Title: An Unparalleled Oasis of Luxury and Hospitality: Gulf Hotel Bahrain
Rating: ★★★★★
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain, and I can confidently say that it was a truly remarkable experience. From the moment I stepped foot into the hotel to the moment I reluctantly checked out, I was captivated by the unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and warm hospitality that defines the Gulf Hotel.
First and foremost, the Gulf Hotel's location is ideal. Situated in the heart of Manama, Bahrain's vibrant capital, it offers convenient access to major attractions, business centers, and shopping districts. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, the hotel's central location ensures that you're never far away from the excitement and buzz of the city.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a genuinely friendly and professional staff who made me feel instantly welcome. The check-in process was seamless, and the staff provided all the necessary information about the hotel's facilities and services. Their attention to detail and warm demeanor set the tone for the rest of my stay.
The room I stayed in was nothing short of exquisite. It was beautifully designed, spacious, and meticulously maintained. The luxurious furnishings and tasteful decor created an ambiance of elegance and comfort. The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The room also boasted modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a well-stocked minibar, and a spacious bathroom with high-quality toiletries. I was also fortunate enough to have a balcony with a stunning view of the city.
One of the highlights of my stay at the Gulf Hotel was the exceptional dining experience. The hotel boasts an impressive array of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. From traditional Bahraini cuisine to international delicacies, every meal was a culinary delight. The food was prepared with the utmost care, using the finest ingredients, and the presentation was exquisite. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, offering impeccable service that further enhanced the dining experience.
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain also offers an extensive range of recreational facilities. The spa and wellness center provided a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, with a wide range of treatments and therapies to choose from. The fitness center was well-equipped, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routines while traveling. Additionally, the hotel's outdoor swimming pool was a serene oasis, offering respite from the bustling city.
Throughout my stay, the staff at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain exceeded my expectations with their exceptional service. From the concierge desk to the housekeeping staff, every member of the team was professional, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring that my stay was flawless. They were always available to assist with any requests or inquiries, making me feel like a valued guest.
In conclusion, my experience at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain was nothing short of extraordinary. The hotel's luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining options, and impeccable service truly set it apart. Whether you're visiting Bahrain for business or pleasure, the Gulf Hotel is an oasis of luxury and hospitality that will exceed your expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend the Gulf Hotel Bahrain to anyone seeking an unforgettable and...
Read moreThe Gulf Hotel is a three to four star hotel at best, it is not a five star hotel. Booked this hotel as part of a staycation because I believed the hotel is part of the history of Bahrain and I love staying in old hotels. The lobby was grand but there was nowhere else where the hotel leaned into their nearly 70 year history as one of the oldest hotels in Bahrain which would have been a nice touch.
Stayed in both a superior king and grand superior.The couches had questionable stains on them and the carpet needed cleaning. The bed and washrooms were clean. When we checked into our room, there was no hand soap or any soap in the washroom. We repeatedly asked for hand soap (3x) and were finally sent up bottles of body wash (!) which should have been in our room in the first place.
The staff were however unfailingly polite and lovely to work with in everything from check in to dealing with some issues. The AC was not working in our room (in 35+ weather) and they were quick to send someone to look at it and moved rooms (at our request) and upgraded us quickly when they were unable to fix the issue. Found hand soap in the upgraded room with no issues lol.
The pool could use refurbishment and cleaning. I stepped on glass in the pool and the bottom of the pool was missing several tiles. The chairs and poolside were quite dirty with bird poop and looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. The cushions were ok. Had to chase down an attendant several times before they adjusted our umbrella. They advertised the pool as being temperature controlled but it was the temperature of lukewarm bath water and quite unpleasant on a hot day. I watched as a lifeguard sat there staring into space while two(!) children got injured ( blood was drawn) trying to jump off the poolside bar on two separate occasions. There was also a male there who was clearly making several women and young girls at the pool uncomfortable by his behaviour however nothing was done about this. Even to get a drink at the poolside after swimming required you to wait 20 minutes to give them your order and about another 20-30 mins to get it. There was one poor staff person taking orders, making payments, and trekking all the way in the heat up several stairs back to make the drink and deliver it!
This is not a five star hotel by Middle Eastern Standards. If you’re looking for luxury and relaxation save your money and book one of the newer ones instead. If you’re looking for a quirky experience this might be up your alley.
PS we ordered room service and while the food was excellent they brought us omelettes without bringing up salt or pepper or ketchup that we then had to call for. This is a longer review than I usually write but we were disappointed by much of the experience except with my interactions with the staff and their politeness and willingness to go above and beyond (One staff member shared with us that the hotel is very good to its staff members and treats them very well, and that it is a lovely place to work which is...
Read moreBeing very transparent, the review had a one star at the beginning but I am pushing it to two star and I will explain why.
I have booked to stay at this hotel with my family almost two months before visiting. I chose the Gulf Hotel is because I had a wedding to attend to at this hotel and it sounded convenient to stay at the same hotel.
The reason I booked very early is to make sure that I got a two-bedroom room at the hotel since I was staying with my family.
Upon checking in, I was informed that the two-bedroom room is not at the hotel, rather at the residence (serviced apartment). It was a bit of a surprise since I booked to stay at a hotel and not serviced apartment. I also found out that the hotel was managed by Marriott while the apartment was managed locally (so two different entities). What pissed me off is while booking, this information as not present ANYWHERE which made me feel cheated. This also raises a question as to why would Booking.com allow such things since both are two different entities !!
Anyway, heading to the "residence" section, the lobby was dead, AC was not working, empty and had nothing , unlike the Hotel lobby which had live music , proper sitting areas , a beautiful chandelier and so on ..
I took it up with the management and eventually they switched me to the hotel giving me two separate rooms (they were connected). I was so angry I havent checked the price difference but checking on Booking now, It seems that the Two Bedrooms I was given were cheaper than the "apartment". I wasnt compensated all I got was an apology and a switch to the hotel.
Anyway, Gulf Hotel is the kind of hotel that makes you really wonder how the star system works !! They claim to be 5 star.. WHY !!! The rooms are dusty and old and tiny !! The service is average... The cleaning service not so good... I do not understand how they are awarded a 5 star .. I am not exaggerating when I say I have stayed in a much better 3 star hotels other places ...
Anyway, Gulf Hotel was not my first choice and it shouldn't be yours as well. Bahrain is filled with hotels that are WAY much nicer and better priced. I stayed due to a wedding there but learned that even (in the future) there was a wedding there, would...
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