Guests staying at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter are just steps from deliciously decadent Bourbon Street's restaurants, shops, boisterous bars and cheeky clubs. Built in 1913, this hotel sits close to famous Canal Street, the Central Business District and nearly every site synonymous with the Big Easy. Many visitors enjoy riding the St. Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter through the historic Garden District replete with stately homes, then past the Victorian shops and restaurants of Riverbend, the Audubon Zoo and finally Loyola and Tulane universities.

Meanwhile, the Chateau Sonesta is home to one of the city's most popular restaurants, Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill, which features signature dishes, such as coconut-crusted shrimp, and various grilled fish. Guests can nosh American-style breakfasts in the hotel's La Chatelaine, and retreat to the Clock Bar for cocktails and conversation. The Chateau's sibling, the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street, tempts tastebuds with its own fine-dining Beuge's.

Experts say the three- story Chateau Sonesta sports some of the city's largest guest rooms. The 251 brightly decorated rooms come complete with 12-foot ceilings, oversized windows and an electic mix of antique-style furniture. Many rooms have balconies that overlook the French Quarter action. Of course, the modern amenities, such as high-speed Internet access, minibars, video games and CD players, also are provided.

To retreat from the French Quarter rowdiness, guests can relax in the hotel's lush courtyards or beside the outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center or work in the business center.

With 10,000 square feet of conference space, the Chateau Sonesta appeals to business travelers, but the prime French Quarter location reels in the vacationers. The Chateau Sonesta now offers "Menu On the Fly" - box lunches or breakfasts for guests to take upon check-out.