Staying at the Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama is a 4-star hotel located at the heart of Manama. I stayed here during my solo trip to Bahrain and had a delightful experience. Although my stay here was sponsored by the hotel in exchange for my other freelance writing services, everything I express here is of my own and independent of any kind of influence.

Location

Choosing a hotel that is located in close proximity to all the tourist destinations or places I specifically want to explore is of utmost importance to me. I would rather pay a few bucks extra for a hotel that is accessible from all the popular tourist spots than stay at a hotel that is remotely located just to save some money (unless of course, my purpose is to unwind from the city’s hustle-bustle). In this aspect, the Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama’s location is a total winner. It is just a 7 to 10-minute drive from all the popular attractions like the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, the Manama Souq, and The Avenues. The neighborhood is family-friendly and totally safe for solo travelers as well. There are also many shops around the hotel that sell medicines, groceries, food, and electronics.

Ambience

I have no words to describe the ambience of this hotel; it truly looks like a palace in every sense. The anachronistic wooden walls, the antique decor, and the warm hospitality of the staff make you feel like royalty right away. It would be an understatement to say that the hotel looks exactly like how it looks on the internet because it looks so much more beautiful and classy in real.

The Living Room of the Suite - The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — The Living Room of the Suite – The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

Rooms and Suites

The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama has 84 rooms and suites in total, catering to the needs of different sizes of groups of people. I stayed in a suite which had a living room, a master bedroom, and an attached bathroom. The rooms and suites are aesthetically designed keeping in mind the word ‘Palace’ (from the name of the hotel) and thus, most of the walls are made of wood. This makes the entire room look very elegant and the feel-good factor kicks in the moment you walk inside. The room was quite spacious but I found the bathroom to be quite small. Also, there are no microwaves in any of the rooms but if you want to heat your food, you can call up the room-service and they’ll get it done for you in a jiffy!

Feeling like the Queen of Bahrain! - The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Feeling Like the Queen of Bahrain! – The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

The Small but Cute Bathroom in my Suite - The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama — The Small but Cute Bathroom in my Suite – The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama

Price

Coming to the most important aspect of any hotel booking, the price of the rooms/suites at the Swiss International Palace Hotel is one of the cheapest in the 4-star category in Bahrain. With breakfast included, the cost of a Deluxe Double Room as of December 2018, costs about 5,500 INR per night which is the cheapest across the 4-star segment in Bahrain.

Oh! I so Cannot get Over This Mirror - The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Oh! I so Cannot get Over this Mirror – The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

In-House Restaurants and Bars

There are many in-house restaurants and pubs at the Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama. The Swiss Café Lounge serves delicious buffet breakfast every morning (with many Indian food choices).

Where There is Food, There is my Heart - At the Swiss Cafe Lounge, Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Where There is Food, There is my Heart – Swiss Cafe Lounge, Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

What's on my Plate? Pita Bread, Hummus, Orange, and Foul Madames (a Famous Middle-Eastern dish) - Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — What’s on my Plate? Pita Bread, Hummus, Sliced Oranges, and *Foul Madames* (a Famous Middle-Eastern dish) – Swiss Cafe Lounge, Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

The Akbar Restaurant has won the ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ title in Bahrain. They feature live Ghazal performances every evening and if you go there, do try their famous ‘Veg Seekh Kabab‘.

Live Ghazal Performers at Akbar Restaurant - Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Live *Ghazal* Performers at the Akbar Restaurant – Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

The Remix Restaurant is another Indian restaurant where Bollywood performances by Indian bands take place every night.

An Indian Band Playing at Remix Restaurant - Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — An Indian Band Playing at the Remix Restaurant – Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

The Ted & Co. Bar & Lounge is their in-house bar with a big snooker table, ideal for a day out with friends. And their in-house pub Twister is one of the most popular in the country. Every night, a Filipino band performs here and I must say, they surely know how to entertain people! One of their female band members has the voice of a nightingale.

Party all Night! - Twister, Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Party all Night! – Twister, Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

Other Amenities

The Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama has a Spa, a Swimming Pool, and a Gym on the Mezzanine Floor. They also offer free Wi-Fi services to all their guests.

Just Chilling - Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain — Just Chilling! – Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama, Bahrain

Final Thoughts

My overall experience staying at this hotel was absolutely tremendous. Not to forget, the Swiss International Palace Hotel Manama is one of the 50+ hotels under the ‘Swiss International’ umbrella, across the world. If you are looking for luxury with affordability, then look no further and book this hotel for your next stay in Bahrain. This hotel is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers who are seeking comfort without squeezing too much from their pockets. For backpackers or solo travelers on a shoestring budget, staying at this hotel might hurt your wallet a bit!

The staff is extremely polite and friendly; be prepared to receive warm and fuzzy greetings from many Indians and Pakistanis at this hotel. And when you’re here, DO NOT forget to drink ‘Qahwah’ (Arabic coffee) and eat those succulent dates served in the lobby!