Soniat House

Description:

• The recipient of endless tributes from various prestigious travel journals, the wonderful and romantic Soniat House lives up to the hype. Keeping a low profile behind a solid wood gate, it is classic Creole -- the treasures are hidden off the street. Inside this nonsmoking property you will find a perfect little hideaway, an oasis of calm that seems impossible in the Quarter. The beyond-efficient staff will spoil you, and the sweet courtyards, candlelit at night, will soothe you. The entire establishment is very particular and detailed oriented, and the experience here is gracious and adult.

  Rooms do vary, if not in quality then at least in distinction. (Be aware that designations such as "junior suite" just mean a room with a sitting area.) All have antiques, but if you want, say, high ceilings and really grand furniture (room no. 23 has a 17th-century bed), you are better off in the main house or the suite-filled annex across the street. The rooms in the old kitchen and other buildings are not quite as smashing by comparison. On the main property, bathrooms are small, though some rooms have their own private balconies, but across the street they gain size, not to mention Jacuzzi bathtubs, custom decor, and antique furnishings. Many rooms have nonworking fireplaces, and all are decorated in simple, elegant good taste, including original art on the walls. Our only real complaint is the extra charge ($12.50) for the admittedly delicious, but small, breakfast (fresh squeezed orange juice and fluffy biscuits made to order) -- it seems petty.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

CitySearch

•  Bed and Breakfasts 2006 – Editorial Winner

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

A southern breakfast is available after 7a for an extra $7. There is also a fully stocked honor bar in the parlor. There are no children under 13 permitted.