The Best Hotels to Book in Manama, Bahrain

Browse intricately-detailed lanterns, handwoven fabrics and spices at the bustling Bab el-Bahrain Souq in Manama | © Tetra Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Claire Turrell

20 December 2021

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From ancient forts to glittering skyscrapers, the capital of Bahrain manages to blend old and new with ease. Along the shores of Manama, you’ll find glamorous five-star resorts that give a nod to the past and showcase the best of Arabian hospitality. Pamper yourself in its spas, dine in its Michelin-starred eateries and rest your head in its sumptuous suites – bookable on Culture Trip.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, for a great all-rounder

An elegant room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gray velvet couch, hardwood floors and floral details at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay / Expedia

Combining the slickness of a business hotel with the glamour of a resort, this getaway in Bahrain Bay gives you numerous reasons to visit. There are eight rooms to choose from here – but even the smallest room features a king-sized bed, marble bathroom and designer bedding. Parents will love the 160m (524ft) white sand beach that curves around the resort – while kids will love the Bahrain Dhow aquapark where they can slide, splash and float in the sunshine.

The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel, Residence & Spa, for unique opulence

Massage bed with blue towels and a bath filled up with water and rose petals in a spa treatment room at the Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel, Residence and Spa

Courtesy of The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel, Residence and Spa / Expedia

Choose anything from a superior room to a three-bedroom penthouse suite here – although, there are four bathrooms in the penthouse suite, which should prove invaluable for when someone discovers the deep standalone tub, you’d be hard-pressed to make them leave it. Further pampering can be enjoyed in the four swimming pools on site, at the hair salon, in the shopping arcade and at the Thai-inspired spa.

The Merchant House, for a nod to the Brits

Elegant bedroom with a separate living area with a white couch, a navy chair, a coffee table as well as a taller table and two orange chairs at The Merchant House

Courtesy of The Merchant House / Expedia

A boutique hotel in downtown Manama, where, beyond the art-filled lobby, you’ll find deep a cosy library filled with 1,000 curated books that you’ll want to pour over. Additionally, there’s a Natura Bisse Spa and a rooftop restaurant that looks as fresh as an English country garden – with planters overflowing with flowers and banquet seating punctuated with lime green and hot pink pillows.

The Westin City Centre Bahrain, for your kind of therapy

Separate living area in a bedroom at the Westin City Centre Bahrain with two red couches, two cream leather chairs, a brown coffee table, a brick wall and a flat screen TV

Courtesy of The Westin City Centre Bahrain / Expedia

With Saks Fifth Avenue as its neighbour, the Westin is out to impress. Expect opulent suites with the signature Westin Heavenly Bed – designed to help soothe mind, body and soul. Want to get pampered some more? You can also book a therapy bath at the Heavenly Spa. Or, if you fancy some fresh air, trade in the treadmill in the gym for a RunWestin self-guided jog. If you’ve forgotten your kit, the hotel also has a gear lending programme with New Balance.

Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain, for great food and privacy

Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by red sun loungers and a mosaic wall at Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain

Courtesy of Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain / Expedia

A five-star hotel on the shoreline of Al Seef district, with rich rosewood and cream-toned rooms – including twin or king-beds and duplex suites with a private swimming pool. If you’ve ordered too many mezze dishes at the in-house Fattoush restaurant, you can burn off any of those excess calories at the gym – with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Gulf Hotel Bahrain, for fitness fanatics

Aerial view of outdoor pool, sun loungers and green lawn of Gulf Hotel Bahrain

The outdoor pool is just a glimpse into the luxurious amenities waiting for you at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain | Courtesy of Gulf Hotel Bahrain / Expedia

Among the 361 rooms here, you’ll find twin or king-bed suites and the Platinum Suite that comes complete with a rain shower, lounge access and Bulgari White Tea amenities. If you’re a fitness fiend, there are plenty of opportunities to work out on the squash court, in the gym, or pool – before easing those aching muscles at the spa, which has its own ice baths.

Atiram Jewel Hotel, for sundowners in the rooftop pool

Rooftop pool with panoramic city views at Atiram Jewel Hotel

Courtesy of Atiram Jewel Hotel / Expedia

A no-nonsense hotel that has everything you need – located in the Adliya District – all the major malls and tourist attractions are on your doorstep. Within the 90 contemporary rooms decorated in cream and dove grey, you’ll have to choose between a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite complete with kitchen, laundry facilities and free wifi. The rooftop pool also gives you a bird’s eye view of Bahrain.

Elite Crystal Hotel, an expat’s dream

Hallway with ochre walls, brown marble columns, brown leather couches, a red carpet and a wooden carved screen at Elite Crystal Hotel

Courtesy of Elite Crystal Hotel / Expedia

An all-suites hotel in the expat-favourite district of Juffair – where you can eat and party from dawn till dusk, thanks to the coffee shop, poolside restaurant and nightclub. Need some respite? The hotel also includes a gym with a steam room and an outdoor jacuzzi. The cosy tan leather and ochre suites include coffee and tea-making facilities, a mini-fridge and high-speed wifi. And in the mosaic-tiled bathrooms, you’ll find walk-in showers and deep tubs.

Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain, for a modern touch

Black marble-tiled bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a white tub overlooking the water at Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain

Courtesy of Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain / Expedia

A cobalt-coloured pool takes centre stage at this hotel in the Diplomatic Area. While glistening gold throne-like sofas can be spotted in the lobby, the one- or two-bedroom suites have a more understated appeal. Think glossy white kitchen units and a lounge area filled with natural woods and tangerine pillows. Those who want to be pampered should visit the Moroccan Bath at the Haven Spa.

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