Soniat House, New Orleans

The Soniat House hotel has been in existence for twenty years, but the three town houses that encompass the hotel were built in the 1800's. Two homes were built by Joseph Soniat and one was built by his son. They were plantation owners that would visit New Orleans, and having a large family needed two homes. The owners of the hotel today took all three of the homes and joined them into the Soniat House hotel. This hotel at 1133 Chartres Street is located in the residential area of the French Quarter and has won many prestigious awards.

The details that were part of the original homes have been kept. Spiral staircases, balconies to view the French Quarter and a courtyard area where guests can enjoy a southern breakfast compete with the New Orleans Cafy au Lait. The furnishings of the hotel are antiques, fitting the era of the original homes. This boutique hotel has also incorporated the latest technology into the rooms and public areas. Wireless internet and DSL in the sitting room give guests the opportunity to perform business tasks if necessary. Voicemail is available and there are two phones at each room.

There are Egyptian cotton bed clothes, goose down pillows, air conditioning, hair dryers, cable television and bathrobes for the guests comfort. A daily newspaper is available and so are safes in the room or a safety deposit box. Guests can request an automatic wake up call. Valet parking is twenty five dollars a day at a secured parking lot. The bathroom includes products by Annick Goutal. The hotel features twelve suites and twenty one rooms. Pets are not allowed and there is a no smoking policy.

The Superior Rooms come with queen sized beds and WiFi. The Premier Rooms will have twin beds or one king sized bed; there is a tub and shower in the bathroom. A Deluxe Room will have a four poster or canopy queen size bed with the same amenities as the other two room categories. Rates for the rooms range from $240 to $295 dollars per night.

Two types of suites are available, the Junior Suite and the Grand Suite. They are priced from $425 to $625 dollars a night. The amenities of the Junior Suite include a choice of a king or queen sized bed. Writing desks have been placed in the suite and many of the baths have a Jacuzzi tub. The Grand Suites are exceptionally elegant, with king beds in the larger bedroom space. There are balconies with all of the Grand Suites. The hotel offers specials and packages.

While the area of the hotel is in a residential section the French Quarter restaurants, shopping and jazz clubs are close at hand. Guests can enjoy the many Creole and Cajun cuisine restaurants on the nearby streets. Bourbon Street with the nightly live musical performances can be reached easily. Jackson Square and the museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere are a short distance from the hotel. The staff at the hotel is able to secure dining reservations, tickets and tours for their guests.