The Omni Royal Orleans has long embodied the elegance and old-world charm that defines New Orleans at its most refined. Set in the heart of the French Quarter, steps from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the galleries of Royal Street, the hotel has welcomed generations of travelers with a blend of timeless luxury and unmistakable Southern hospitality. In a city where music spills effortlessly onto the streets and cocktails are as storied as the architecture, reinvention is both an art and a tradition. The historic property is striking a fresh note with the recent opening of two new bar experiences, Three Maries Jazz Club and the reimagined Royal Bar, inviting guests and locals alike to sip, listen, and linger in spaces that celebrate the city’s legendary music, cocktails, and cultural soul. Together, the new spaces usher in an experience that feels unmistakably New Orleans: intimate, indulgent, and deeply rooted in history.
The unveiling marks the beginning of a broader transformation for the hotel, one that leans into the cultural soul of the Crescent City while elevating the guest experience. At its heart is Three Maries Jazz Club, a 68-seat venue designed for those who prefer their jazz up close and their cocktails impeccably crafted. Stepping inside Three Maries feels like entering a romantic hideaway. Dark, evocative walls, charcoal finishes, and lush floral accents surround a permanent stage, evoking the elegance of a European garden conservatory with a distinctly New Orleans mood. The atmosphere is sultry yet refined, an ideal setting for lingering late into the night as horns swell and piano keys glide.
The club’s name is drawn from three historic women with royal French ties, each representing independence, complexity, and resilience. Marie Mancini, the first love of King Louis XIV, famously fled an unhappy marriage to live on her own terms. Maria Theresa, Queen of France, endured her husband’s infidelities with quiet dignity. Marie Louise of Austria became Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife in a marriage of political necessity. Their stories are layered, dramatic, and unapologetically human, mirroring the spirit of New Orleans itself.
Music, of course, is the main event. Three Maries hosts a rotating lineup of celebrated local talent, offering visitors an authentic connection to the city’s thriving jazz scene. Regular performers include Or Shovaly Plus, a guitar-based combo channeling the golden era of soul and jazz with infectious energy, and the Glen David Andrews Band, a powerhouse ensemble blending jazz, gospel, blues, funk, and rock. Brass bands make frequent appearances, and on Fridays, a lively second line brings the exuberance of the streets into the lounge.
Just steps away, the Royal Bar offers a complementary experience. It’s lighter, brighter, and perfect for an afternoon aperitif or a preshow cocktail. It features a striking horseshoe-shaped brass bar, chevron wood details, marble and wood floors, and lime-washed walls edged in black trim. With 84 seats, it feels airy and welcoming, yet still intimate enough for conversation. A cherished piece of the hotel’s history remains on display: the original antique glass map adorned with gold leaf, a quiet nod to the city’s past amid the fresh design.
The cocktail program at Three Maries is as thoughtful as the music lineup. Signature drinks lean into creativity and indulgence, from the layered richness of Try to Make It Last All Night, featuring Port Charlotte scotch, cane syrup, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, a clear sour liquid with a bit of acidity, garnished with a black sesame cracker. La Vie en Rose has a balanced mix of Nordés Gin, St-Germaine French liqueur made with elderflower blossoms, rose water, clear sour liquid, and a hibiscus tincture for a floral taste explosion. For those seeking true decadence, Caviar and Champagne pairs crème fraiche washed Absolut Vodka with house-made champagne vermouth, lemon bitters, and Osetra caviar. The Brandy Crusta is often regarded as the forerunner to many modern cocktails. This pretty creation contains Branson Phantom Cognac, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao and Angostura bitters served in a sugar-rimmed glass with lemon peel garnish. It was invented in the mid-19th century by Joseph Santini in this very building! It showcases New Orleans’s early experimentation with balance and presentation.
Small plates round out the experience with elevated takes on New Orleans classics. Try their Jambalaya Arancini with chicken and andouille, a griddled petite muffuletta on a Gambino’s seeded bun, or grilled andouille served with trinity jam and Creole mustard, perfect for sharing between sets.
Open Thursday through Saturday, Three Maries Jazz Club welcomes both reservations and walk-ins, while the Royal Bar serves guests throughout the week with extended weekend hours. Together, they reaffirm the Omni Royal Orleans as more than a place to stay; it’s a destination unto itself, where travelers can sip, listen, and sink into the rhythm of New Orleans. For visitors seeking the city’s timeless sound and unmistakable flavor, this new pairing strikes exactly the right note.
