WORK has been completed on a major reconstruction of an award-winning five-star hotel near the airport, following the latest major investment in the kingdom’s tourism sector.
With Bahrain International Airport itself currently undergoing a multi-million dinar modernisation programme, the neighbouring Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain now offers state-of-the art accommodation and facilities to travellers and residents who flock to its restaurants and spa facilities.
Delighted general manager Pasquale Baiguera said: “The entire team and I are extremely proud of the outcome, as it’s a completely new hotel with a totally different concept, look and ambiance.
“Design, function and luxury come together in the new interior, creating a fresh feeling of modernity and comfort. Those who visited before will feel they are entering a brand new hotel. The recent guests’ feedback is positive. We are delighted to hear that!”
The hotel has been operational throughout the renovation which started in the spring of 2018. A ‘very detailed action plan’ was implemented to ensure that any disturbances were minimised. For example, the hotel installed special noise reducing protector panels. It also focused on the guests comfort by separating the renovation areas from the rooms and venues which were accessible to the public.
“The plan was to renovate the hotel in the shortest possible time, however in order to keep our guests happy and to ensure we would launched the new facilities featuring the best quality and highest standards, it became necessary to take a bit longer time than expected,” explained Mr Baiguera.
“From the beginning, we have been transparent with our guests about the transformation via our hotel website and third party partners. We are extremely proud of our achievement and I am confident that everyone will see the transformation upon entering the lobby.”
The changes are stunning and the hotel today exclusively released a collection of images to GDNonline visitors.
“The most challenging part of the project was to install new mechanical equipment to ensure the safety and security of the state-of-the-art amenities.
“We want to offer our guests unique and modern facilities with an atmosphere of luxury and the best quality of our services,” said the 55-year-old Italian who lives in Amwaj Islands with his Dutch wife, Claire. They met in Milan while working at the same hotel.
“The lobby maintains its high ceiling with natural daylight glass windows, which overlooks the pool, which evokes a comfortable feeling of a fresh garden. We enlarged the Silks’ Restaurant and added a terrace surrounded by glass windows but we maintained the main dining area’s elegance, adding a touch of gold of to the mood, and connecting the natural view of Arad Bay. It’s a perfect place to meet for a proper fine dining dinner or a quick lunch.
“This elegant hotel is a luxury oasis for guests - a 106 state-of- art accommodation and thoughtful amenities in a friendly environment. All our hotel furniture are tailor-made exclusively for our hotel guests.”
Regular visitors will spot a name change too. The old Flamingo outlet is now called Xenia Lounge. “Xenia is Greek for friendship, synonymous of hospitality, and we want the guests to have a good time while listening to our live band and entertainment.
“The new Xenia is completely different.
“The furniture and Art Deco interior, five-star service, delicious bites and fine, quietly confident cocktails have a timeless feel that makes it one of the best lounges in town.”
The hotel is keeping tight-lipped about the amount of money spent on the project but the GM is confident that when guests and visitors see the results of the renovation they will realise it was ‘worth every single dinar spent’.
He’s not the only one celebrating the completion of the work, the whole team is buzzing. “We’re excited because we were under renovation for a long time and this acts as an extra motivation for all of us to execute our plans in order to make sure we provide an outstanding guest experience,” said Mr Baiguera.
“We are holding a soft opening and focusing on relaunching the theme nights and Friday Brunch.”
The new look party will kick-off with an American Festival starting on October 31 lasting for three weeks, followed by special festive season offers running to the main grand opening ceremony to be staged on January 23, 2020.
“As you know, we were never really closed just limited in facilities, so we suggest that you stay tuned to our news and we will make sure we are back in the market full of activities!” he added.
The hotel is managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and just recently became officially one of the Accor Hotel brands.
Even before work was started the hotel constantly picked up industry accolades, including being voted Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East by international travellers for three years in a row.
The prizes have kept coming and it was recently awarded with the Middle East’s Luxury Airport Hotel title in the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards.
“Come visit us to experience our hospitality and new atmosphere,” said Mr Baiguera. “You will have an unforgettable experience. We are renowned for our award-winning gastronomy and offering the highest quality.”
· For more details, call 17460000 or visit https://www.movenpick.com/en/middle-east/bahrain/
editor@gdnonline.com
