Have just reserved a ground floor room facing the courtyard at the Soniat House for early January. My husband and I have never been to NOLA before and will be celebrating my 40th birthday this trip. Am really splurging on the room, 275 per night and seeking confidence from those who've stayed at The Soniat House that it's worth it?

275 in January? Wow. That's high!

We stayed at the Soniat this past Easter. The courtyard is lovely, the hotel is a small, intimate place and very quiet -- there is a balcony that overlooks the street. I don't remember offhand how our room was classified. I know it wasn't the cheapest but it wasn't the most expensive either. I do remember that our room was pretty small. But, that was about the only thing I could fault it with. The staff was very helpful in arranging tours, making suggestions and reservations at restaurants. You aren't too far from Jackson Square. Take comfortable walking shoes. We walked everywhere we went (except for a swamp tour) because we could.

It's been ten years since we stayed there - but if it has maintained its standards (and I think it still comes up in listings like "best small hotels in the US," etc) you will be very happy. Rooms are furnished with antiques and have a plush feel. Hopefully, they're still doing their 'breakfast thing'...You call down in the morning and within about 10 mins a waiter arrives, bearing a silver service laden with steaming coffee and luscious fresh-made biscuits. SH's location is another plus....easy walking to everything in the Quarter, yet tucked at a quiet end, so you don't have all the noise and bustle. Enjoy!! (B/t/w, the time we stayed there, we were helping a friend celebrate her 50th...in January. Weather was great.)

My husband and I stayed at Soniat House May '01. If returning to New Orleans, we would definitely stay at SH in the future. Our first floor room was the least expensive (but pricey due to JazzFest and inflated room rates in NOLA).
This is a wonderful property! Concierge service is efficient and helpful, the courtyard is a haven after touring, continental breakfast is terrific, decor of each room is different and the location cannot be beat.
I also anguished over booking SH; once we arrived, I was glad we did!

I hate to be a naysayer, but I spent one night there last year and checked out. (I was booked for 5 nights). My room was tiny and claustrophobic because of the "attic" it was built into. The hotel was cute but nothing special. $275 is silly. Sorry, but you can get more for your money I think.