Bahrain’s Gulf Hotels Group is moving ahead with its expansion plans announced last year, having opened the 237-bedroom, four-star deluxe, K Hotel in Bahrain and confirming that an additional property is expected to be added to the group’s portfolio in 2012.
The group’s flagship property, the 357-bedroom, five-star Gulf Hotel Bahrain, maintained its leading position, winning the prestigious ‘Bahrain’s Leading Business Hotel’ award for 2011, in the World Travel Awards. In February 2012, the property which was also ranked amongst the leading conference hotels in the Middle East, further added five executive boardrooms to their conference room inventory, taking the total number of meeting venues to 28. Central to the hotel’s conference products is the 4,870 sq m Gulf Convention Centre, with its 2,200 seat Al Dana Hall. In addition the property boasts nine fine-dining, award-winning restaurants serving Japanese, Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Fusion, Iranian, Mexican and International and with announced plans for more restaurants in the near future.
Adjacent to the Gulf Hotel is the Gulf Executive Residence, a luxury apartment block, offering a total of 97, one, two and three bedroom units for long-term rental. Designed as a home away from home, the fully serviced apartments feature luxurious interiors, state-of-the-art IP TV and the facility includes a shopping centre on the ground floor.
Rounding off the Gulf Hotel product is a 600-bay multi-storey car park and the 7,000 sq m Gulf Executive Offices, offering prime office rental in unrivalled surroundings.
The group’s K Hotel, which opened in February 2011, in Juffair, is 10 minutes away from the international airport and despite very difficult trading conditions, made an immediate impact in the market. Offering five-star facilities and service at four-star prices, the hotel has had an exceptional first year of operation and is already regarded as the finest four-star properties in the kingdom. Boasting a contemporary design, luxurious suites with private swimming pool serviced by a dedicated lift, an exciting range of trendy food and beverage outlets and a dedicated meeting room floor, the K Hotel continues to set new standards of hospitality in Bahrain.
Outside the kingdom, the group also runs the Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar. Located on the pristine north east coast of the island and with its own white sandy beach, this 100-room resort resembles a traditional African village, offering roundhouse chalets that feature modern interiors and all the luxuries of a five star resort. The Resort’s two restaurants, overlooking the azure blue seas, offer a range of international and East African dishes. Ocean Paradise is also a haven for diving and water sports enthusiasts.
Gulf Hotels Group’s expansion has included a major stake in Bahrain Family Leisure Company, an established restaurant and catering company that operates international brands including Benningan’s and Ponderosa Steakhouse, together with exclusive concepts such as the trendy Cucina Italian Restaurant with its amazing artworks.