In a quieter part of the French Quarter
Historic property with antique furnishings
Spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
Free daily newspapers
Honor bar and wine cellar
Smoke-free hotel
Computer and printer for guest use
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Walls are thin and noise can be an issue
Some rooms appear on worn
The 31-room Soniat House is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel in the French Quarter. Located on a quieter street, this hotel provide a good option for those wanting to explore the area and its history while avoiding the party scene on Bourbon Street. Built into a cluster of three historic townhouses, the hotel presents like a bed-and-breakfast, with large, individually styled rooms full of antiques. All the rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished, though some may be more worn than others and walls are thin. The resident cat adds to the Soniat House's homey feel, but guests with pet allergies may want to look elsewhere.
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Scene
Quaint boutique hotel with historical ambience
The historic Soniat House dates back to around 1830 and was commissioned by sugar plantation owner Joseph Soniat Duffossat. It's a typical French Quarter townhouse, with peach exterior walls, green wood shutters, and a large second-story balcony with wrought-iron railings. Inside, the hotel is spacious but cozy, with beautiful high-ceilinged rooms. The antique, homey furniture at Soniat House makes it feel like a bed-and-breakfast, though the prices are definitely higher than found at most bed-and-breakfasts -- and breakfast costs extra. Still it's easy to feel at ease in the parlor room of the hotel, where there's a deep-seated couch and a well-stocked honor bar for guest use. There's also a beautiful courtyard with lots of shade and greenery.
Location
In a quieter part of the French Quarter
The Soniat House is located in the middle of the French Quarter, on a quiet cobbled street and surrounded by similarly historic Gallic buildings. Although it's only a few minutes' walk from restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the party scene at Bourbon Street, the area is quiet and calm. The French Market is a four-minute walk away while Jackson Square takes seven minutes on foot. The airport is a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Rooms
Spacious and comfy -- but worn -- rooms with flat-screen TVs and thin walls
Soniat House offers 31 rooms in six categories, offering plenty of options for a small hotel. Even the most basic rooms are spacious, with room for a sitting area in addition to a queen (or larger) bed. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique furniture that add to the property's historical ambience. Rooms have flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The furnishings in some rooms appear worn and while the hotel is on a quiet street, noise can sometimes be an issue as the property is old and the walls are thin. Bathrooms are bright, modern, and stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, though some showerheads show signs of calcification. Although rooms are a decent size to begin with, suites offer significantly more space, and have full seating areas along with a bedroom or two.
Features
Free Wi-Fi and a well-stocked honor bar
There are few added amenities to the Soniat House, where atmosphere wins out over extravagance. The hotel's sitting room is beautiful and homey, and includes a well-stocked honor bar for guests to prepare their own drinks. The courtyard, too, is a lovely place to relax and there's an antique store on the property. There's a computer and a printer for guests to use and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and daily newspapers. Breakfast is available for a fee and can be taken in the dining room, courtyard, or in guest rooms. There's also a wine cellar with French and American wines for sale.
