IRROPS just afforded me a 14-hour layover, so I took advantage of the Holiday Inn Express, and it was nice. I saw a similar package as Shareholder, but didn't want to hassle with sending them my flight details. It would have been a savings, though -- it was BHD 5.000 more (about $14) for the round-trip transportation, which is more than the cost of the inbound taxi, much less both. So I booked the standard flexible rate of around $100. The service was competent and room very clean and modern. There is an interesting "lounge bar" up on the sixth floor. (Platinum benefit was 10% off of F&B, which I didn't try.)

The HIX has several advantages: a handful of Bahrain's famous dodgy bars are within walking distance, there are some very interesting-looking local restaurants (though I didn't try any), and there are always taxis available, which is not always the case on the streets. It's also on the edge of town closer to the airport.