The bar has been given a new look and an increased sitting capacity from 35 to 85 people. Lenaka now boasts couches and other executive sitting arrangements.
"We want this place to be graded five-star in all areas and Lenaka to cater for exclusive customers. We want to attract and host government ministers and business executives in this bar," says Robert Kabuzu, Thapama's General Manager.
The parking bay, which used to flood during heavy rains, has also been re-surfaced and extended from 90 to 155 spaces.
Kabuzu says business was affected by the renovations: "Yes, business suffered. But it was within the margins we had predicted and therefore satisfactory."
He says the next refurbishment phase will include dcor in Thapama's 96 rooms, its restaurant and second bar.
Other plans involve the soundproofing of rooms to block out noise coming from the nearby bus and taxi station.
Even though the casino at Thapama has been outsourced, the hotel has included it for refurbishing to align it with its overall new look.
Kabuzu says the hotel also plans to renovate two to three rooms for the convenience of paraplegics.
"Already the parking bay reserved spaces for paraplegics reception area has a ramp for customers on wheelchairs. We will have a lift to access those special rooms and the conference room."
With regard to grading, it was disclosed at a recent Hotel and Hospitality Association of Botswana (HATAB) retreat in Kasane that not a single hotel in Botswana had five-star status.
Kabuzu, who hopes for grading to such status, says he has asked the Botswana Tourism Board to delay grading of Thapama for the period of refurbishment.
