Spent 2 nights in a platinum room on the 8th floor. After a very late check-in, we were given a room without a bathtub. I requested a room change, but this took over 30 minutes wait and 3 calls down to reception. When an attendant finally came to show us to the other room, I asked him (as we were walking towards the 2nd room) if there was a fruit bowl inside, but he said he didn't know. Upon inspection of the room there was no fruit bowl (although it did have a bathtub, but unfortunately not a nice view - it was directly facing the Gulf executive offices). There was no offer at all from the attendant to collect the fruit bowl from the first room and so he watched and waited whilst I went to pick up the fruit bowl myself!

Negatives :
* Altough this platinum room was the same layout as the one I'd previously stayed in, it was very dusty on a number of surfaces.
* On the first evening, we thought we would have time for one drink in the platinum lounge before closing time (12 midnight). We arrived at 11:50pm only to be told they had closed. Then they proceeded to switch off all the lights so we had to wait in darkness for the lift!
* On the first morning, there was no complimentary newspaper.
* Breakfast on the first morning had to be taken in the Al Waha restaurant due to low occupancy of platinum room guests, which meant it was not worth their while opening the platinum lounge for breakfast. We were only informed when we arrived at the platinum lounge for breakfast. (However, they did call me on the second morning to inform me that breakfast would be served in the platinum lounge that day)
* After housekeeping had been on the second day, they did not replenish the fruit bowl - I had to call down to reception to request one.
* On the second night at the platinum lounge, the service was quite poor. We had to keep asking for more drinks, when it was quite obvious that our glasses were empty. Also, an arab man was picking up the food with his fingers and putting it straight into his mouth - the lounge staff could see this clearly, but said nothing.

We had dinner at the italian restaurant, La Pergola. The food was either tasteless or too over-powering. They also served the complimentary entree of breads and dips at the same time as our starters. The service was okay, but the due to the poor standard of the food, I wouldn't go back.

Room service was good and arrived very promptly.

Overall, this second visit was a very disappointing stay at the Gulf Hotel.

The Gulf Hotel used to be on an island but the land reclamation that's been going on in Bahrain for the past decades makes it just part of a quiet residential/hotel neighborhood. If you're coming in from overseas, make this the one hotel you choose so that you feel really safe, pampered and with the best views of the country. The Luxury rooms are worth it as they are in the main building, which is where you want to be. This is a world apart from the standard rooms which can be a bit ratty. However, even the luxury rooms have beds that are not the highest quality. The Gulf has not invested in sleeper luxury comfort beds, but you can get a good night's sleep here, still, and the pluses far outweigh this minus. There are WONDERFUL restaurants at this hotel--exquisite Chinese food, delicious Thai food in a traditional Thai temple style restaurant located in the lush garden behind the hotel with its waterfall and pool. There is Iranian food, and a WONDERFUL Mexican food restaurant with the best Mexican food in the Middle East (I'm from Texas, and I know my Mexican food!). There is also a great Italian restaurant, a good Japanese restaurant, and a SUPERB wine tasting bar where the sommelier who manages it takes the time to show you great wines which you can purchase in 25 ml taster sizes up to a glass or bottle. I tell you these things because they really make the experience here worth it, especially if you're travelling in the heat of summer, which is ultimately intense here--at the Gulf, you can stay indoors and do so much! There are huge lobbies all over the place with high ceilings, and many lounges with great drinks and great service. Definitely, you need to visit the Gulf!!!!

Have stayed here two years in a row and still love it. Each time I have stayed, it has been for at least 5 days. Cant fault the service and the food in the many restaurants is fantastic. There are also several restaurants within walking distance that are reasonably priced. The pool area is also really nice with excellent service. I wouldnt hesitate in staying here again.

i stayed in the Gulf hotel for 3 night in Nov. i went to Bahrain for bussiness.its about 25 min from airport . it good hotel but if you need to go city center or mall you need to have Taxi
hotel room was good view is ok.it has maney restruant but i ate in two (Zahla & Italian )both were nice