300 Years at 300 Bourbon Street

New Orleans is steeped in history, offering a never-ending wealth of stories that both reflect the past and intertwine with the present.

Many of New Orleans’ grandest events and historical happenings occurred right in the midst of the world-renowned French Quarter. With 300 years under the Big Easy’s belt, award-winning Royal Sonesta New Orleans takes a look back at events occurring at its home, 300 Bourbon Street.

The site the hotel sits on today dates back to 1721, with the land originally home to 12 lots with houses, stables, courtyards, carriageways and gardens.

A Shakespearean actor took residence on one of the lots, and the others consisted of a costume shop, a vinegar factory and the American Brewing Company, which grew to encompass the entire frontages of Bienville, Bourbon and Conti Streets until the brewery closed in 1962.

Construction on the hotel broke ground in 1967, with the façade and signature balconies designed to replicate a row of houses that stood during the 1830s.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans officially opened its doors on Sept. 11, 1969. Local jazz great “Sweet Emma” Barrett, who performed with both the Original Tuxedo Orchestra and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, cut the ceremonial ribbon, and a four-day celebration ensued.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans is the current home of dining and entertainment hotspots including Restaurant R’evolution, Desire Oyster Bar and The Jazz Playhouse. However, it previously housed Economy Hall, a jazz club where the infamous Fats Domino and Louis Prima performed. Prior to the hotel’s opening, the block was also home to Bourbon Street’s first-ever nightclub, Maxime’s, which opened in 1926 and forever transformed the roadway into one of the most famous streets in the world.

Four-star French Creole restaurant, Begue’s was also resurrected by the hotel. Originally named Dutrey’s, the restaurant dates back to 1853 and is coined as the creator of the New Orleans brunch concept. The eatery only served one meal a day, breakfast at 11 a.m., because it was a convenient hour for butchers of the French Market and those finishing shifts at the dock.

Years after the death of the restaurant’s matriarch, Madame Begue, her daughter sold the eatery in 1914 to Tujague’s, where it remains today. Begue’s reopening at the hotel in 1969 treated guests to a gourmet buffet of all the finest cuisine and desserts served atop sparking silver dishes. In honor of Madame Begue, a spoon from the original restaurant hung in the hotel’s entrance.

The hotel itself is a landmark in the city, hosting one of New Orleans’ most beloved Carnival traditions, Greasing of the Poles. What began as a practical means to deter overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event.

Now in its 48th year, it is considered by many to be the French Quarter’s official Mardi Gras weekend kickoff, held each year on the Friday preceding Fat Tuesday. In celebration of the city’s Tricentennial, this year’s spectacle is themed Cheers to 300 Years and will be held Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m.

Just in time to celebrate this momentous year, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is launching a Tricentennial guest package that offers a Deluxe room with rates starting at $500 for a two-night stay. Or, guests can upgrade to the Tricentennial Royal package, offering accommodations on the R Club level as well as a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne, with rates starting at $460 for a two-night stay.

Click here to take advantage of these offers and use promo code “TRICEN” for the Tricentennial Package, or “TRIROY” for the upgraded Tricentennial Royal package.

After you’ve checked in, visit Bar R’evolution or a show at The Jazz Playhouse where you can try our celebratory cocktail, The Flight of the Earls. Truly a drink for a special occasion, the $300 price tag will treat you to a concoction crafted with some of the finest liqueurs, Grand Marnier Quintessence, Hennessy Paradis Impérial and a freshly popped bottle of Krug Champagne in a crystal champagne flute garnished with a gold flake and sugar crusta.

Rooted in history, there’s no better place to celebrate 300 years of New Orleans than at 300 Bourbon Street!