Bahrain
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (stayed here many times). This stay was for 11 nights and I had a stay for 21 nights here in July/August

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Exec, received InterContinental Club Suite on 9th floor

How are the rooms?
Newly renovated and a lot brighter than a few years ago (same small windows but that can't change!). Living room area with couch, chairs, coffee table, small round dining table, half bath, mini bar, Nespresso machine. Bedroom with king bed, desk, large full bathroom. All normal toiletries being provided again. Plenty of closet and storage space.
Housekeeping came every day (and not just on request) plus turn down service every night.

How is the exec. lounge?
The lounge re-opened in May and is essentially back to the same as before COVID except for staffing. There isn't anyone manning the front desk anymore all the time and you can't check-in/check-out from the lounge anymore. The same two exceptional servers from before COVID are back (Didar and Siyam). When I was here in July/August, Siyam was on holiday back home in Bangladesh and Didar manned the lounge the entire day throughout my whole stay. They both remember what your breakfast order is and your cocktail/beverages in the evening.

Breakfast has a selection of self serve cold items (fruit, cheese (amazing feta), salad items, hummus, labneh, olives, yougurt, pastries, bread, etc) and anything hot is made to order (including toast). The Bahraini Shakshuka is amazing! At night, again there is a variety of individually portioned cold items that change every day, plus cheese, vegetables, dips, There are usually 3 different hot items that are brought out to you. They can also get you pita, salad, rolls upon request. Full bar, 3 types of beer, champagne, several types of red and white wine and Didar and Siyam make sure you glass is always full! They will also send beers, snacks, sparkling water to your room upon request.
.

Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit and a chocolate platter. Lots of water replenished daily.

How was the minibar?
Stocked back to normal but still basic! Two Heinekens, one white wine, one red wine, prosecco, whiskey, vodka, gin, mixers, sparkling water plus some snacks. I would typically have to call to request a refill. The minibar isn't automated and I'm positive on both stays I had over $200 worth of beverages and not charged anything additional.

What was good and what was bad?

-Good
- All staff members are extremely helpful, welcoming and everyone knows my name
- Club Lounge and staff in the lounge
- Location next to the souq and not far from The Avenues, Bahrain Bay, Reef Island, City Centre.
- Two pools

-Bad
- A temporary structure next to the Elements pool was assembled for footbal (soccer) tournament watching on the TVs which made that pool almost useless.
- The parking lot has the smallest parking spaces I've ever seen. When the weekend comes, the hotel is full and the parking lot is crazy cramped - to a point where I almost couldn't get into my car one morning.
- My Diamond Royal Ambassador welcome letter indicated that I'd have a choice of breakfast, 600 points, or a welcome drink. I asked for the drink and was told that is not an option for RAs since we already get the lounge and minibar. I said I wanted to order a beer at the pool ($15 for a pint draft) and they were kind of like - sorry! I then asked for the points and they never actually showed up.
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Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes

Would you return?
Yes, anytime!!