The Omni Royal Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter stands only two blocks from Bourbon Street and the mighty Mississippi River. Guests are short strolls or quick rides to Audubon Zoo, Harrah's Casino, Six Flags New Orleans theme park, the Living Science Museum and the Superdome. They also are two block strolls from the street performers, shops and tarot card readers of Jackson Square, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803.

Antique buffs will think they're in heaven: the hotel shares the block on Royal Street with several antique shops perfect for browsing and buying.

Standing on the site of the state capitol during the late 1800s, the seven story hotel features an expansive marble floored lobby, a barbershop with old timey chairs, and a rooftop pool overlooking the serpentine Mississippi. The hotel, which stretches for a full city block, is a fav for wedding parties and executive retreats.

Since guests are in the French Quarter, some of the city's most renown restaurants and clubs are right outside the hotel door, but the Omni's offerings are no slouches. The Rib Room dishes up meat, fish and slow roasted daily specials. Guests can also kick back in the Touche, La Riviera and Esplanade bars and drink in the Big Easy's ambience. The Royal Orleans also provides 24 hour room service, a fitness facility and business center. What's more, parents can rent games for their children from the hotel's large collection.

Festooned with richly patterned fabrics of golds and creams and floor to ceiling windows with scalloped drapes, the 346 guest rooms offer French Quarter views, antique style furnishings, gilded wallpaper, crown moldings and complimentary high speed Internet access.

Boasting a prime location in this much coveted area, the Omni Royal Orleans appeals to both business and leisure travelers.