FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:

Elliot Hutchinson
Zehnder Communications
(504) 962-3723
ellioth@z-comm.com

Tambry Reed Slavich
Zehnder Communications
(504) 962-3711
treed@z-comm.com

NEW ORLEANS (November 14, 2016) - The newly renovated, landmark hotel Royal Sonesta New Orleans is ready to roll out an entire array of holiday fun and revelry for the 2016 season. From the hotel's signature lighting event planned for Nov. 30, to its beloved Royal Teddy Bear Tea tradition, all the way through to a New Year's Eve musical farewell to 2016 on Dec. 31, lasting holiday memories begin and end at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, one of the Crescent City's most-cherished hotels.

For the 11th year, Royal Sonesta New Orleans will officially usher in the French Quarter holiday season at its highly anticipated Lighting of the Balconies event, taking place at 300 Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Two young patients from Children's Hospital will ceremoniously "flip the switch" to illuminate thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the hotel's expansive wrought iron balconies. The event has evolved into one of the most popular local celebrations of the season. This year's show is packed with plenty of surprises, along with some great entertainment designed to make the holiday season bright. The event is free and open to the public.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans' holiday magic of both sights and sounds will continue beginning the very next day. Each weekday at noon, throughout the month of December, New Orleans-area elementary and high school choirs will spread holiday cheer with musical performances, held right inside the hotel's main lobby. Guests and visitors should plan to stop in throughout the season to enjoy the hotel's elaborate holiday décor, including its dazzling arcade of real Christmas trees.

In 2016, the hotel has not only redesigned its 483 guestrooms including 36 suites, but has also recently reimagined and unveiled its Grand Ballroom. Now, with its shining ballroom space complete, the hotel aims to be the premier destination for corporate events, seasonal occasions and full-scale holiday affairs. On Christmas Day, Executive Chef Jeff Mattia and his talented culinary team are providing an extravagant Christmas Day Champagne Brunch, with all the delicious and decorative trimmings of the season, inside the new ballroom.

The holidays are also an opportune time to take advantage of all Royal Sonesta New Orleans has to offer. With its Papa Noel Holiday Package, guests receive the hotel's best rates, starting at only $149 per night Sunday through Thursday, and from $199 per night on Friday and Saturday. Plus, all Papa Noel guests automatically receive the tremendous Sonesta Savings Pack, containing more than $500 in discounts to New Orleans' most popular attractions and museums. Visit Sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans to book now, terms and conditions apply, based on availability.

And at Restaurant R'evolution, located inside the hotel at 777 Bienville St., visitors and locals alike can spend more time with family and friends, and allow the talented culinary team to create holiday feasts for the senses. Give thanks with Restaurant R'evolution for a special Thanksgiving Brunch on Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. In December, chef duo John Folse and Rick Tramonto will continue the restaurant's mission of conserving the region's culinary past with the annual celebration of Louisiana's holiday tradition, Réveillon. Restaurant R'evolution will feature a classic Réveillon menu on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, as well as its Réveillon prix fixe dinner menu option throughout the entire month, for all to enjoy. For reservations, call 504-553-2277 or visit www.revolutionnola.com.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans strives each year to provide local guests and travelers an ideal way to experience a truly unique holiday getaway, one unlike any other, while providing unexpected amazing moments and creating lasting holiday memories. To learn more or to book reservations to any of the hotel's holiday events, please call 504-586-0300 or visit bit.ly/RSNOholidays16.

About Restaurant R'evolution
Restaurant R'evolution is the first joint venture of award winning chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto, offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Located inside the iconic Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, Restaurant R'evolution's menu reflects a melding of the chefs' distinct culinary styles. Steeped in the diverse historic and cultural influences of Louisiana, the menu features not only the chefs' interpretations of New Orleans classics such as gumbo, po-boys, and beignets, but also new creations highlighting ingredients from what Chef Folse refers to as "the swamp floor pantry." Tableside service components play an important role in the dining experience, promoting guest engagement about the history and evolution of the food they are enjoying. For reservations, call 504-553-2277 or visit www.revolutionnola.com for additional information.

About Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter and steps away from some of the city's finest shopping and visitor attractions, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a hub of authentic jazz, vibrant night life and refined southern design. The hotel is home to several dining and entertainment venues, including Restaurant R'evolution, Bar R'evolution, The Jazz Playhouse, Desire Oyster Bar, Le Booze and PJ's Coffee Café. In addition to world-class amenities, Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers 20,000 square feet of recently updated meeting and special event space. With 483 newly appointed rooms, including 36 suites, the luxurious hotel is one of nearly 70 properties within Sonesta. For more information, visit Sonesta.com or call 504-586-0300.

###