Job Discussion Forums

[davester13]

Hello,

I teach in KSA. A friend and I are planning a trip to Bahrain for Christmas and Christmas Eve (Thursday and Friday). We are looking for hotel recommendations from those who know Bahrain well. We are interested in visiting a few good bars and night clubs, and therefore would like to be close to some good entertainment hot spots, including perhaps a cinema. Also, we would like to be fairly close to some cultural points of interest, such as museums, markets, etc. My understanding is that each hotel has its own bar and night club, but are some better----livelier----than others? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[PattyFlipper]

What sort of quality and price range are you looking for? 5 star? Or below? Exhibition Road is pretty good for entertainment in that there are a number of hotels with their attendant hostelries in different price ranges. Lots of independent restaurants too, and a fairly central location. However the only culture you are likely to find there is that which you might find at the bottom of a petri dish.

For markets and shopping, you could try the hotels near the Bab Al Bahrain or even those in the Suk itself (if you are feeling adventurous). Personally, I like Mansouri Mansions in Adliya which also has several decent outlets (I particularly like the Wine Bar on the ground floor). Last time I was in Bahrain the fundies were trying to force the independent restaurants in that area to either relocate or go dry, so perhaps wait for a resident to come along with updated information. The cinema complexes are located in the large shopping malls - just outside the central area.

Manama is small and compact enough that getting from one area to another shouldn't be much of a hassle, as long as you avoid the rush-hour traffic.

[scot47]

Watch out for the larcenous taxi drivers. I usually stay in the central area around the Bab Al Bahrain. Most places are then in walking distance. When going to the cinemas at Seef or Dana Malls I usually take a taxi. The pick-ups are more reasonable than the passenger cabs who have been spoiled by a whole generation of US servicemen agreeing to inflated prices !

On my next visit I am trying the GULF PEARL which will be for me a new experience. Last time I stayed in the Dilmun. Gulf Gate Hotel is also good. Bahrain International is okay but a bit downmarket. The infamous TYLOS which was not much more than a bawdy-house - was closed last month - for good, let's hope !

Budget travellers and members of the 500 Club can use the Youth Hostel or the Mission for British Merchant Seamen. In December the westher is not really suitable for sleeping out. Even in Bahrain.

[norwalkesl]

[PattyFlipper]

[svatopluk]

I've just stayed at the Gulf Pearl and would reccomend it, if only for the Belorussian dancing chicks on the 1st floor. Also has a christmas tree in the lobby and friendly staff. 30BD but make sure you get breakfast or they'll try and charge you.

Good location too, plenty of bars, although Diggers is dodgy as hell and last weekend we walked in to the aftermath of a wild west punch up, thanks to that well-known equation british builders+all day boozing = fighting.

There are new London cabs in town and I got a good rate and a guided tour in one.

[davester13]

Thanks for your replies.

The Gulf Pearl sounds interesting, as do a few others recommended. And, yes, my friend and I are looking to do things on the (relatively) cheap, though we wouldn't mind paying a little more for a place that's worth it.

Is the Gulf Pearl near the Bab Al Bahrain or central area? My friend and I like the idea of walking to a few bars, not just staying at one, and so this Gulf Pearl sounds like it fits the bill.

Also, what would be a good price for a taxi ride to most places around town, such as, for example, one of the cinemas?

[scot47]

Gulf Pearl is central near City Centre Hotel and Bahrain International, ie in Bab Al Bahrain area. Taxi from this area to Seef Mall or Dana Mall orobably 4 BD. Maybe 5 BD.