I want to make a mileage run to BAH either Jan or Feb 14, besides the Visa is there anything to watch out for or be concerned about? Any suggestions for cheap hotel and transportation from/to airport? I'm a bit nervous about going to this country, I have not traveled to Middle East before. Thanks

Bahrain is a great place to visit. It's very safe, though there are sometimes protests on Fridays in the city center and villages, which you would best avoid.

But I would not hesitate to go there; I was just there a month ago.

If you want a cheap and solid hotel, check out the Holiday Inn Express. I have never stayed there, but I walked by on my last trip and took note -- it's in a great location and is modern-looking -- and there have been some good reviews here (I think on the Mileage Runs forum discussing the cheap fares). Some of Bahrain's famous bars are within walking distance. A taxi from the airport is the only viable way to go.

i) It is important to fill in the landing card but they are not always handed out onboard the aircraft - the cards can be found in the immigration area but be sure to take a pen!

ii) You should expect to pay about BHD 5 for a taxi from the airport

iii) I can recommend the Diplomat (see my trip report), but this might be out of your budget

iv) I have heard favourable remarks about the Golden Tulip, which is cheaper than the Diplomat

v) You might want to be careful of cheap hotels such as these ones unless you want "company"!

Rent a car. Bahrain is easy to get around, and you can see the whole place in a day or two. If you are just planning to stay at the hotel, than taxi is indeed the best way.

And as far as your concerns - I'd be 1000x more scared visiting LA than Bahrain!

Thanks to all for their comments. Makes me feel much more comfortable about going there. I will sign up for the tickets and let you know how it worked out. Thanks especially for the comments re hotel and taxi.

I'm doing a MR there in October for two nights (UA fares were ridiculously low couldn't resist). Booked the HIX which has a rate that includes airport pick-up and return, under $100 a night including the transfers. As noted above, it appeared to be in a more interesting part of the city for seeing normal things, including the museum.

IRROPS just afforded me a 14-hour layover, so I took advantage of the Holiday Inn Express, and it was nice. I saw a similar package as Shareholder, but didn't want to hassle with sending them my flight details. It would have been a savings, though -- it was BHD 5.000 more (about $14) for the round-trip transportation, which is more than the cost of the inbound taxi, much less both. So I booked the standard flexible rate of around $100. The service was competent and room very clean and modern. There is an interesting "lounge bar" up on the sixth floor. (Platinum benefit was 10% off of F&B, which I didn't try.)

The HIX has several advantages: a handful of Bahrain's famous dodgy bars are within walking distance, there are some very interesting-looking local restaurants (though I didn't try any), and there are always taxis available, which is not always the case on the streets. It's also on the edge of town closer to the airport.