Hi Trappy,

I live in Bahrain. I have also stayed in the hotel about 1 year ago before I got a flat here.

I find your questions a little humurous considering the size of this country, but I will try to help you out.

I just called the hotel. They do not provide complimentary transfer for plats. Upon request you can get it for 4 BHD (shared) or 8 BHD (solo). A taxi at the airport should not cost more than 4 BHD. To get to USD, multiply (very roughly) by 3. The total distance is maybe 5 km.

I noticed on their website that they are doing a lot of renovation work right now. You might want to consider an alternative property.

The hotel will serve alcohol in both the mini-bar and the bars. I have been in the main bar one time and it wasn't very nice. Mainly single Saudi men drinking too much while watching a high-pitched Philippine band. Downstairs there is a disco, which is supposed to be okay on the weekends (Wednesday and Thursday nights).

Across the street at the Hilton the bar is much nicer as far as I am concerned. However it is often not very busy. Really, in Bahrain if you want to go out there are much better places.

Perhaps you can send me a PM with a bit of information on what you are looking for and I can give you some suggestions. I am in Saudi Arabia during the week, but if you are here on the local weekends, perhaps we can meet up for a mini-FT meeting. Most likely the first in Bahrain!