NEW ORLEANS — The newly renovated, landmark hotel Royal Sonesta New Orleans is ready to roll out an entire array of holiday fun and revelry for the 2016 season. From the hotel's signature lighting event planned for Wednesday, Nov. 30, to its beloved Royal Teddy Bear Tea tradition, all the way through to a New Year's Eve musical farewell to 2016 on Dec. 31, lasting holiday memories begin and end at Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
For the 11th year, Royal Sonesta New Orleans will officially usher in the French Quarter holiday season at its highly anticipated Lighting of the Balconies event, taking place at 300 Bourbon St. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 6:00 p.m. Two young patients from Children’s Hospital will ceremoniously “flip the switch” to illuminate thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the hotel’s expansive wrought iron balconies. The event has evolved into one of the most popular local celebrations of the season. This year’s show will be packed with plenty of surprises, along with entertainment designed to make the holiday season bright. The event is free and open to the public.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans’ holiday magic of both sights and sounds will continue beginning the very next day. Each weekday at noon, throughout the month of December, New Orleans-area elementary and high school choirs will spread holiday cheer with musical performances, held right inside the hotel’s main lobby. Guests and visitors should plan to stop in throughout the season to enjoy the hotel’s elaborate holiday décor, including its dazzling arcade of real Christmas trees.
In 2016, the hotel has not only redesigned its 483 guestrooms including 36 suites, but has also recently reimagined and unveiled its Grand Ballroom. Now, with its shining ballroom space complete, the hotel aims to be the premier destination for corporate events, seasonal occasions and full-scale holiday affairs, hotel reps said. On Christmas Day, Executive Chef Jeff Mattia and his talented culinary team are providing an extravagant Christmas Day Champagne Brunch, with all the delicious and decorative trimmings of the season, inside the new ballroom.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans is featuring a Papa Noel Holiday Package where guests will receive the hotel’s best rates, starting at only $149 per night Sunday through Thursday, and from $199 per night on Friday and Saturday. Plus, all Papa Noel guests automatically receive the Sonesta Savings Pack, containing more than $500 in discounts to New Orleans’ most popular attractions and museums.
And at Restaurant R’evolution, located inside the hotel at 777 Bienville St., visitors and locals alike can spend more time with family and friends, and allow the culinary team to create holiday feasts for the senses. Give thanks with Restaurant R’evolution for a special Thanksgiving Brunch on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In December, chef duo John Folse and Rick Tramonto will continue the restaurant’s mission of conserving the region’s culinary past with the annual celebration of Louisiana’s holiday tradition, Réveillon. Restaurant R’evolution will feature a classic Réveillon menu on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, as well as its Réveillon prix fixe dinner menu option throughout the entire month, for all to enjoy.
