New Orleans is on the blog again today! I’m sharing a look into our stay at the Royal Sonesta, a gorgeous four-star hotel located smack dab in the middle of the famous Bourbon Street. I’m also chatting about my “resort style.” Which means I’m basically sharing the cuuuuutest swim cover up & one piece that you’ve got to see!
Bourbon Street is most known for its hurricane drinks, balconies of beads and wild nights of partying. Oh, and those Mardi Gras parades too! Would you believe there’s a relaxing (& fancy) oasis tucked away, just right off of the street?
With a baby in tow, we knew this wasn’t going to be like any of our previous trips to the French Quarter. The Royal Sonesta went above & beyond to accommodate our stay, offering a crib in our room and putting us on the R Club level on the top floor. Guests staying on this floor are treated to a concierge service (which makes dinner reservations & valet pick up a breeze!) R Club guests also receive exclusive access to the lounge & terrace. Let me just tell you, happy hour in the lounge was just what we needed after our five-hour drive in from Houston!
As soon as our happy hour was over, the three of us headed downstairs for dinner at Desire Oyster Bar, the most AH-MAZING oyster bar in the city, in my opinion! We started dinner off with chargrilled oysters on the half shell. (& my mouth is watering as I type this) The menu consists of mostly traditional gulf-fare. We ordered the shrimp & grits and crawfish etouffee. Naturally, my mom and I had to have a taste of each other’s dishes, or it just wouldn’t be proper. 😉 If you pop in here for lunch or dinner, don’t forget to finish your meal off with the most delectable bread pudding imaginable. And if you’re in a hurry, they’ll even pack it up for you to go. (Which is what ended up happening to us. Annie was ready for bed!)
On our second day in New Orleans, we explored the French Quarter and took in the sights. We retreated back to the Royal Sonesta shortly after lunch to spend the rest of our day poolside, at the hotel’s courtyard pool.
This was my first opportunity in AGES to slip into a swimsuit and coverup. My MISA coverup from Saint Bernard has fun ruffles sleeves and a removable tassel tie at the front. I can’t imagine ever opting to wear it without the tassel though
Speaking of tassels, the more the merrier. Right? I paired my off-the-shoulder dress with tassel earrings made by the same designer of the dress. I think I have a thing for MISA? I mean, how could you not with all of these cute summer styles of hers. (All available at Saint Bernard too!)
My favorites from MISA
Saint Bernard’s boutique in Houston has become my go-to for swimwear. It takes a special swimsuit for a new mom to feel comfortable enough to rock only three months in, that’s for sure! Love this green one by Eberjay! I’m especially digging it because it can be worn both on or off-the-shoulder. Totally wearing it on the shoulder when I hit the beach next month! Saint Bernard offer so many different styles and silhouettes to choose from, that flatter any body type too.
Shop the Look:
Our two-night stay at Royal Sonesta was such a treat. From delicious dinners to pina coladas by the pool to strolling Annie through the marble-gilded lobby, I can’t put my finger on what we loved the most! So let’s just say … it was a little bit of everything.
New Orleans is only a five-hour drive from Houston and a five-hour drive from Memphis, where my parents live. I’m thinking more New Orleans trips & Royal Sonesta stays are definitely in our future. It’s a great “halfway” point, what can I say! And the location is beyond convenient when traveling with a little one. You only have to park your car once, which means you can walk right out the door and explore the city with your stroller in tow! A post all about what we did in Nola, as well as my tips on visiting the city with a baby, are coming at ya soon! In the meantime, I hope you all have a fabulous Mother’s Day weekend!
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xo, alice
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outfit potos by Maggie DeWitt & the rest by meeee 😉
