MANAMA: Bahrain’s first new five-star hotel since the start of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is set to receive guests from Wednesday, boosting the kingdom’s growth prospects.
Soaring 45 stories high in the Juffair District, the upscale Hilton Bahrain is a 348-room property comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, promising “all the comforts of home and a stunning view of the sea from each unit’s balcony”.
As the hotel counts down to the official opening, general manager Tamer Farouk told the GDN in an exclusive interview that he is “very hopeful”.
Impressed by the way Bahrain handled the pandemic, he said the government is instrumental to how fast the hospitality industry is getting back on its feet.
“Together with our neighbouring countries in the GCC, I’m very sure that we’ll only see improvement in our overall economy.
“I also believe that the experience we had with the pandemic has just made us stronger in hospitality,” said Mr Farouk, who leads the team in all aspects of hotel operations, from marketing and hotel administration to guest services and satisfaction.
According to him, one of the ways the global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 brands across 122 countries and territories, has adapted to the pandemic is the Hilton CleanStay programme.
“Building on our already rigorous cleaning standards, Hilton CleanStay enables us to provide complete peace of mind to our guests. The programme is dedicated to deliver the same level of reliable and friendly service our guests expect from Hilton, but with the added confidence of industry-leading hygiene practices created to keep them safe,” explained Mr Farouk.
This, he said, along with the efficient management from the government fills him with confidence about a “bright promising future’ for Bahrain and the entire region.
“The kingdom is rich in culture, a must-see destination and known for its warm hospitality. As a representative of Hilton Bahrain, our goal is to attract more visitors in the country and showcase not just our property but show the world what a beautiful country Bahrain is, which we hope would ultimately lead to a boost in the country’s economy.”
The hotel’s general manager is excited about the “unique take on hotel living” that Hilton Bahrain brings to the country.
“We have meticulously studied the needs and wants of our guests and created a dynamic urban lifestyle to make them thrive in their personal and social life with our state-of-the-art facilities, wellness and culinary experiences and our world-renowned Hilton hospitality,” he said.
“This full-serviced hotel will also be the perfect choice for both short- and long-stay guests with our modern and stylish studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, which feature spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a breathtakingly beautiful view of the sea from its balcony to sweeten any time of the day.”
Describing the hotel’s interior design, he said it takes inspiration from “the beautiful history of Bahrain with elements of black gold, aquamarine for its surrounding seas and the exotic shades of pearls”.
The local touches are in sharp contrast to modern edges on its pillars that gives the hotel an over-all modern feel.
The Hilton Bahrain also features six restaurants and lounges, a wellness centre, recreational facilities like an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi and bespoke meeting spaces.
“With our culinary expertise and unique restaurant and lounge concepts, I am positive that our outlets will be a great addition and a new gastronomic destination to the already buzzing town,” said Mr Farouk.
One of the highlights of the latest addition to the kingdom’s five-star hospitality segment is that it is ‘pet-friendly’.
Mr Farouk said the “paw-fect” services and perks like an exclusive VIP pet membership, grooming services, treats and their own in-room pet dining menu are aimed at redefining upscale urban living at Hilton Bahrain.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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