
Le Méridien New Orleans
Best for quieter downtown stays with quick access to the French Quarter and a rooftop pool.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Le Méridien New Orleans is a 4-star Central Business District hotel with a rooftop pool and Louisiana-inspired dining — good for business travelers and families who want a quieter base near the French Quarter. The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a large 4.5-star Bourbon Street hotel for travelers who want to be in the middle of French Quarter nightlife and attractions.
Updated · about 1.0 km apart

Best for quieter downtown stays with quick access to the French Quarter and a rooftop pool.

Best for being steps from Bourbon Street, nightly entertainment, and multiple on-site bars and restaurants.
When Le Méridien New Orleans wins: choose Le Méridien if you want a calmer, CBD address that’s still within easy walking distance of the French Quarter, plus a rooftop pool and family-friendly rooms.
When The Royal Sonesta New Orleans wins: pick The Royal Sonesta if your priority is being in the middle of Bourbon Street action, with a large hotel footprint, more on-site F&B outlets, and more event space.
Bottom line: both hotels put you near New Orleans’ main sights; Le Méridien is the quieter, downtown choice with a notable rooftop pool, while The Royal Sonesta is the busier French Quarter option for nightlife and scale.
| Category | Le Méridien New Orleans | The Royal Sonesta New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Calmer CBD hotel, business- and family-friendly | Lively Bourbon Street hotel, nightlife-oriented |
| Location | 333 Poydras St — Central Business District, a short walk to Canal St and the French Quarter | 300 Bourbon St — in the French Quarter, steps from Bourbon Street and Jackson Square |
| Size (rooms) | 410 rooms (23 floors) | 483 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age 21 for the registering guest | All ages welcome (children stay free in existing beds per property policy); minimum check-in age 21 noted in supplier listing |
| Pools | One outdoor rooftop pool (4th floor) with cabanas and poolside bar | One outdoor pool with poolside bar (hours and access per property) |
| Restaurants & bars | Two main venues: LMNO (Cajun/Creole/New American) and Longitude 90 (lobby bar/café) | Multiple on-site outlets: 2 restaurants, a coffee shop/café and 2 bars/lounges (plus pool bar and nightclub onsite) |
| Spa & wellness | No confirmed dedicated on-site spa; massage services may be via partner | Health or beauty spa nearby / available via property listing (details not published) |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive meeting space (multiple ballrooms and outdoor Palm Garden; up to ~20,000 sq ft listed across sources) | |
| Accessibility & family features | Accessible rooms and public areas; pets allowed with fee; rooftop pool open to all ages | Accessible features listed (pool hoist, wheelchair-accessible meeting spaces); children stay free in existing beds; some pet rooms available |
Le Méridien sits at 333 Poydras Street in the Central Business District, a short walk to Canal Street and a quieter walk to Bourbon Street.
Le Méridien is a downtown base that keeps you close to the French Quarter without the late-night noise on Bourbon Street.
The Royal Sonesta is located at 300 Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter, putting you steps from Bourbon Street entertainment.
The Royal Sonesta puts you in the middle of French Quarter activity; expect more street noise and easier late-night access to Bourbon Street.
Le Méridien offers 410 rooms across 23 floors with a mix of standard rooms and suites, including river-view and accessible options.
Rooms at Le Méridien skew toward business-savvy and family travelers who value a quieter downtown room and rooftop access.
The Royal Sonesta lists 483 individually decorated guestrooms with standard amenities like refrigerators and flat-screen TVs.
Royal Sonesta’s large inventory gives more variety for groups and families who want to stay inside the French Quarter.
Le Méridien focuses on two signature outlets: LMNO for Cajun/Creole-inspired meals and Longitude 90 for coffee, light fare, and cocktails.
Le Méridien’s food-and-drink scene is compact and locally flavored — good for casual meals and a lobby café vibe.
Royal Sonesta lists multiple food-and-beverage outlets including two restaurants, a coffee shop/café, two bars/lounges, plus a poolside bar.
If you prefer many on-site dining and late-night bar options, Royal Sonesta provides more variety and convenience in-house.
Le Méridien’s notable amenity is its 4th-floor outdoor rooftop pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas and private cabanas.
Le Méridien’s rooftop pool is a quieter downtown amenity and a selling point for non-French Quarter stays.
Royal Sonesta has an outdoor pool and a poolside bar listed among its recreational features.
Royal Sonesta’s pool gives an on-site refresh option in the French Quarter but expect a busier neighborhood setting.
Le Méridien pairs a 24-hour fitness center with downtown access to cultural sites and calmer nighttime surroundings.
Le Méridien serves guests who want a reliable fitness offering and a less frenetic night near downtown attractions.
Royal Sonesta lists a 24-hour fitness center and also highlights on-site nightlife options like a nightclub and multiple bars.
Royal Sonesta is better if nightlife access without a walk is a priority; Le Méridien is better for quieter evenings and exercising near the pool.

Le Méridien — quieter CBD location, rooftop pool, and family-friendly rooms near business venues.

The Royal Sonesta — steps from Bourbon Street with multiple bars, a nightclub and French Quarter access.

The Royal Sonesta — large conference footprint and many meeting rooms suitable for bigger French Quarter events.

Le Méridien — a dedicated rooftop pool deck with cabanas and a distinct poolside atmosphere.
The Royal Sonesta is on Bourbon Street and is the obvious choice if you want to be steps from nightlife and French Quarter attractions.
Le Méridien is located in the Central Business District and stays noticeably quieter at night compared with a Bourbon Street address.
Yes. Le Méridien has a rooftop pool on the 4th floor; The Royal Sonesta lists an outdoor pool and a poolside bar in its amenities.
No. Both properties accept guests of all ages; the registering guest typically must be at least 21 to check in.
Explore how Le Méridien New Orleans stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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