FLAWLESS EXECUTION

From the top looking down, lebua at State Tower does offer a compelling and spellbinding view from Bangkok and the provinces beyond, renowned locally, regionally and internationally.




Helming from the top, as Chief Executive Officer is Khun Deepak Ohri. For his flawless execution years back, he brought lebua to the world, from conception to fruition.



“When we started back in 2003, my aim was for the Skybar and Sirocco, not a hotel. My single focus was the restaurant business. We had so many stumbling blocks along the way, and even when it was up and running, no one came”.



With one ad in the newspaper, the tide turned and the rest, as they say, is history.



The Dome



Can you stop time? That one moment where everything you once believe is forever change, like the moment you step into The Dome at lebua in Bangkok. Or the poignant moment you reach out to touch the stars from the Skybar or feel the whisper of the wind at Sirocco. We have redefined fine dining in Bangkok and beyond.



The Dome is a combination of Sirocco, Distil, Breeze, Mezzaluna and Skybar – the five pillars of the gourmet experience here at lebua. We are connecting emotions, as dining is an emotional process, enthused Deepak.



With The Dome, lebua now offers Bangkok residents and visitors an exquisite and eclectic culinary dream, even for connoisseurs. Be it Mediterranean, Asian, Indian or Lebanese, the best restaurants and bars in Bangkok congregate at lebua. All provide an unmatched experience with a truly personalized service that will never makes you wonder where else to eat in style in Bangkok.



At lebua, we believe the gourmet moment you savour today is merely a step to a greater epicurean journey of a lifetime. In a city where only the best stands out, The Dome has what you need and more.



Setting the Bar High



There are many Skybar followers now, regionally – roof top bars with great names. As the pioneering force, Skybar at lebua has the advantage. To see similar bars mushrooming in Bangkok, India, Hong Kong and Singapore is a testament to the success of our model. We create, others innovate.



Every evening, locals and tourists come into lebua, and head up to the Skybar. We have become a beacon that is on a tourist’s must visit list. Our drinks are exceptional and the view, unsurpassed. To achieve this in less than a decade is amazing.



“90% rational and 10% emotional – this is how I see it for hotel guests in deciding where to stay. For restaurants it is the inverse” – Deepak Ohri, CEO



When the opportunity presented itself, we jumped in head on and took over the hotel, revamped the business, rebranded the whole concept and went all out. Despite all initial efforts, occupancy rate in February 2006 was a dismal 8%.



Like any turbulence in flight, we adjusted our flight path and flew straight on – heading to the final destination of Success. Now looking back, 8% is a distant memory. We have made marked improvement year on year, bringing occupancy rate to 62% and then a high 80% at one point and staying there or above it. Simultaneously, we worked on operation efficiency, reduced cost and worked on our compelling selling points to keep guests coming in and growing sales numbers. Over time, margins improved. We sailed through the turbulence and we arrived. Oh, what an achievement!



The next chapter



With success in Thailand, Deepak did not rest and pursued a new adventure. He set out to redefine the luxury hospitality landscape thousands of kilometers away in New Zealand. Lake Okareka Lodge in Rotorua burst into the scene and eventually became the benchmark for others to emulate.



lebua is now set to enter India, and expansion plans are in the pipeline. With Deepak helming from the top, and the rigor and vigor he brings with him, we are sure the next chapter will be equally successful, if not more.