Gold Medal Chefs Gala & Hospitality Awards

As one of the most active hoteliers in New Orleans, General Manager Ralph Mahana has passionately led The Windsor Court team since his promotion to the role in early 2018. Yet, his revere for The Windsor Court and the draw of unparalleled hospitality experiences began long before, as a fresh-faced eight-year-old, when Mahana and his grandparents enjoyed traditions of standing monthly dinners in The Grill Room and Afternoon Tea in Le Salon on special occasions.

With a hunger to serve and a drive to absorb as much experience as possible, native New Orleanian Mahana began his career in hospitality during his sophomore year at Tulane University in a night auditor/front desk role at none-other than The Windsor Court and promptly fell in love with the business of hotels. It may have been helpful that on his first evening of employment at The Windsor Court, he walked through the lobby to see the cast from The Fisher King casually hanging out and to know that President George W. Bush was a hotel guest that evening. Within two weeks of working at The Windsor Court, he knew without doubt he adored the connections made with guests and the customer service skills only a career in hospitality can cultivate.

As a goal-oriented hotelier, Mahana’s strategy for growth has always involved a deliberate balance of short-term and long-term milestones. With dedication and determination to understand every aspect of The Windsor Court, he advanced through the hotel ranks, serving in all but three departments on-property during his tenure prior to landing the General Manager role. Quickly recognized in the industry as a leader, Mahana graciously turned down multiple general manager opportunities in the market, with his eye on his personal goal from that very early age – leading the Grande dame that is The Windsor Court, creating a guest experience perfectly melding the Old-World Charm for which the hotel has long been admired with a fresh perspective and service exceeding every expectation.

One of the more important lessons Mahana has learned over the years is how critical it is to recruit and hire leadership positions based on the whole person rather than past experience listed on a resume. Many of the team members are well-experienced in the local hospitality industry and countless associates boast an impressive tenure at The Windsor Court, bringing an innate understanding of the market and The Windsor Court guest to their respective roles. “New Orleans can be gritty and glorious all at the same time, and The Windsor Court has succeeded thanks to having a team that loves this city as she is and welcomes all through our courtyard to enjoy The Windsor Court.”

Recently completing the General Managers Program at Cornell University’s Hotel School in the SC Johnson College of Business, Mahana now joins the ranks of an elite group of hotel leadership to further advance his ability to strive for the best guest experience possible.

“Every member of our team knows delivering the best product on the market, while ensuring the experience is fresh and updated is critical,” says Ralph Mahana, General Manager of The Windsor Court. “I genuinely believe you have to always do it the right way, no matter how long it takes. You cannot settle.”

Mahana’s personal dedication to philanthropic and social needs issues of his hometown demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting New Orleans and the greater community as he leads by example and encourages associates to take a similar approach in giving back.

Mahana is a board member of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Clover New Orleans (formerly Kingsley House), GNO Inc.’s NextGen Council, The Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association, New Orleans Museum of Art, and Preferred Hotels Global Advisory. Also supporting The New Orleans Campaign for Equity, Sharp NOLA and, The New Orleans Ballet Association, he is a Lastly, Mahana is very involved in animal welfare causes, proudly having had one of his Frenchies, Bristol, reign as Queen of Barkus in 2018. Association Prix d’Elegance Award Honoree/Men & Women of Fashion 2018 Inductee.
An elegant escape in the heart of a legendary city, The Windsor Court is built on the premise of delivering classic, quintessential luxury with contemporary comforts. Just steps away from the French Quarter, the pet-passionate hotel presents an on-the-go eatery, fine dining fare – from afternoon tea to weekend brunch, a classic cocktail lounge featuring live jazz, a rooftop pool with a cabana-style bar, and a full-service, luxury spa & wellness experience.

To learn more about The Windsor Court, call 800.262.2662 or visit https://thewindsorcourt.com, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
The New Orleans Ballet afternoon tea to weekend brunch, a classic cocktail lounge featuring live jazz, a rooftop pool with a cabana-style bar, and a full-service, luxury spa & wellness experience.