LE GRAY BEIRUT COMPLETES ITS USD 10 MILLION EXTENSION BY MID-DECEMBER

Following a year and a half of renovation works, Le Gray will be adding 16 units, including 12 suits and four premium rooms, to the hotel’s first floor. The property will then total 103 rooms. The second phase of works will be ready by mid-january 2017. It will include a new lobby, a lobby lounge, and a lobby bar focusing on late breakfast and afternoon tea, explained Ojeil. Two new entrances will be added: the first facing Samir Kassir Square, will be kept for pedestrians, and the second, will be facing the Virgin Megastore side. The current entrance will be kept for VIPS. Extra seats will be added to Gordon’s terrace, increasing its capacity by 40 people. The third phase will be completed by the end of January, adding a ballroom, in addition to various MICE facilities, including two conference rooms, as well as a mini screening room that could host up to 60 guests. “Our property will be the first hotel in the country to offer this facility. It will be very utile to show corporate movies for example. With these facilities and services added, we will be able to cater to more business guests, as well as to big gala dinners and weddings,” said Ojeil. Investment in the three phases exceeds USD 10 million.

Renovating while remaining operational was very challenging, Ojeil said. It required major communication efforts, as well as management of service recovery. This helped maintain occupancy, and retain satisfied guests. When it comes to F&B, novelty in packages, events and promotions have made these eateries more vibrant and active. Ojeil unveiled plans to further invest in F&B at a later stage.

Ojeil has been at the helm of the hotel for a year now, during which time the country has faced many ups and downs. “I have aimed to lead with a motivational approach, to enhance synergy and engagement among the team. We want to be the best hotel in Lebanon - that is the group’s vision. Team work has a fundamental role to play in this regard, alongside quality and consistency," he said.