Ramada Amwaj Islands: Bahrain's BEST Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Ramada Amwaj Islands: Bahrain's BEST Hotel? (Hold My Mocktail!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the beans on the Ramada Amwaj Islands in Bahrain. Is it the "BEST" hotel? Well, that's a loaded question, isn't it? Let's just say it's a complex tapestry woven with threads of brilliance, moments of utter bliss, and… a few head-scratching encounters. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog – this is the real deal, warts and all.
First Impressions: Location, Location, Location (And the Initial Shivers)
Okay, the Accessibility is decent. Plenty of Facilities for disabled guests, and the Elevator is your best friend. But honestly, the Amwaj Islands themselves… they're a bit… separate. Think of them as a little oasis, a world unto themselves. Which, depending on your vibe, is either a massive win or a small anxiety attack.
The moment you see the Exterior corridor, you know you’re not in a cookie-cutter, hallway-smelling hotel. That’s a plus for air circulation, but also… let’s be real, it's a bit exposed to the elements. I remember one night, a rogue sandstorm whipped through. My balcony door? Not exactly sealed tight. Ended up spending a good hour trying to clean that off the carpet. But I think the place has Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms, along with CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.
Rooms: Paradise Found (and Found Again, With a Few Quirks)
The room itself? Decent. Really, really decent. Clean, mostly. Had those Air conditioning that actually works, which is a godsend in Bahrain. The Blackout curtains are a must for fighting the sun's fury. And the Free bottled water? Always a winner. I did appreciate the Coffee/tea maker because I am not myself until I have that liquid fuel. And it even had an Extra long bed - my tired back was ever grateful for that!
Now, about that Internet access. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and an option for Internet [LAN]. Now, let’s just say the Wi-Fi sometimes channeled the spirit of dial-up. Frustrating during important calls, but occasionally it forced me to actually relax. (And it meant not streaming movies, which, let's face it, is a small price to pay for a break from reality.)
They also have Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. It's a lot! (I especially liked the Additional toilet)
One more thing – the Room sanitization opt-out available is a sign of the times, but I appreciated that they gave me the choice.
Dining and Drinking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes a Rough Ride)
Let's talk food. The breakfast buffet? Breakfast [buffet] is a must. Tons of Options, Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Western breakfast. Get the bread. Seriously. It’s life-changing. And grab a coffee from the Coffee/tea in restaurant, the Coffee shop, or from your room with the Coffee/tea maker!
The restaurants themselves? There are Restaurants, a Bar, Poolside bar, and a Snack bar
. The main restaurant had an A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant, They also offer Alternative meal arrangement, and a Salad in restaurant.
Now the service? It varied. Some days, the staff were absolute stars, bringing you Bottle of water and making you feel like royalty. Other days? Let's just say my order of a Soup in restaurant took a while. A long while. And sometimes, getting a smile felt close to impossible. However, the Room service [24-hour] was pretty reliable, bless their hearts.
One evening, I ordered room service and the Desserts in restaurant were an absolute highlight. The taste of that cake was like a symphony in my mouth. I went to bed in a great mood ready to take on the world.
Wellness and Ways to Unwind: My Happy Place (and Yours, Maybe?)
The Spa is where things get interesting. They have a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom.
The Pool with view is gorgeous. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a lifesaver in the heat. Honestly, after a sweltering day, just diving into that cool water felt like Nirvana. Then I needed to unwind in the Sauna. Oh man, the heat!
The Fitness center is solid. Small, but adequate. I worked out and earned a couple of slices of delicious pizza.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Era Prep (and the Unexpected)
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was concerned about cleanliness, especially now. But, I appreciated that the Ramada was trying. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer everywhere. Plus, they had Individually-wrapped food options, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Felt safe enough, you know?
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter (and the Occasional Glitch)
This is where the Ramada shines. The Concierge was incredibly helpful with recommendations and arranging transport – crucial, as getting around Amwaj requires a car or taxi. They have a Food delivery option, which is key when you’re exhausted from sightseeing. They have Luggage storage, which is always appreciated. They had a Gift/souvenir shop, but I spent most of my money on treats from the hotel.
Now, the Laundry service? Let's just say my crisp white shirts came back… a little less crisp. (Ironing service is available!)
For the Kids: Family Friendly (in Theory)
I didn’t have kids with me, but the presence of Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal suggest they try.
The “You Won’t Believe This!” Moment: The View (and the Unexpected Revelation)
Okay, here's the kicker. The best part? The view. Specifically, from the certain rooms. Think panoramic vistas of the Arabian Gulf, sunsets that paint the sky in fiery hues, and the calming sound of the waves.
It was during one of those sunsets I had a moment. I was on the balcony, sipping a mocktail (because, Bahrain!), watching the colors shift, and… I realized something. The imperfections? The occasional hiccups? They didn't matter. I was happy.
Is the Ramada Amwaj Islands the BEST Hotel in Bahrain? Final Verdict… (and the Offer!)
Look, it's not a flawless experience. But it's got charm. It's got potential. And it's got that view.
The Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are really helpful, as is the DoorMan.
So, is it the BEST? Maybe not in a purely objective, five-star sense. But for a relaxed, relatively affordable getaway with stunning views, decent amenities, and a healthy dose of Bahraini hospitality… it's definitely worth it.
My Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
THE OFFER: Book Your Escape to Paradise (and Get a Free Upgrade!)
Tired of the everyday? Ready to trade the humdrum for turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets?
Book your stay at the Ramada Amwaj Islands NOW and receive:
- A guaranteed upgrade to a room with a stunning sea view (while available!). Imagine waking up to the Arabian Gulf every morning!
- Complimentary breakfast for two (because you deserve it!). Fuel your adventures with a delicious spread of international and local favorites.
- 20% off any spa treatment. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate your mind and body with expert massages and therapies at the spa.
- Free Wi-Fi (because, let's face it, we all need to share those vacation photos!)
- Offer valid for stays booked before [Insert Date Here]
Click here to book your unforgettable Bahrain escape! [Link to booking page]
Luxury Dahlem Apartment Hotel: Your German Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved travel itinerary. This is real life…or at least, my attempt at surviving a few days at the Ramada by Wyndham Amwaj Islands in Manama, Bahrain. Expect me to be a hot mess, alright?
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a Buffet
Morning (Bahrain Time, because, duh): Landed! Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks, and my brain is currently operating at about 20%. Customs was surprisingly painless, which is a win. The airport taxi guy? Not so much. "You want the best price, yes?" he asked, and I, in my sleep-deprived haze, just mumbled "Sure." Lesson learned: negotiate the price before you get in.
Mid-day: Finally, sweet, sweet Ramada check-in. The lobby is… well, it’s a lobby. Perfectly functional, but not exactly Instagram-worthy. The room? Decently sized. View? Mostly other buildings. My first honest emotional reaction: "Yep, this'll do." Then, the existential dread: the buffet.
Lunch: Oh. My. God. The buffet. It's a swirling vortex of humanity and carbs. I tentatively approached the “international” section, which, let's be real, is code for "food that vaguely resembles other cuisines." The biryani was… well, it wasn't the best biryani I've ever had, let's leave it at that. The noodles? Possibly from a can. But I ate it. Because I was hungry. And because, in the grand scheme of things, the taste of mediocre noodles is a pretty small problem.
Afternoon: Forced myself to hit the pool, even though the sun wasn't quite as welcoming as I'd hoped. The pool was crowded, but it was good. I’m not sure if it was the pool or the fact that the water was cool though. Then I realized I’d forgotten sunscreen and I was already burning, which I'd thought was a big no-no. This is also where I realized I forgot my sunglasses. Bad start!
Evening: Dinner at the hotel's “specialty” restaurant. The steak was… overcooked. But the hummus was good. Really good. Like, I could eat a mountain of that hummus good. The waiter was super friendly. I stumbled back to my room, slightly tipsy from a surprisingly strong cocktail, and collapsed into bed.
Day 2: Pearl Diving Dreams and Desert Detours (Mostly the Latter)
Morning: Slept in! Halle-freaking-lujah. Woke up to the sound of a garbage truck… and the crushing realization that I was, in fact, still in Bahrain and not, say, the Bahamas. I'd booked a Pearl Diving tour. I was so excited about this tour, and I was ready to be a pearl diver but was not the case today.
Mid-day: The tour was "off". They said something about "maintenance" and a "very important meeting with the captain". Fine by me I guess, because it gave me the free time to go to the mall I saw while I was driving. The whole experience felt… artificial. The mall was an air-conditioned oasis of consumerism, but I don't know, I felt like I needed more.
Afternoon: Desert Safari… it sounded amazing. Sand dunes, dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, a belly dancing show under the stars! The reality? A slightly uncomfortable bumpy ride, a lukewarm cup of tea, and a belly dancer who looked about as thrilled to be there as I was. The sunset was pretty though, I guess. Then the desert safari trip got cancelled. I was so angry, but luckily, I had the ability to just go, so I decided to go to the beach.
Evening: Back at the hotel, feeling a bit deflated. Ate more mediocre buffet food. Contemplated my life choices while staring at the ceiling. Decided that maybe, just maybe, this whole travel thing isn't as glamorous as it looks on Instagram. The hotel room felt lonelier tonight.
Day 3: Temple Visits and Temple Fatigue
Morning: Waking up in a new setting, that's where I wanted to be. Went to the Temple of Barbar. I got a taxi and was happy to sit in the back seat and smell a smell I'd never smelled before.
Mid-day: The temples… are stunning, but then again, the sun’s rays are stinging. There are three, and I was hoping to see all of them. After the first temple I realized I would be just walking around and seeing things. And then they were done. I wanted to see history, find artifacts, but really, it was just some stones. I felt like I needed to feel something.
Afternoon: I spent the afternoon relaxing in the pool, but now I knew that there was a gym. That was cool.
Evening: I wanted to get out there. I walked around the city, but honestly, it wasn't for me.
Day 4: Farewell… and a Promise to Be Back
Morning: Woke up with a slightly better attitude. Maybe that second cocktail the night before was a good idea. Packed, checked out, and had one last, surprisingly decent, breakfast at the buffet.
Mid-day: Headed back to the airport. The taxi driver, after some more negotiation, drove me to the airport. I felt like I’d seen Bahrain, and I was ready to be done with it.
Afternoon: Landed back home.
Overall:
The Ramada by Wyndham Amwaj Islands? It's a hotel. It’s fine. It's clean. The staff is, for the most part, lovely. Bahrain? It’s… an interesting place. It's not all sunshine and pearl diving dreams, but it’s also not a complete disaster. And now, I can’t wait to see it again.
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Snow Views at Kausani's Hidden Gem
Ramada Amwaj Islands: Bahrain's "BEST" Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, Okay, Is it REALLY the BEST? Seriously?
What's the Vibe Like? Expecting Luxury or Laid-Back?
The Rooms! Are They Decent? Or Should I Pack a Tent?
Okay, Pool Time! Is the Pool Worth the Hype? And the Beach?
Food & Drink: What's the Grub Like? Any Must-Try Spots?
Is it Kid-Friendly? Or Should I Leave the Little Ones Behind?
Okay, Let's Talk Service! Are the Staff Helpful? Or Just… There?
What's the Best Time to Visit? And How's the Weather?
What Are the Nearby Attractions? Beyond the Hotel Itself
The Elephant in the Room: Price! Is it a Good Value?
