Our base was the Hilton Bahrain, which I choose in part because I have Hilton Honors Gold status from the Amex Platinum (which is good for free breakfast and normally an upgrade), and for it being in the right sort of location, at the right price, and having a pool.



We were indeed upgraded, from the base room to a King Deluxe Studio with Balcony. It was an extremely spacious room, with a lounge and dining area, a storage room and a large bathroom with separate shower and bath. The balcony offered a good view over downtown Manama, though did get a little dusty.




We arrived to find rose petals on the bed and, unexpectedly, a cake wishing us a happy anniversary. Only three months too late (or nine months too early)!





The hotel itself is not the most modern, but well-maintained. Breakfast was an extensive buffet plus a made-to-order egg station. There’s a large, warm pool and several loungers, although it only gets direct sun until midday which, given the fierceness of the sun, was no bad thing.


The hotel more than met our needs. Were we to visit Bahrain again we might be more inclined to stay either closer to downtown Manama to be slightly nearer to attractions, or at one of the resorts, but that’s on us.