The 366-room Gulf Hotel is promising that next year will be an exciting one at the hotel, with the completion of the renovation and expansion programme.
The renovation will see the whole refurbishment of the five-storey 'South Wing' building, which was Bahrain's first 5-star hotel dating back to 1969. The project is divided into two main phases with completion scheduled for Summer 2003. Upon completion the 130 existing rooms will be elegantly furnished and fully equipped with all amenities, making it ideal for both business and leisure visitors. Renovation and refurbishment will include a total refit of the bedrooms and modernisation of the facade. The project follows on from the recently completed re-landscaping of the hotel's swimming pool area. During this phase the exterior of the entrance and facade will also be rejuvenated with the pools and gardens re-landscaped and transformed into a tropical forest featuring rock pools, waterfalls, caves, and a lagoon traversing the area. The swimming pool has been completely re-built on the theme of a lagoon set in rock, with the emphasis on different heights and tropical landscape. The area features a variety of waterfalls and caves, a whirlpool spa, two-level pool deck with a dedicated dining area which can accommodate up to 60 people, a sunken pool bar, and a children's pool with water play features. Due for completion by end-2002 is the newly-developed Royal Thai Seafood Restaurant. Overlooking the new tropical gardens, the restaurant is built in the traditional Thai style with pitched roofs and teak wood interiors. An attractive focal point will be display off the 'Day's Catch'. This will be a selection of fresh seafood, which will be flown in from Thailand. Another restaurant is being added to the hotel, bringing the total to eight. Under construction is an Iranian restaurant seating 110, which will feature intricate carved stone work, polished marble, water features, mirrors and murals, with architecture reflecting the Achaemenian dynasty. When open, the restaurant will offer authentic Iranian dishes with traditional entertainment. Project completion due date is spring 2003. The current upgrading of the hotel follows on from a number of major investments in the property over the past years, including the renovation of the hotel's public areas.