Nordic Palace and Spa — Hotel in Bahrain Island

I would have gladly given a 5-star review if I could rate the reception staff alone — they were genuinely kind, welcoming, and professional. However, this review reflects my overall experience at the hotel.

For context, I am a frequent traveler (Genius Level 3 Gold member) and have stayed in over 100 hotels across just the Middle East. My comments are based on that perspective. I booked a 4-star hotel and was automatically upgraded to a Junior Suite King Room, by booking itself (because of my membership level). However, several issues stood out: 1- The air conditioning in the common areas of the hotel was completely off. While the in-room AC worked well, entering a hotel in Bahrain’s extreme heat with no cooling in the lobby or hallways was quite uncomfortable — especially on the top floor, which was noticeably hot. 2- As shown in the attached photo, the mattress lacked a full fitted sheet or protective cover. In a 4-star hotel, proper bedding hygiene is basic expectation — no guest should feel direct contact with an uncovered mattress. 3- The sofa in my suite initially appeared inviting, but upon closer look, it was extremely worn and clearly outdated. This level of furniture quality does not align with a 4-star property standard, particularly in a country known for its hospitality excellence. 4- The breakfast experience was disappointing. There was no brewed coffee or tea — only instant coffee powder with hot water — and several food items, including fruit, did not appear fresh. The melon was actually spoiled, which should never happen in any hotel buffet. On a positive note, the building itself has real potential — it features a lovely architectural design and could easily meet 4-star standards with proper management and attention to detail. Unfortunately, it seems the property is not being maintained or managed to its full potential. I truly hope the management takes this feedback constructively, as the staff and infrastructure deserve better leadership and care. With a few improvements, this hotel could easily become one of the better options...

I don't know if i drew the short straw in room selection or if all the rooms are the same Lona storv short. I am disappointed The mattress is old, the sheets don't even fit it (they are folded to fit), couldn't find mattress protection on it. The pillows are another sad story. I don't understand how dc they include such things as comfortable or even decent pillows. They provided 2 bath towels but no face towels or even an out of shower towel The electrical sockets are a strugale. No vacant plugs to use. I had to disconnect the kettle to use a plug. No plugs next to the bed or anywhere accessible in the room except the ones behind the mini fridge and that was weirdly positioned on the ground. Kneel, and get on your elbows to reach or even see what's inside. They gave me a cheap extension cord, which was useful. However when i first used it everything short-circuited and I lost power in the room. For this to be fixed. maintenance had to access my room because the fuse box was inside. I found this to be intrusive.

They offered low quality slippers, white. But it is good that they exist. However, I made a mistake of walking barefoot once in the room, and then put the slippers on. When i took them off, what i saw was so disgusting that I almost threw up: men body hairs transferred from the carpet to my feet, and from my feet to the slippers. I have to say, I've never had such a worse experience. The shower had some mosaic decoration, however it was brown on the bottom and early signs of mold were showing.

To make things worse, after i wrote my review on Booking, I got a call from the hotel, offering me a discount in the future. However, I later found out that the discount will only be given if I take the review down from Booking.

I offered to change my review after I retry their service, which they did not accept. I thought of his to be a bribe instead of correcting something they did wrong for the goal of costumer satisfaction. Totally unprofessional.

I do not recommend this...

What a disgusting hotel, the worst experience I have ever had at any hotel ever. Do yourself a favour do NOT stay at this hotel.

I'm sure in it's heyday the Nordic "Palace and Spa" (neither a Palace and all of the spa elements are out of order/use) was a great place to stay.

On our first night, we stayed in a suite. The carpets were filthy, hair nearly everywhere, random stains, dirty and cheap bed linen (that doesn't even cover the bed) and rationed toilet paper and towels - more on this later. We were absolutely disgusted that this was an apparently acceptable place to house a human being, nevermind with a toddler under 3.

We were given the option of an upgrade, which on the face of it was just a bigger living space and a bath. Everything is shabby, unkempt, dirty, old and full of stains everywhere.

This in itself wouldn't be soo bad if the cleaners actually cleaned the rooms but alas their idea of cleaning amounts to making the bed and topping up the 1 toilet roll allowance and 2 towel ration. Having a toddler meant we had to frequently request more towels and toilet roll to which we were asked to return any dirty towels before we could be given any and toilet rolls were heavily policed to ensure that we weren't eating them (or perhaps selling them on the open market??).

Everything about this hotel screams of cheap and poor quality, including the inept staff, who clearly give absolutely zero damns about the property and just doing their job (not well) day in day out.

It should be a huge red flag when not a single guest stays for dinner and only a tiny amount has breakfast at the diner/restaurant.

Honestly, you would rather rough it on the streets outside the hotel than have the displeasure of even a fleeting visit here.

I'm still so very disgusted at how dirty and poor this hotel is, not worth even a single BHD nevermind any more.

Find ANY other alternative, please for...