If you want something a little different and a little funky, you'll get it at Royal Street Inn, Royal Street Inn and R Bar is not for everyone. It is, as it's name says, an Inn and Bar! The lower half of the property is a local bar in the Faubourg Marginy district of New Orleans. Perfect location if the want to spend your time on/around Frenchmen Street to party like a local.
Now, let me say this, we did not go into this blindly. My husband and I are in our early 40's, middle class, regular folk, not super open to things but not prudes either. I read other reviews about Royal Street Inn and knew about it's location and unique set up. (But, there were no other rooms available anywhere else, so I was up for the adventure.) Check in is at the bar; 3pm. Yes, you take your bags into the bar area and the bartender checks you in right there. She then took us to our room. The enterance to the rooms are located through a side entrance outside the building; no prob. Our room was located at the top of the building. Three floors up. Needless to say we were huffing and puffing by the time we reached the top floor. I must admit that the room itself was quite nice. Spotless! The bed comfortable, clean. The decor modern and up-to-date. There was a hairdryer, toiletries. However, the bathroom was open to the rest of the room. So, there is no privacy except for a decorative screen. (You can always send the others away for a stroll -wink-)
We hit Bourbon early, so we were done early. Being on top of a bar you would think it would be noisy. It's not as far as music goes. However, merriment from the street did keep us up a bit. If you hit Bourbon in the evening and turn in after midnight, I think you'll be good. The noise seemed to settle down about 2am. I think they took this into consideration, check out is at noon. I would have to say that the smoke from the bar did become strong at one point but died out and there was barely a hint of cigarette when we woke. There's also a blacony area on the 2nd floor if your traveling with a group of friends and you want to hangout or if you just want to sit and enjoy the activity of your surroundings. We chose to park in the French Quarter because we arrived in the city early and didn't want to drag our bags all around. When we were done on Bourbon, we grabbed our bags, got a cab and went to our room. Cab was $6 or so.
Be careful of the ceiling, it does slant/sloap and if your tall, you'll most likely bump your head.
Oh, and you get two drink chips for complimentary drinks are the bar! Great way to start off your evening or end it!
Would I stay again? I won't take it off the list. I was absolutely impressed with the cleanliness!! And, I did enjoy the funky feel of the property. The area was perfect for hanging with the locals.
