfaction. Prior to his current role, David was the General Manager at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel from August 2017 to June 2024. During his tenure, he successfully led the hotel through periods of significant growth and was pivotal in numerous operational improvements that solidified the hotel's standing in the competitive New Orleans market. From May 2014 to May 2017, David managed The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, where he oversaw all aspects of hotel operations and led his team to achieve notable increases in guest satisfaction scores. His strategic leadership was instrumental in repositioning the hotel within the Greater New Orleans area. David's long-term commitment to excellence in hospitality management is also evident from his time at Loews New Orleans Hotel, where he served as General Manager from June 2005 to May 2014. His effective management style and dedication to quality service were key factors in the hotel's sustained success. Earlier in his career, David was the General Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown from July 1999 to May 2005. During his leadership, he was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award by Sage Hospitality for his exceptional management of two successful hotel openings within an eighteen-month period. David's career is marked by a consistent ability to exceed operational goals, mentor and develop future leaders, and deliver exceptional customer service. His leadership philosophy, coupled with a deep understanding of the dynamics of hotel management, has made him a respected figure in the hospitality industry.
- Wilbur LarkinDirector of BanquetsWilbur Larkin is currently the Director of Banquets at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, where he brings his vast experience and a refined touch to managing high-caliber events and banquets. His career, spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, showcases his dedication to excellence in event management and customer service. Prior to joining the Royal Sonesta, Wilbur served as the Director of Banquets at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, from November 2009. Over his 13-year tenure at The Roosevelt, he was pivotal in orchestrating an array of events, from grand weddings to corporate gatherings, consistently delivering services that exceed expectations. His role involved extensive team leadership, innovative event planning, and maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction. Before his significant tenure at The Roosevelt, Wilbur developed his foundational expertise at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside as an Assistant Banquet Manager from October 2003 to November 2009. During this period, he mastered the art of banquet management, including staff supervision, event execution, and client relations. Wilbur is known for his meticulous attention to detail, ability to manage large teams, and commitment to providing impeccable service, making him a respected leader in the banquet and events sector.
- Pete JonesDirector of Food and BeveragePete Jones is the esteemed Director of Food & Beverage at The Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans, where he presides over the food and beverage operations of the most iconic hotel in the French Quarter. With a career spanning over two decades as a leader and mentor, including more than 12 years as a division head, Pete has cultivated a deep expertise in developing and executing F&B strategies across diverse markets including the UK, the US, and the Caribbean. A certified Sommelier and Food Safety Manager, Pete is also a recognized Maitre Hotelier by La Chaine des Rotisseurs, reflecting his dedication to culinary excellence and guest satisfaction. His passion for delivering exceptional F&B experiences is matched by his proven ability to drive revenue and profitability. Pete’s extensive background includes pivotal roles in pre-opening and renovation projects, most notably launching a AAA 5 Diamond resort and playing a crucial role in the brand development of a burgeoning ultra-luxury resort chain. His core competencies are vast, encompassing budget creation and management, P&L oversight, team recruitment and training, as well as the design and launch of innovative menus and beverage lists. Known for his strategic approach to promoting and marketing F&B outlets, Pete ensures the highest levels of guest satisfaction and loyalty, making him a pivotal figure in the hospitality industry and a leading light in food and beverage management.
Availability
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.035 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The Royal Sonesta is highly praised for its exceptional service and stunning wedding venues, notably the courtyard and Fleur de Lis suites. Reviewers highlight the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, with special mention of Taylor, Timika, and Olivia, for their exceptional service and dedication. Guests rave about the delicious food, elegant ambiance, and seamless organization of events. Despite minor issues like noise insulation and unexpected occurrences, such as footsteps and knocks, the overall experience is described as unforgettable, making the Royal Sonesta a top choice for weddings and special events.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 6
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Cat D
5.0
4/07/2025
We can't say enough wonderful things about Taylor, our hotel wedding block coordinator at the Royal Sonesta! From the moment we reached out to reserve a block of rooms for our wedding guests, Taylor was responsive, kind, and incredibly organized. She made the entire process feel effortless, even though we know how much work goes on behind the scenes.
What stood out most was Taylor’s attention to detail and genuine care for our experience. She made sure our guests were well taken care of every step of the way—answering questions, managing last-minute changes, and coordinating welcome bags with such warmth and grace.
Our guests absolutely loved the Royal Sonesta. They raved about the comfort, location, and how easy everything was. And Taylor made sure our bridal suite was set up perfectly for the big day—fully stocked with steamers, mirrors, and everything we needed for hair and makeup. It was such a thoughtful touch that made getting ready feel calm and luxurious.
Taylor went above and beyond to make our wedding weekend smooth and stress-free. She was always quick to respond, proactive in communication, and truly a joy to work with. It felt like we had a friend in our corner who genuinely wanted our weekend to be as magical as we did.
If you're lucky enough to work with Taylor, know you're in the very best hands. She’s an absolute gem, and we’re so grateful for everything she did to make our big day unforgettable.
5.0
4/01/2025
We had our wedding hotel block here and it was perfect! Taylor Van Ness is a GEM! We cannot thank her enough for her kindness, care, attentiveness, and the way she went above and beyond the whole weekend. We felt so cared for and secure knowing she had our book. Would do an event with her any day! The rest of the staff is also very kind, responsive, and friendly. Wilburt greeted us when we arrived and helped with our luggage, he was so welcoming and kicked our experience off perfectly. I was also relieved that there is true insulation from the noise of Bourbon St with the interior rooms. We did have to walk on Bourbon when heading to our wedding venue because the Conti St exit was closed. We were hoping to avoid that but understood it was for security measures. Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, and it was lovely having access to the terrace. The location was so convenient, and the hotel is beautiful. We heard great reviews from our guests as well. Thank you to all the people here who had a hand in making this weekend unforgettably special and seamless for us!!!
Any questions?
Gigi H
5.0
3/26/2025
The Royal Sonesta hosted our Welcome Party and our Wedding. The staff there is absolutely AMAZING! Taylor Van Ness is the most Proficient, Professional, Pristine, Personable, Sweet, Kind, Problem Solving Event host EVER! Maya the catering host was INCREDIBLE! We will definitely use Royal Sonesta again! Thanks y’all!
5.0
3/20/2025
We got married at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans in July 2024. Everyone at the venue was so easy to work with and the wedding day was absolutely perfect! It was so elegant and the staff was very professional. There isn’t a thing I would’ve changed. So many people told us it was the best wedding they ever attended! And the pictures of our ceremony around the courtyard fountain were breathtaking. I would 100% recommend this venue to anyone looking for a wedding or other event.
Jordan L
5.0
4/11/2024
We hosted our daughter's wedding with 140 guests, accommodating them in 45 rooms at the hotel. Our stay was highlighted by the luxurious 3-bedroom Governor's suite, conveniently located by the poolside. While the lighting was a tad dim, the bathrooms were excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance of the bar, which was perfect for entertaining our guests.
From the moment we checked in until our departure, our experience was exceptional. The Desire Oyster bar, PJ's, LeBooze, and Revolution became our favorite spots, thanks to the outstanding service provided by the staff, who greeted us by name. Our initial experience during the tasting in January left us in awe, and the quality of food across all venues remained consistently outstanding. The wedding food, particularly the station choices, was a true culinary delight, satisfying every palate. The comprehensive alcohol and bar package ensured everyone's enjoyment throughout the celebration.
The following day, we treated 90 guests to a memorable Memphis-style BBQ luncheon, complemented by a well-curated beer and wine bar, which once again surpassed our expectations. Overall, our stay and event experiences were nothing short of amazing, thanks to the attentive staff and the impeccable quality of food and service provided.
Timika Spurlock, wedding planner at the hotel, truly made our daughter's wedding an unforgettable experience. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication ensured that everything ran smoothly, even when there was a transition in planners. Timika's hard work and personal touch were evident throughout the planning process, and we couldn't be more satisfied with her exceptional service.
Mia Bullard also deserves commendation for her efforts in accommodating our room block needs. She consistently went above and beyond to meet our requests, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and efficiency.
Furthermore, Denise and Chantal at the front desk, Mr. Wayne the concierge, Monroe the bellman, and Tim the bartender all provided exemplary service during our stay. Their personalized attention and friendly demeanor made our time at the Royal Sonesta truly enjoyable.
We cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding service provided by the staff at the Royal Sonesta. From the wedding captains to the waitstaff and bartenders, everyone went above and beyond to ensure our event was a success. Timika Spurlock deserves special recognition for her exceptional work as a wedding planner. We wholeheartedly recommend the Royal Sonesta to anyone planning a special event or looking for a memorable stay. Thank you for making our daughter's wedding an unforgettable occasion.
We did encounter a few surprise guests along the way- knocks at the door- footsteps in the rooms and nobody there- hmmm.. Cannot wait to come back and visit- Thank you all for making this a dream come true.
Frankie G
5.0
1/09/2024
Courtyard was perfect for our micro-wedding on 12-16-2023! It seems like an awkward space but they make it work for an intimate experience.
Carli C
5.0
12/07/2023
My fiance and I met on Bourbon St, so we knew we needed to get married there, but we didn't want it to be a spring break style dirty booze fest. We are so lucky to have found the Royal Sonesta, a true hidden gem. Getting married in the courtyard was a dream. The fountain was such a beautiful and elegant touch. Getting to do the Second Line around the hotel (the busiest block) was the coolest thing ever. My guests LOVED IT. The amount of people who stopped and danced with us was unreal.
Since this was a destination wedding, we had a Welcome Party in a suite overlooking Bourbon and threw beads off the balcony. 10/10 recommend. My guests had the best time.
The food was the best I've ever had at a wedding, and so may of my guests told me so. The spread was insane, from cocktail hour to the raw bar...so delicious and epic. Get the chargrilled oyster attendant, people could not stop talking about and I felt so bougie. The cake which was included in our wedding package was absolutely delicious.
Now the best for last, the Royal Sonesta staff. We planned everything with Olivia, who sadly left a couple weeks before our big day, but Monique handled everything on our wedding day and was the kindest, most attentive queen. We love her forever! The planning process was a breeze, it felt like I was planning an epic party with a good friend. Olivia made an overwhelming process so fun and enjoyable! From the moment I checked in, everyone treated us and our family like royalty. There were so many small thoughtful touches, like cookies waiting in my mother in laws room.
I'll cherish that day forever and so much of the reason is because of how special the Royal Sonesta made it.
McKay R
5.0
6/20/2023
We held a 200-person wedding at the Royal Sonesta using their Fleur de Lis Ballroom, Courtyard, and Jazz Playhouse as a magical New Orleans wedding venue. My guests were blown away by every aspect of the wedding. If you are looking to provide your guests with the perfect French Quarter wedding you need to choose the Royal Sonesta.
Our experience was impeccable from day one of planning. Olivia is the best Event Manager, we have ever worked with. Anything we needed she was there to make it happen. I can not thank her or her entire hotel team enough. We truly felt like royalty!
Our wedding unfortunately had some bad weather before the reception and with our outside courtyard plans, we were getting nervous that our dream wedding would not play out as we wanted. But Olivia led the RS Hotel Team to provide a perfect wedding, they all hustled to make sure we could have a courtyard experience.
Not only was the venue perfect, but the food was Michelin Star worthy and I mean that. Our guests raved about the food all weekend look because we had several pre/post-wedding events. Our guests are still raving about the food over a month later. We asked for the best and they gave us the best. If you want a Creole Louisiana wedding, then you have to pick the Royal Sonesta. Make sure you ask for the Crab Cake Station because it is a must! They really made this process easy and so customizable. I wanted New Orleans and they delivered.
I wish there were more characters to keep expressing my gratitude for the Royal Sonesta. Please consider this venue for your future New Orleans Wedding. I can not describe how kind every employee is here. I want to graciously thank the bellmen, valet, front/back of house employees, bartenders, servers, and chefs. They all played an important role in creating our perfect wedding. But our greatest thank you goes to Olivia, who choreographed this whole event. Olivia we would not have had the most perfect wedding without you! Thank you, Royal Sonesta! Pick this venue you will not be disappointed.
Syd A
5.0
4/17/2023
Wedding Breakdown:
75 guests (majority from out of state)
Date: April 8, 2023
Ceremony: Courtyard at 2:00 PM
Reception: Fleur de Lis Suite & Courtyard 2:30 - 7:00 PM
DJ: DJ Storm from Omega Entertainment
Second Line Parade: Frenchmen Street Productions
Pricing:
Great, reasonable prices for a city wedding with upscale dining/food and beverage. Very simple pricing layout for the packages so you can do the math yourself easily – or they will provide you with an estimate based on the option you are considering. You can customize/add items for more money, but their current options are really great as is.
Planning:
I started the process of looking for locations in January 2022. We live in a different state but most guests would have to travel anyways, we decided to look into our favorite city — NOLA! I knew I wasn’t going to get a wedding planner because of our budget and I already knew I what I wanted out of our wedding. Out of the gate, Olivia (Catering Sales Manager) was fantastic. She was preemptively thorough, answered all of my questions and made me laugh during some of my most stressed out moments. Simply put, every part of the planning process regarding the Royal Sonesta was made as easy as possible for me, thanks to Olivia.
I am very detail oriented, but there were several items Olivia brought to my attention for consideration that I would have never thought about. She understood exactly what I wanted. At this point, I’m convinced she is a mind reader. I was able to have the “little” things that were important to me like getting my cake packaged in to-go boxes for my guests (I provided the boxes) without a crazy up charge.
Tasting & The Team:
The tasting was an amazing experience. I loved that we got to meet the Chef and that he brought out members of his team to give them recognition for each of their contributions during the tasting.
Day of, our dedicated attendant (Zelda) was more than we could have asked for — she’s in the trust nest forever with us.
Rooms:
I’d recommend seeing if you and your bridal party/guests can fill the 8 rooms on the terrace above the courtyard the for the day before and of your wedding. It was fantastic to have that space made “private” because all of our people booked the rooms.
The Day Of:
It was calling for 100% rain and Olivia was fantastic about already having a backup option and working with me for my vision (the day before). Of course, there ended up being no rain. Everything was fantastic and went so smoothly the day of. Our guests raved about the food, beverages and venue. I knew it would all be great but it truly was fantastic. There was not a stressful moment on the day of and I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out.
Natalie W
5.0
2/04/2023
We held a 120 person wedding in the Fleur de Lis Courtyard (and adjoining room). An absolutely stunning venue and Olivia is a dream to work with. Our guests said it was the best wedding they had ever been to!
Ceremony: The ceremony felt intimate. Guests were able to sit up close and see/hear everything. Although you are right on Bourbon St., it was so peaceful. So convenient going right out on Bourbon for our second line! The staff flipped the courtyard into a cocktail space during that time and it was a lovely transformation.
Food: Food quality was important to us from the beginning since it's the only thing people talk about after weddings.😂 We were initially hesitant in signing the contract after a less than desirable experience at Desire but we had gotten some feedback from friends who had attended events at the hotel who all raved so we went ahead with the contract. They were all absolutely correct. The food is *superb*! Our favorites were the shrimp and alligator sliders but our guests RAVED about Miss Latrell's gumbo. Have no worries - the food is excellent.
Accommodating: Most of our guests were from out of state and were staying at the hotel so we had a welcome social the first night out on the terrace. We booked all of the rooms on the terrace in order to have that private space. It was great that there was an adjoining conference room guests could come thru to access the terrace. The staff even put a sign out by the elevator to help direct people! leading up to the big day, the weather forecast was looking bleak. Olivia was able to provide alternative plans and was so helpful in making gametime decisions. We ended up sticking with the courtyard and chancing it and it worked out in our favor.
Staff: Every one of our guests raved about the hotel staff. Throughout their stay, every Royal Sonesta employee was so helpful and welcoming. You really could not ask for more. They were all incredible. Even when we toured the venue and had our food tasting, everyone goes above and beyond. Olivia (Catering Sales Manager) is the most wonderful person to work with. My superlatives are insufficient for how helpful she is.
Venue: The hotel and event spaces are beautiful. The courtyard is absolutely stunning (our pictures look amazing). The flow between the Fleur de Lis courtyard and adjoining room is so smooth. It was so easy for guests to move around. Because the venue is so beautiful on its own, we barely did anything for decorations. Some small flowers on tables and some candles around the fountain. The space is stunning as is.
Lisa T
5.0
10/24/2022
10-22-22. Olivia and her team were amazing. Every detail was perfect, and fun and easy! We did the Balcony suites for the reception and it was a blast! Food was delicious. Would not change a thing!
Jeanne W
5.0
10/20/2022
We recently had our daughter’s wedding reception at the Royal Sonesta. The reception far exceeded our expectations. Olivia Sage-El worked with us tirelessly from start to finish. She managed all the guest rooms, the menus for lunch and for the reception and was an incredible problem solver all along the way. The chef modified several of the food options to make them gluten free for my daughters and other guests with gluten restrictions. Olivia had a positive, calming attitude and was masterful at coordinating with all my other vendors. The night of the reception Olivia and her team did an amazing job to create a flawless event that left all my guests raving about the delicious food and the beautiful venue. Having the reception at this gorgeous hotel was a great choice. I would highly recommend the Royal Sonesta to anyone who is looking for a perfect venue.
Jill L
5.0
10/11/2022
Fabulous location for any wedding, only twenty minutes from the airport , once at hotel all your guests can walk everywhere!
Olivia and her team , Theresa, were the BEST at organizing the pre party on Friday night - Bourbon Balcony suite was great- food delicious, atmosphere fun and energetic. . The cocktail & reception at the Grande Ballroom was Amazing! Couldn’t have done it without Olivia! The band -Funky Monkeys was a huge hit!
The entire wedding was such a success , I can’t say enough great things about the Royal Sonesta , if you want a stress free wedding - I highly recommend Royal Sonesta for all your wedding needs!
Sharon P
4.0
7/14/2022
The Event Planning Team did an outstanding job. Elizabeth and Olivia thought of every detail to make this a perfect day for my daughter and future son in law. The venue was gorgeous and the food was delicious; every dish served was tasty and authentic New Orleans cuisine. My guests commented that this was the best wedding they had ever attended. Kudos to the entire catering group! They made this a very special day for everyone. I highly recommend the Royal Sonesta for all of your special events.
Sarah P
5.0
2/07/2020
We couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful wedding venue, down to the littlest details!! Thank you to the Royal Sonesta New Orleans team for going above and beyond for us and for all our guests, and for being an important part of our special day.
Ashley B
5.0
10/18/2019
I would highly recommend this venue. The hotel is classy, updated, and very well run. If you have the absolute fortune of working with Wyeth Metz, count yourself one of the lucky ones. She gave honest opinions (ALL of which we utilized), and not only were they accurate, they added to our guests/our overall experiences. She was extremely quick to respond to questions or concerns, and also adjustments (some of which came very late in the process) with grace, understanding, and made it happen. Thank you Wyeth!
The hotel is very clean, every employee seems to want to be there and help.
We aren't locals in NOLA, so all of their help was appreciated and made a destination wedding so much easier and less stressful. Thank you all! Special note again about Wyeth, she deserves a lot of credit and will be a
Emily L
5.0
5/21/2019
Having our wedding at the Royal Sonesta was the best decision that we have made. It was truly the wedding of our dreams, and Anna Van Mol is the absolute best. She went above and beyond our expectations to make sure that our day was perfect. Leading up to the wedding and on our wedding day she made to communicate with our vendors and ensure everything went smoothly so that we did not have to worry about anything. She is so funny and easy to work with, and we cannot thank her enough for all that she did for us. The reception was everything we wanted and more. Our attendants and the entire staff working our reception were amazing, and the food was unbelievable. We would definitely recommend Royal Sonesta to everyone - it is the best!
Jamie P
5.0
5/11/2019
We can't be happier with the decision we made by getting married at the Royal Sonesta. The ceremony and reception were perfect. The staff was amazing and made sure to cater to anything we needed. We worked with Anna Van Mol as our coordinator, and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. She deserves a raise! Our personal attendants were awesome to deal with and did anything we could possibly need. The food was PHENOMENAL. Best wedding food we've ever had, and we were told the same from our guests. The rooms were amazing and it was just an overall great experience. The one thing we would change is that the room the ladies got ready in, was cleared out during the reception. A lot of stuff got thrown away that shouldn't have been and a couple small items went missing. We would recommend anything that gets removed from the room that they got ready in to be saved somewhere and not just thrown out. Outside of that, we couldn't have asked for anything more from the hotel and would do it all over again!
Victoria K
5.0
1/09/2019
I cannot put into words how utterly amazing the Royal Sonesta was as our wedding venue. It blew us and our guests away. From the first meeting we knew it was the perfect place, not just from looks but from their wedding presentation. They were so organized and full of ideas - they know how to host a wedding! Anna our wedding coordinator couldn't do enough for us on the lead up to the wedding and on the actual day. The hotel, the service and food exceeded our every expectation. It was our dream wedding that they helped make true. Again, cannot thank Anna enough and my bridal attendant, Naketha. Amazing!
D S
5.0
11/10/2018
From Planning to the actually reception, the Royal Sonesta delivered above and beyond a perfect wedding! As a MOB I was able to enjoy the day and the Royal Sonesta Wedding Coordinator did the rest!
Noel K
5.0
9/12/2018
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Starting with Wyeth who patiently answered all our questions while trying to decide on a wedding venue, the experience was amazing. Anna Van Mol, Event Services Manager, was personable, patient, professional and went above and beyond to execute our vision for our event as well as take care of things large and small that arose during the event. It rained and thus our ceremony had to be moved from the courtyard to a different location in the hotel. Anna was sincerely sorry for the weather, which was out of her control, but the execution and coordination with vendors (lighting, florals, etc) for moving the ceremony was flawless with no additional stress for us as the wedding couple. The ballrooms and other event rooms are naturally lovely but it is the people that make this venue priceless. The food was fantastic. The menu selection was also fantastic- from classic new orleans to less traditional wedding food items (try the cone display). The cake was wonderful (lemon cake with pistachio filling is my new favorite...who knew?). The servers were attentive. Communications were returned in a timely manner and gentle reminders were valuable in keeping us on track for deadlines. I am extremely happy with my wedding experience and the high quality services delivered by the Royal Sonesta.
Madelyn D
5.0
2/26/2018
The Royal Sonesta has always been a favorite within my family. Now it is not only our favorite place to stay in New Orleans, all of our guests fell in love with the Royal Sonesta, too! It is beautiful, elegant, and grand-the perfect place for our January wedding. Wyeth Metz, the Catering Sales Manager, is INCREDIBLE. She took care of every detail, and went above and beyond our hopes and expectations. We are grateful to the Royal Sonesta and Wyeth for helping us celebrate our incredibly happy day.
Raymond S
5.0
8/26/2017
We had a lovely small ceremony on the terrace overlooking the courtyard. We stayed in a junior suite and were able to place some decorations and have a small procession right out of that door. WE had musicians on the terrace too. They treated us really well at the Royal Sonesta and we had some cake and champagne catered and also later room service all of which was wonderful. We were also able to go to the Jazz Playhouse that evening and next day Jazz Brunch to make it a fine NOLA musical wedding. We felt like celebrities!
Athena M
5.0
6/12/2017
We hosted a farewell brunch after our wedding reception for all of our guests at the Royal Sonesta in their Esplanade room. It was absolutely perfect. Not only is the hotel and rooms absolutely gorgeous the food is unbelievable. We did buffet style but with their food being so gourmet and the service being so top notch it felt like a full sit down meal. Everything tasted amazing and the display was kept clean and the food trays full the entire time.
The room was private, extremely large, open and looked so beautiful with the white linen and crystal chandeliers.
Leading up to the event I worked with Jessica who was absolutely amazing. She paid attention to every detail, answered all of my questions and was very responsive. She was also there the day of to be sure everything went off without a hitch. Our group even grew larger than expected and they quickly accommodated it and moved us to a larger room with no issue at all.
This would be a perfect place to host any type of event.
Jade P
5.0
1/09/2017
We are so impressed with the Royal Sonesta. They accommodated our every need. Everyone kept telling us we had the best reception ever. Our bridal attendant was wonderful. The night couldn't have gone more perfect. Jessica was great to work with. The Royal Sonesta is the place to go for your reception.
Michelle B
5.0
12/10/2016
We loved having our reception at the Royal Sonesta!! We picked the location because it was in such a great spot in the quarter, convenient for all of our out of town guests, and Wyeth could not be more helpful! The ballroom was recently re-done and OMG it looks fabulous! Wyeth and Jessica were so accommodating and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of. My parents still rave how attentive the servers were and smooth the night went! Could not have picked a better location :)
Sarah M
5.0
10/25/2016
The staff, planning process, and venue itself were each amazing and accommodating to our every need!
Alex C
5.0
9/10/2016
The location is beautiful. The courtyard is the perfect ceremony space and the indoor reception area is elegant and opulent. The food was absolutely delicious and I would recommend the location highly.
There does tend to be a lack of organization once the two amazing organizers, Wyeth and Jessica, leave for the evening though. Our beignet station was brought out an hour early during the cake pass and the speeches were late starting. These issues were so minor though, that I only noticed them a few days later looking back.
Wyeth and Jessica are helpful and understood the style of wedding we wanted. They made suggestions that I would never have though of and never pushed if we weren't keen on them. The set up for both the ceremony and the reception was perfect and exactly what I wanted.
They even managed to get us early check-in to the honeymoon suite the morning of the wedding :)
Shibahn S
5.0
8/08/2016
Royal Sonesta is an excellent hotel for a wedding block. The staff there was great to work with. Very thorough, and did not make mistakes, even with so many reservations in our group. The service at this hotel is top-notch. Rooms have been renovated in the last year, and are very luxurious. We rented the Bourbon Balcony Suite for our hospitality suite, and it was a blast! The setup there is fantastic, with a large wet bar and wraparound Bourbon balcony. The party lasted all night long! I had the split-level pool suite for the bridal suite, which was perfect for getting ready with all my bridesmaids. We were able to walk right out to the pool while getting ready for the big night.
Ursula P
5.0
6/13/2016
I cant NOT even begin to express how amazing the Royal Sonesta was for our destination wedding. Wyeth the sales manager made it such a pleasant and stress free event! My guests, my wedding party, and myself were all in awe over how amazing the ENTIRE staff was as well as how beautiful the hotel is! We had a strict budget and we actually stayed in it - the amount of beauty we got for our reception was worth every single penny and then some. If you are having a New Orleans reception...THIS is the spot.
Christina L
5.0
3/03/2016
My now-husband and I are from Los Angeles and we decided to have our dream destination wedding at the place we first vacationed, New Orleans' French Quarter! After choosing over dozens of venues, we decided on the Royal Sonesta! Our wedding coordinator, Wyeth Furlong was absolutely amazing! She is so detail-oriented and had all the special touches I requested and then some for our dream wedding! Our guests kept complimenting on the venue, the food (the best!) and the service. I overheard my brother-in-law say, "it must be that Southern Hospitality" as we were so impressed with the servers at our reception (We are a group of Californians and Midwesterners)! I even had a wonderful bridal attendant at my beck and call the whole time. Her name is Naketha Keller and I insist she get a raise! Then after the reception, she took a vase of the roses from our banquet room up to our room and wrote me a sweet little note, which I am keeping in my wedding album! My father-in-law said to me, "this must have been so much work for you." I smiled to myself, Nope! Wyeth and her wonderful staff made it completely stress-free! Everything turned out better than I hoped for!
Christie S
5.0
5/30/2015
When the man of my dreams asked me to marry him we automatically knew it was going to be in New Orleans. I got down to planning and I was completely lost. I went online to find a hotel with a courtyard,and narrowed the choice down to 3. I called the first and the price was right but the person I spoke with had absolutely no enthusiasm or desire to answer my questions. I got off that call feeling blah. I called the next hotel on my list and I got Wyeth! Wyeth painted a picture with that first phone call that I knew would be the wedding of our dreams. 2 hours later I was emailing back the contract with our deposit sight unseen. Over the the next 6 month's this phenomenal person took care of any and everything we needed. When we arrived at the hotel 3 days before our wedding she put us in such a state of calm we had not a worry in the world. The hotel is beautiful and all of the staff there are handpicked from some of the greatest people New Orleans has to offer. I can tell you as a bride you really never get to taste your food but we were put in a room for 15 minutes and got to actually taste the best food ever. It's now 2 year's later and all of our guests still talk about our wedding and asking us when we will have a reunion trip at the Royal Sonesta? Our day was magical and we owe it all to this woman! If you're planning a wedding in New Orleans make this your first call
Melissa L
4.0
2/14/2014
Our one request was NO TIP JARS on the bar. When you are paying 20% grat on the bar tab the bartenders should not be nickel and dimming the guest on a $50,000 reception.They put tip jars out. My dad's assistant caught this early on and removed them. Our cake did not taste like the cake that we tried during the tasting. Also they cut the cake then only 1/2 my guest got cake. They did not pass out hardly any of it. (Most of the slip ups happened after the wedding/ banquet coordinator left for the night). Our late night pass-around (benigets and bailey mudslides) got passed out 45 minutes early. We paid for 15 minutes of the bar after the band finished. But as soon as the bad finished the workers shut everything down. The food was amazing. Everyone raved that is was the best wedding food they have ever had. We had a pasta bar, gumbo station, slider station, and shrimp and grits. Our wedding attendant was wonderful. She was so nice and any little request we had was handled immediately. She also got all our gifts up to the room and had a beautiful romantic setup in the room with rose petals and candles.
Ellen B
5.0
6/01/2012
The rooms are beautiful and the service is excellent.
Lindsay R
5.0
10/20/2011
We love the royal Sonesta. Great location! The rooms and service are great.
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The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Taylor Van Ness
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Catering Sales Manager
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