First time flying Gulf as I usually fly QR, AY, or BA and EY. I flew them as the fare for Business class was very good compared to the usual carriers I fly, and since it was was a holiday for both of us it was our money. I'd seen many reviews the last few months about how great they were, but we found many things a bit off or lacking. BKK to BAH no menus and no wine list and no amenity kit but cabin crew explained everything in detail. Food good and the dessert trolly was great. Flight was a 787 and business class was half empty. Economy was full. Service was excellent, personable and seating very comfortable. Layover was long but lounge and new airport was great. Flight to Rome was the A321Neo and was suprisingly comfortable. Menus, wine list, amentity kit, pajamas all available. Light meal served after take off (I slept) but full breakfast about hour from arrival. Service once again was excellent.
Returning was from Milan. 321Neo which was completely full both in economy and business. Drinks offered, full lunch service, no menus, but had pictures to shows us, no amenity kit but service was again wonderful. Light meal/tea service before arrival. 2 hour layover in Bahrain and again hit the lounge. Busy, but seating plentiful. Flight back to BKK was off. Late night departure, completely full flight, the plane was too warm and no menus, pajamas, bedding and a full dinner service at 11p at night. The crew couldn't really describe what they were serving and was just described as beef, chicken or vegetarian. I ended up with a chicken curry which was good, but not as really described. No dessert trolly this time around as the crew told us not enough was loaded, but were given a choice. Breakfast was coffee and a bread basket and some fruit. I enquired about this and the crew said they were expecting light meal as late night takeoff and full breakfast before arrival. They told me that catering has been having problems, thus no amenity kits, menus, etc. Again service was top notch so this would make me fly them again as the fares were good, and the timing was ideal both returning and going.