The Merchant House

Well located in Old Town Manama, next to the main Souk. Rooms are big and very comfortable with good seating areas. Some rooms a bit dark with not much natural light due to proximity of buildings. Nice rooftop restaurant and bar. Friendly staff. Small gym and pool. Good library for afternoon tea.

We spent about 1.5 weeks hopping around GCC states (Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE). The Merchant House was definitely our favorite hotel during our entire trip, and we are comparing it to institutions like the Mandarin Oriental in Qatar and the Taj in Dubai. Everything was absolutely exceptional. Service was attentive. The masseuse at the spa was great. The hotel is awe-inspiring as soon as you step in with the amount of quirky art on the walls. They kept the original concrete structure/pillars from the old building but it's otherwise completely renovated and to a very high standard. The rooms have a slightly nautical feel with round windows and they all have kitchens (not that we needed this) but it was great to have the extra space. The toiletries are by Ren. There is a gorgeous library on the 2nd floor and a rooftop terrace that are perfect for relaxing. When do you step out of the hotel, you are conveniently located next to the souq/Bab al-Bahrain. There's a wonderful traditional cafe called Haji's that's around the corner from the hotel. You get the best of both worlds in terms of being smack dab in the old city while luxuriating in a new, bougie hotel (I mean this in the best way possible). Staying here means you've hit the sweet spot.

Outstanding. First quality for everything they use. For starters, an $1800 Jura coffee maker in our room, and I tell you, the best cup of coffee I ever made for myself! They spared no expense in materials, furniture, linens, chefs, door men. For location, if you're a souk shopper, this is ground zero! My longtime jeweler and tailor are now just a short 300feet away. And such a treat with free valet parking in this location too. Their rooftop bar/lounge/dining is impeccably decorated, not to mention quite comfy. You will NOT be disappointed with this choice. You will immediately feel justified in the expense when you arrive, I promise you. Try the smoked duck appetizer! Breakfast made to order, included. -we travel to Bahrain once a month on average, and used to live in Bahrain.

Amazing hotel.. great staff.. and the rooms are just wow.. loved the decoration and furniture.. bed was so comfortable.. everything was perfect and luxury.