Traveling in style is what I do, and 'pretender' are found out quickly ... like those purporting to be 5 star and deserve 3 or less as recently seen in Abuja / Nigeria.
But here, the moment I had my limo door opened by the door man, seeing a porter attend to my baggage, the door being held open with a broad smile and gliding up to the reception level on the upper ground floor, I knew there was no pretense, no self delusion over the hotel's true ranking but the self assured presentation of 5 star hotel aware of its standing.
Check in was fast and even the template explanations delivered with a smile and style and in not time was I heading for the elevators with the porter in tow.
The room presented itself as larger than expected, and though not a suite it was quite adequate for staying a few days, spreading out files and netbook accessories and still keeping the bed free of clutter. Hangers in the illuminated wardrobe were more than enough, and the shelve spaces and drawers sufficient to stow all my things away.
While unpacking I brewed a cup of tea, with a kettle and teabags, coffee et al just next to a generously equipped mini bar and snack tray.

The bathroom was large, a separate shower cabin with a rain shower head, and all expected gels, creams and vanity bag contents were available, in case a guest forgot to pack it.

I enjoyed my generous desk space, able to spread out papers and magazines I picked from the Bahrain International Air Show and the easy chairs were perfect when taking some time to look across the neighbouring Royal Palace on to the CBD beyond, a spectacle both during the day and at night with the 'light shows' of the sky scrapers and the aviation safety lights blitzing away from roof tops and the corners of the buildings.

If my room had one downside, perhaps due to facing a major road, was the periodic roar of motorcycles being revved up at night, and some extra glazing might be a welcome addition when the next major refurbishment cycle goes underway.

Breakfast was superb, the staff promptly remembered my preference for tea and kept it coming without as much as having to look up, as if they had a fifth sense and the Egg Benedict I test every new place I go to with, was cooked to perfection.

With 16 different restaurants, all seen busy at night, I had one dinner at the hotel's Iranian restaurant, one room service dinner and one dinner out. The variety of ethnic cuisine will have the guest's heads spin from deciding where to eat but it is a hallmark of a truly great hotel to offer such wide choices and a plus for guests to see them busy with patrons from outside coming to eat here - what the locals approve of must be good!

Perhaps there are now newer, glitzier hotels in Bahrain but I enjoyed staying at The Gulf, where the long years of operation have brought maturity and a 'patina' which shines, from the staff to the all the facilities. Comes highly recommended.

Just entering the hotel foyer and going up the escallator you know that this is a very good hotel. The huge chandelier in the reception area is impressive.
We were checked-in very efficently by very welcoming staff and directed to our rooms which were well appointed with safe, mini-bar, phone, TV, seating area, desk, etc.
My bathroom had a corner shower with ample water pressure to take skin off if you were not careful.
The bed was firm queen size and the room was very quiet with no noise from the rest of the hotel.
There is a wide choice of eateries Japanese, Chinese. Iranian, Mexican, Spanish witrh Fusions is you wanted a very classey meal and the Sherlock Bar just outside and to the left of the main entrance.
We tried to sample all of them but settled on the Chinese for best food but the Sherlock Bar for atmosphere.
The hotel is well placed for getting around as it is situated near a major road junction so easy access.
It is about 10-15 mins from the airport.

My room was one of the renovated ones, and was actually very good - comfy bed, good wifi, safe big enough for a laptop, but poor and complicated lighting. There would have been a nice view of the grand mosque but the windows were filthy. The men's gym was well equipped (you get your exercise just walking to it, it was miles from my room!). Ate in several of the restaurants, all decent, but occasionally spoilt by minor service failures (wrong items, slowness in taking orders), and the excessive and automatic 15% service charge. Sherlock Holmes pub is decent too, although one night, just as people ventured onto the dance floor, they pulled the music and substituted football with loud Arabic commentary - the place is surely big enough to satisfy both needs.

Comfortable and well layed out hotel rooms with great views over the city. Big selection of restaurants and bars, nice pool area and well equipped gym for the gents, not so for the ladies. Note, these are separated. Squash courts available but bring your own racket as there are non for rent here. A bit away from the city center but close to Adliya street with a lot of hip venues.