I was very impressed with the Gulf Hotel.My husband and I live in Saudi Arabia and drive over to Bahrain about 2-3 times a year,it was our first time to stay at the Gulf Hotel.The rooms are quite spacious and modern with a flat screen T.V, large King size bed with lovely crisp sheets, bathroom are a decent size with a walk in shower.A/C was powerful, minibar was stocked but not refilled!Service was friendly and efficient.Buffet breakfast had the usual selection of everything.If I had to compare the Hotels in Bahrain, I would rate it almost on par with the Ritz Carlton although I do feel the pool area and access to the beach probably gives the Ritz Carlton the edge over the Gulf Hotel.For sure its more modern and more luxurious than the Diplomat or Novatel.There are many restaurants but apart from breakfast we ate outside of the Hotel - highly recommend Monsoon, Meat Packing Co, Zoe's, Upstairs Downstairs.Trader Vics in the Ritz is great for cocktails, Cocoon is a wonderful chill out lounge.The Sherlock Holmes Bar is in the Hotel, large bar but a bit too dark for my liking serving the usual pub grub.The hairdressers in the Gulf is very busy and very good.My husband had a massage and raved about it in the Men's Health Club.All in all a very nice break for us and definately would go back,we paid 150 Euros a night for thr room which I felt was very reasonable.Location was fine as Manama is small and easy to get around apart from the fact that the Bahraini Taxi drivers always try and rob you and refuse to use ther taxi meters which they have hidden in their car but thats part and parcel of the arabic experience...I guess.