KEY TAKEAWAYS: Major hotel acquisition: Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, has acquired The Windsor Court in downtown New Orleans. Local ownership: The transaction returns the 42-year-old luxury hotel to 100% local ownership, with the Berger Company retaining a minorit y stake. Renovations planned: Benson intends to invest in significant upgrades to the hotel’s accommodations, amenities and guest experience. Historic property: Opened in 1984, The Windsor Court is a nationally recognized luxury hotel at 300 Gravier St. The Berger family has been involved in its ownership since 2009.   Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, has acquired The Windsor Court, one of New Orleans’ most prominent luxury hotels, with plans for a major renovation of the downtown property. The acquisition returns the hotel to 100% local ownership for the first time in its 42-year history, according to the announcement. The Berger Company, led by Darryl and Ryan Berger, will retain a minority ownership stake and remain involved in hotel operations. The acquisition officially closed Friday, Oct. 30, according to Ralph Mahana, general manager of The Windsor Court. Financial terms were not released. Mahana told CityBusiness the planned renovations will begin with a comprehensive overhaul of the hotel’s guest rooms before expanding to other areas of the property. “It will start with a full-scale rooms renovation, but it really is going to encompass every area of the hotel,” Mahana said. He said the investment will be substantial, although a final budget has not been established. “It will be a large, significant investment across the entire property, but the amount has not been determined yet,” Mahana said. A construction timeline also has not been finalized. Mahana said the schedule will depend on assembling a project team and developing a model guest room. “The entire Windsor Court family is thrilled that Mrs. Benson made this incredible investment in New Orleans and New Orleans hospitality, and we look forward to making her and the city very proud,” Mahana said. Located at 300 Gravier St., The Windsor Court opened in 1984 ahead of the World’s Fair. The hotel was developed by New Orleans businessman James “Jimmy” Coleman Jr. and has become a fixture in the city’s luxury hospitality market. Benson said the acquisition reflects her confidence in New Orleans’ tourism industry and her commitment to preserving a landmark property while investing in its future. “The Windsor Court is an iconic piece of New Orleans history, and it is a tremendous privilege to help shape its future,” Benson said. “While it remains one of the elite hotels in the country, my vision is to build on that excellence and take it to even greater heights.” The hotel has received national recognition from travel publications and hospitality organizations, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and U.S. News World Report. Its amenities include The Grill Room restaurant, the Polo Club, Le Salon, a spa and a rooftop swimming pool. The property is part of Preferred Hotels Resorts’ Legend Collection. The Berger family has been involved in the hotel’s ownership since 2009. Benson thanked the family for its role in facilitating the transaction and maintaining the property. “I am deeply grateful to Darryl and the Berger family for making this acquisition such a smooth and collaborative process,” Benson said. “They have cared for this hotel with great pride, and their involvement has made it possible to begin this next chapter with a shared commitment to its continued success.” Darryl Berger said the transaction will keep the property under local leadership while positioning it for additional investment. “The Windsor Court means a great deal to me and my family, and we could not ask for a better owner to carry it forward than Gayle Benson,” Berger said. Mahana added that the ownership arrangement and planned renovations would provide a foundation for the hotel’s future. “Local ownership brings a personal commitment to this hotel, our team and the city we call home,” Mahana said. The acquisition adds another prominent New Orleans property to Benson’s business interests, which include professional sports franchises, automotive dealerships and other investments. “Hotels like The Windsor Court help introduce the world to the very best of New Orleans,” Benson said. “I want every guest to leave with a sense of what makes our city so special—and every person who works here to feel proud of the future we are building together.” ...read more read less