With 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lanell Duffourc brings a wealth of leadership and insight to her current position as General Manager of The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans, where she oversees all aspects of the property’s operations, from financial performance and marketing initiatives to staff development and guest experience. Her strategy focuses on personalized service, empowering her team to anticipate needs, continuous improvement and infusing the hotel’s unique spirit with authentic Crescent City culture.
Lanell’s journey in hospitality began behind the bar at a Holiday Inn, where she first discovered her love for the fast-paced, people-centered nature of the industry. Over the years, she has held a wide range of positions within the hospitality and culinary space, including front desk agent, F&B manager, sales & marketing director, corporate human resources, and director of operations. This extensive, hands-on experience has shaped Lanell into a versatile and successful leader capable of managing every aspect of hotel operations.
Among her many career highlights, Lanell is particularly proud of leading the successful turnaround of a struggling boutique hotel, revitalizing its brand, reenergizing staff morale, and improving both guest satisfaction and financial performance through thoughtful service strategies and team development. Lanell believes in setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and celebrating team achievements through a leadership philosophy that focuses on empowerment, accountability and empathy. Her management style emphasizes trust and autonomy, encouraging each team member to take ownership of their role in shaping the guest experience.
She attributes The Old No. 77’s success to its distinctive blend of history, artistry, and culinary excellence, elements that immerse guests in the local culture and set the property apart in New Orleans’ competitive hospitality landscape. While running a hotel in the dynamic city presents challenges such as fluctuating tourism patterns and seasonal weather extremes, Lanell embraces the opportunity to offer guests unforgettable stays year-round by highlighting the city’s creative energy, cultural richness and attractions. Her approach to overcoming challenges and gaining knowledge of customer preferences combines continuous learning, networking, and data-driven insights, which she achieves by keeping abreast of industry trends and hospitality news, attending conferences and webinars, and actively engaging with guest feedback both directly and through digital platforms.
Outside of work, Lanell enjoys exploring New Orleans’ art and music scenes, traveling, and discovering new restaurants and experiences that reflect the city’s vibrant culture. She is also a current and founding board member of Rock Beats Cancer, an organization that raises funds and supports local musicians during their struggle with cancer. Her love for creativity, food, and people continues to inspire the way she leads, making The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery not just a place to stay, but a place to create long-lasting memories.
