BAHRAIN’S Gulf Hotels Group will continue with its expansion plans announced last year, having opened the 237-bedroom four-star deluxe K Hotel in Bahrain during 2011 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, will add a further five executive boardrooms to their conference room inventory, taking the total number of meeting venues to 28. Central to the hotel’s conference product is the 4,870 sq m Gulf Convention Centre, with its 2,200 seat Al Dana Hall. In addition to the hotel’s extensive conference facilities, the property boasts nine fine-dining, award winning restaurants including Japanese, Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Fusion, Iranian, Mexican and International, plus, they say, there’s more on the way!.
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.
The group’s K Hotel opened in February 2011 in the Juffair region 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 property in the kingdom. Boasting a contemporary design, luxurious suites with private swimming pool serviced by a dedicated lift, an exciting range of trendy food & beverage outlets and a dedicated meeting room floor, the K Hotel is setting new standards of hospitality in Bahrain.
Outside the region, the company also operates 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, however each of the roundhouse chalets features modern interiors that offer guests all the luxuries one of a five star resort. The Resort’s two restaurants, overlooking the azure blue seas of the Indian Ocean, offer a range of international and East African dishes and as you would expect from the location, Ocean Paradise is 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.