BahrainWere you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (stayed here many times). This stay was for 20 nights

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Upgraded Classic Room , received One Bedroom Suite on 11th floor (out of 12)

How are the rooms?
Newly renovated and a lot brighter than a few years ago. 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. Plenty of closet and storage space.


How is the exec. lounge?
Pretty decent. I was at the hotel during Ramadan and wasn't sure what to expect with the lounge. The Lounge was closed for breakfast (served at the hotel restaurant instead) and opened at 11am, with afternoon tea from 3 to 5pm and cocktails from 6 to 8pm.

Breakfast in the hotel restaurant was actually better than the lounge because there were a lot of self serve hot items plus made to order eggs and you could make your own toast and help yourself to bread (in the lounge , the chef has to do that for you). Plenty of cold choices including Arabic options (hummus, labneh, Arabic cheese), fruit, salad items, cheeses, etc. Hot items included hard boiled eggs, Ful Medames, vegetables, quiche, sausage, bacon, potatoes, etc.

At the Lounge Cocktail hour, there is a variety of individually portioned cold items that change every day (but seem to be on a 4 day rotation), plus cheese, vegetables, dips, There are usually 3 different hot items that are brought out to you. They can also get you a salad upon request. Full bar, 3 types of beer, champagne, several types of red and white wine and Didar (lounge attendant) makes sure you glass is always full! Wasn't sure what to expect during Ramadan but it was fine.

Did you receive a welcome gift?
A chocolate seashell and chocolate pearl (to represent Bahrain's pearling history). Received fruit several times throughout my stay and plates of nuts, too. Lots of water replenished daily.

How was the minibar?
Still basic. Only one Heineken, 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 I had over $200 worth of beverages and was 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.
- Club Lounge open for cocktails during Ramadan
- Spacious suite

-Bad
- One of the pools (Elements pool) was closed because that is where the hotel had an Iftar tent set up. The pool at the spa was always crowded because of that.
- There is now a permanent structure next to the Elements pool that will make this pool almost useless.
- The parking lot has very narrow parking spaces

Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes

Would you return?
Yes, anytime