INTERNATIONAL

We were charged for a whole day even though an accident meant we stayed under eight hours. The price already felt far too high for the service, and the blankets they brought smelled dusty and didn’t seem clean. There weren’t even basic dental care amenities in the room, the kind hotels usually have ready for guests. Both rooms had broken fridges, the furniture was old and damaged, and the service was very slow and poor. One room also had a broken air conditioner in the middle of summer. We were travelling as a big group, but if I’d been on my own, I’d rather have slept in my car than pay for this place. It’s awful, and I don’t understand the four-star rating.

The breakfast buffet was a highlight, with lots of fresh, tasty options, and the dining choices included both local and international food. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness center, a spa with various treatments, and a lovely pool area. Its location makes it easy to get to Bahrain’s main attractions and business centers. Our room was spacious, in good condition, and had the essentials for a comfortable stay. Staff were courteous and ready to help, which made things easy. Bahrain International Hotel brings modern amenities together with traditional hospitality, and seems a strong option for both business and leisure trips. A very good stay with excellent service.

My watch was stolen. The room was dirty, the towels smelled bad, and there were stains on the bed sheets. There’s no parking in front of the hotel, and the area is so busy that finding somewhere to park is difficult.

The room was roomy and had a bathtub, and the breakfast was delicious. Staff were very friendly and helpful. I also liked the location: the airport bus stops right there, and nearby there’s a pleasant area by the sea with a small garden and a nice view. It’s in an Indian /Pakistani quarter, where snacks are reasonably priced. I came away with mixed feelings, though. The lobby decor is spectacular and feels luxurious, but the room facilities weren’t great. Internet was unreliable, and the old air conditioner was noisy and had no remote. The kettle lid was broken, and with no socket by the table I had to put the kettle on a chair near an outlet. There was no view from the window, and some kind of device outside, maybe a fan, made a constant irritating noise at night. I paid $70 a night. I know Manama is pricey, but at that price I expected better quality.