Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Excelsior Apartments, Manama, Bahrain

Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Excelsior Apartments, Manama, Bahrain
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Excelsior Apartments, Manama - My Head's Still Swimming (and Not Just in the Pool!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from the Excelsior Apartments in Manama, Bahrain, and my brain is currently a delightful, chaotic mess. Trying to write a clean, concise review? Forget about it. This place… well, it’s a lot. Think opulent meets practical, with a healthy dose of "are-you-sure-that's-how-much-everything-costs?!"
Let's rip off the band-aid and dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, the Could-Be-Better, and the "Where Were They Thinking?"
Okay, let's be real, I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did try to keep it in mind. The elevators are a godsend (essential!), and the lobby itself feels pretty darn accessible. The hallways…well, they’re wide enough. But I’m also getting the feeling that some of the apartment layouts aren't perfectly designed. Like, they say they have facilities for disabled guests, which is great, but the specifics could use a little more…attention. I'm talking REALLY specific. Like, is the shower actually accessible? Does the grab bar feel sturdy? I feel the need for MORE in-depth information from their end. Make it easy!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Ummm, this is something I wasn't able to REALLY scope out and would have liked to have had a more thorough understanding of it. But… I'm guessing if you're able, you might find something.
Internet: So Much Wi-Fi, My Phone Is Practically Giddy!
Seriously, the Wi-Fi is everywhere. Everywhere. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms (praise be!), Wi-Fi in public areas that’s actually fast (a rarity, let’s be honest), and even… gasp… internet access via LAN if you’re a total tech dinosaur (like, I’m not judging!). I could binge-watch anything I wanted without the dreaded buffering wheel of doom. This is a huge win in my book. Especially since I had to deal with a family Zoom call… (more on THAT later).
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Pretty Safe, But Maybe Overkill?
The Excelsior is taking sanitization seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, check! Okay, I get it. Everyone is trying to be safe, but I almost wanted to ask if they were sure about the 24/7 scrubbing down. It’s a little…intense. But hey, at least I didn't catch the sniffles! They have things on a level that they could have a "Rooms sanitized between stays" option and still be considered safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Still Recovering!
Okay, buckle up, because the food situation is…complex. They have everything. From basic breakfast buffet (which was actually surprisingly good - crispy bacon! Freshly squeezed orange juice!) to a la carte in the restaurant, multiple cuisine options, international, and even…gasp…a vegetarian restaurant! I ate so much Asian food that I think I'm now 10% dumpling.
- The Highlights: The poolside bar is a must-do. Seriously, cocktails by the pool with that view? Yes, please. And the coffee shop? Perfect for a caffeine fix and people-watching.
- The "Meh's": The options felt a little overwhelming. Did I need both a buffet and a vegetarian restaurant? Maybe not.
- The Anecdote: One morning, I ordered breakfast in my room. It arrived promptly, beautifully presented, and with a little note that said, "Enjoy your day!" It was a nice touch, but then I realized I'd forgotten to order coffee. Disaster.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Prepare for Bliss (and Possibly a Face Mask)
Alright, this is where the Excelsior really shines. Forget "hotel pool," think "luscious oasis with a view." And the spa? Oh. My. God.
- The Sauna. My personal favorite. The heat melted away my city stresses like butter.
- The Spa/Relaxation Area. The spa itself is… exquisite. My massage? Incredible. My body wrap? So relaxing that I forgot my own name. I swear I saw a new color I’d never seen before.
- The Pool with a view. Absolutely stunning. The view is unbelievable. I spent an entire afternoon just floating, staring at the city, and pretending I was on vacay for a lifetime.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But Bring Your Wallet
They have a babysitting service. I didn't use it, but good to know. Otherwise, they're pretty family-friendly, but I got the feeling…things are probably more expensive. Kids meal?? Hmm.
Services and Conveniences: You Name It, They Probably Have It
I mean, seriously. This list is ridiculous. Currency exchange? Check. Concierge? Check. Doorman? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. I got the feeling if I had a specific need, they would have it. They even have facilities for disabled guests, thank goodness.
- The Hilarious Bit: I needed to get my business cards reprinted because… I lost them. (Don't ask). The concierge not only found a printer but also managed to get them delivered to my room within an hour. Impressive, or possibly, just a little too eager to please? I'm on the fence.
- The Annoying Bit: The constant "Can I help you with anything?" felt a little intrusive at times. I'm a grown woman, I can find my way to the pool. But hey, can't fault them for trying.
Available in all rooms: (deep breath!)…
- The Good: the free wifi is great, the air-conditioning is a life-saver, the fridge is well stocked, and the rooms are generally very well-appointed, clean, and comfy. The bed was enormous, the TV big, and… well, it was nice to have.
- The Slightly Odd: The fact that there's an 'additional toilet' option. Never used it, but just… weird. The reading light? Excellent. The black-out curtains? Necessary for the jet lag. The scale in the bathroom? Terrifying. The bathrobes? Lovely and fluffy.
Getting Around: Easy and Efficient, But Taxi-Heavy
Airport transfer is there, and car park on-site and free of charge. Perfect. They’ve got taxi service, but getting around in Manama is a bit taxi-dependent.
My Emotional Verdict: Overwhelmed, Over-Satisfied, and Already Planning My Return!
Okay, here's the honest truth: The Excelsior Apartments is extravagant. It's got a lot going on. It's probably more expensive than I'd usually go for. But… it's also incredibly comfortable, well-designed, and in a top place to stay in Manama.
Here’s My “Book Now!” Pitch:
Craving Unadulterated Luxury? Yearning for Relaxation That Actually Works? Then Stop Scrolling and Book Your Stay at the Excelsior Apartments in Manama!
Here's What You Get:
- Rooms that Make You Feel Like Royalty: Spacious, well-appointed, and with everything you need.
- A Spa That Will Melt Your Worries Away: Massages, body wraps, saunas… it's pure bliss.
- Dining Options to Satisfy Every Craving: From a buffet to a vegetarian restaurant.
- High-Speed Wi-Fi That Will Keep You Connected (and Sanity Intact!): Work, stream, and connect with ease.
- Oh, and Did I Mention the Pool? Trust me, you won't want to leave.
- A place of safety and hygiene.
Act Now and Get:
- Breathtaking Views:
- Superb Service: The staff will cater to your every need.
- A Vacation You'll Never Forget:
- A room for you and your family!
The Bottom Line: Did I enjoy my stay? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt.
Just be prepared for a little bit…muchness". You've been warned. But trust me, it's worth it.
Ski-In/Ski-Out Paradise! 310km of Slopes Await in Your Luxurious Les Sybelles Apartment!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're going on a trip… to the Excelsior Luxury Apartments in Manama, Bahrain. And frankly, based on my research (read: frantic Googling at 3 AM fueled by lukewarm coffee), it's going to be either ridiculously amazing or a spectacular crash. Welcome to my brain-dump itinerary. Prepare yourselves.
The Great Bahrainian Adventure: Excelsior Edition (Messy, Emotional, and Possibly Borderline Disastrous)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (Fuelled by Packing Struggles & Existential Dread):
- Day -1: The Packing Panic. Okay, so I’m terrible at packing. It involves a strategic spread of clothes across the bed, followed by a tearful acceptance of reality – I am undoubtedly overpacking. This time I swear I’ll be all zen and minimalist… Nope. Just shoved everything in, mostly clothes I haven't worn in years, just in case. Then the eternal debate: Do I need the evening gown? (Spoiler alert: I won't.) Also went through a phase of convincing myself I need a travel-sized ironing board. It was an emotional rollercoaster.
- Day 0: Airport Shenanigans and Arrival Anticipation. The airport. Ugh. Pray for a smooth flight. Pray for no delays. Pray that I don’t get stuck sitting next to someone who feels the need to tell me their entire life story at ear-splitting volume for the entire duration of the flight. (It's happened. Multiple times.) On a positive note the Excelsior better have a decent airport shuttle. I am NOT hauling my suitcase through crowded streets filled with honking cars. I have a feeling this is going to be my first emotional hurdle before I've even stepped foot in the actual apartment.
Days 1-2: Arrival, Apartment Reconnaissance, and Initial Impressions (The Honeymoon Phase?):
- Day 1: The Apartment! Fingers crossed. Assuming I actually make it to Bahrain and am not rerouted to some obscure city I'd never heard of, the Excelsior better live up to its "luxury" billing. Lobby first impressions are crucial. Is it grand or gaudy? Clean or smelling of… something unfortunate? Pray for marble! Pray for fluffy towels! If the air con is working, it will be a HUGE win. I'm thinking a celebratory splash in the pool ASAP if the weather is as advertised. Evening: Pizza! (Maybe even delivery? That's the real test of luxury, people.)
- Anecdote: Last time I booked a “luxury apartment” I found a cockroach the size of my thumb in the bathroom. Traumatic. I still shudder. So, you know, low expectations.
- Day 2: Getting my bearings. (Hopefully, literally.) Exploration! Now, I'm not going to lie, I'm terrible at planning. I'm more of a "wander around and see what happens" type of tourist. I’ll probably start off by trying to find a decent coffee shop. (Coffee before anything.) Maybe a stroll around the area surrounding the Excelsior, get a sense of the neighborhood vibe, and maybe – MAYBE – check out the local supermarket. I'll be a pro at Bahraini groceries by the end of this if I can manage it! The goal is NOT to get lost on the first day, which is a distinct possibility.
- Quirk Observation: I have a talent for getting lost, even with a map. I'm convinced my internal compass is broken.
- Emotional Reaction: Hopeful! Everything feels shiny and new. The world is my oyster… hopefully.
Days 3-4: The Culture Dip (Or, the Attempt At One):
- Day 3: Souq Exploration! I'm picturing vibrant colors, exotic scents, the sound of haggling, and the potential for amazing souvenirs. (I need a new scarf, and anything that glitters.) But let's be real, after all the research I've done I'll probably end up in a tourist trap. It happens. I need to remember to bring bottled water. And maybe a fan. And possibly another scarf to wipe the sweat from my brow.
- Messy Structure: I'm already mentally planning my purchases. Spices! Perfumes! Oh, and I need to check if there are any cute little camel miniatures.
- Emotional Reaction: Excited and Slightly Overwhelmed.
- Day 4: A Bit of History & Heritage. I suppose I should try to learn something. Maybe a visit to the Bahrain National Museum? (Please, oh please, be air-conditioned.) I'm hoping for a captivating display and not just a collection of dusty artifacts. If it's boring? I'm heading back to the apartment to read a book by the pool. No regrets!
- Opinionated Language: History museums can be hit or miss. I'm hoping for a "hit."
- Natural Pacing: Let's see how this goes… a museum in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day.
Days 5-6: Food, Glorious Food! (And the inevitable Indigestion):
- Day 5: A Culinary Adventure. I'm determined to try some local dishes! Biryani? Machboos? I have ZERO idea what those even are, but I'm going to eat them! (I'll need to look up the ingredients first in case of any allergies or preferences. And to avoid anything that contains something that resembles goat eye.) I’ll have to find a restaurant away from the hotel - authentic, not for tourists! Maybe a street food experience? (Wipes sweat off forehead – food poisoning risk is HIGH.)
- Doubling Down: This is my big food day. No holding back! I'm going to eat EVERYTHING. (Within reason. I'm not that adventurous.)
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Can’t wait to try the local flavors! I can already smell the spices and the fresh pita bread… I hope it's good. And that I don’t regret it later.
- Day 6: The Aftermath & Chill. Okay, let's be honest – after yesterday's gastronomic extravaganza, I'll probably feel like a stuffed sausage. So, it's a pool day! Maybe a spa treatment? (If they have it and it's not outrageously expensive.) And plenty of water. Lots and lots of water. And maybe some gentle stretching to counteract the food coma.
Days 7-8: Back to Reality (Or at least, Planning the Escape):
- Day 7: Final Reflections & Souvenir Shopping (Round Two). Did I actually do everything I wanted? What did I love? What did I hate? Time to buy any last-minute souvenirs for my family (who I can't wait to see again) and friends (who will all be sooooo jealous). I’m thinking a few nice trinkets, some local spices, and maybe a slightly questionable piece of artwork.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Mixed feelings. Sad to be leaving, but also ready for a normal bed and to stop living out of a suitcase.
- Day 8: The Departure & The Flight Home. Ah, the dreaded packing up. And the airport. And the flight. Please, no delays. Please, no screaming children. Please, let my luggage make it home with me. I'll be relieved when it's all over.
- Rambles: Plane food. Ugh. I should have packed my own snacks. Maybe a good book will help.
Post-Trip Analysis (The Real Truth):
- The Excelsior: Did it deliver on its "luxury" promise? Was the air-con reliable? Did I find the perfect coffee shop? Did I avoid the cockroach infestation? These are the burning questions!
- The Verdict: More than likely I'll be exhausted, possibly slightly sunburnt, and a few pounds heavier. But hopefully, I'll also have some amazing stories, a few new memories, and a renewed appreciation for my own bed. And that, my friends, is what a trip is really about.
- Final Emotional Reaction: I came, I saw, I mostly ate. Worth it.
So, there you have it! The most brutally honest, emotionally charged, and probably utterly useless travel itinerary you'll ever read. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it!
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Excelsior Apartments - Your Questions Answered (and My Rants Included!)
So, Excelsior Apartments... are they *really* as fancy as they look online? Because, let's be honest, the internet lies.
Alright, buckle up, because the truth is... mostly, YES. But, and there's always a but, right? The photos? Drop-dead gorgeous. The reality? Usually, a little… *slightly* less airbrushed. I mean, that penthouse suite, with the *infinity pool* overlooking the city? Divine. Except, the "infinity" part is more "slightly elevated pool with a nice view." I'm not complaining, mind you! Still, it gave me this hilarious image of a guy trying to do the backstroke and accidentally swimming into the Bahraini skyline because, expectations are a brutal mistress.
Then, there's the service. They *try* to be flawless. One time, I ordered room service at 3 AM (don't judge, long flight, jet lag), and the guy practically sprinted up to my door. He tripped. Spilled orange juice EVERYWHERE. But – and this is crucial – he apologized profusely, cleaned it up, and brought me extra pastries. Character! And the pastries? Amazing. So, yeah, the luxury is there, but with a healthy dose of human imperfection. Which, honestly, makes it way more interesting.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient, or are you stuck in the middle of nowhere with only a camel and your regrets?
Okay, location. Big. Freaking. Deal. And Excelsior? Surprisingly good. Situated smack-dab in Manama, you're close to… everything. Malls, restaurants, souks (markets), you name it. I mean, you can practically *smell* the delicious shawarma from your balcony. The airport’s a quick hop. Finding a taxi is easier than finding a free WiFi spot (which is saying something because the WiFi in these places is pretty shaky sometimes – more on that later).
However! My little rant time! This location *can* be a double-edged sword. I once spent a good twenty minutes trying to explain to a taxi driver where I wanted to go because street names are... well, they're more suggestions than precise directions. And the traffic? Don't even get me STARTED! Especially during rush hour, you might as well just walk. Which, honestly, is tempting sometimes, because you'll probably get there faster. So, convenient, yes, with a side of potential gridlock chaos.
The amenities – what's actually worth getting excited about? The gym? The pool? The… complimentary toothbrush?
Alright, let's dive into the goodies. The gym? Surprisingly well-equipped. Treadmills with little TV screens to distract you from the soul-crushing monotony of running. Nice. The pool? Gorgeous, though sometimes a little crowded. But let's be real, the best part is lounging by the pool, pretending to read a book while secretly people-watching and judging everyone's swimwear choices (don't judge *me*!).
But the *real* star of the show? The… spa. Oh, the spa. I once had a massage there that literally melted away my stress. I think I actually drooled a little. The masseuse was this tiny, incredibly skilled woman named Fatima, who could somehow work out knots in my back that I didn't even *know* existed. Seriously, if you go, book a massage with Fatima. You'll thank me later. She is a goddess. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but the massage was truly… transformative. (Side note: The complimentary toothbrush? Meh. Nothing to write home about.) And the WiFi! Argh! It cuts out constantly! It's a running gag after a while, you know. It’s like a character in itself. The unreliable connection, making you wonder if you can actually connect to the world. It’s a love-hate relationship! And the breakfast? I'll get to that one later…
Let's talk about the rooms. Spacious? Comfortable? Or tiny boxes with a view of a parking lot?
The rooms? Generally, spacious. They come with that sleek, modern design. Minimalist furniture, loads of natural light (if you're lucky enough to get a room on a higher floor). Comfortable beds. You know, the usual high-end hotel stuff. The bathrooms are gorgeous, with those rain showers that make you feel like you’re bathing in a tropical waterfall. (Though, I'll admit, I always end up using too much water and feel guilty about it, thinking about water conservation and all).
But (again, a but!)… I once got stuck in a room on the third floor that overlooked the construction site. Which, you know, is not ideal when you're trying to sleep in after a long flight. The noise? Relentless. The view? Builders in their underwear. Not exactly the luxurious experience I was hoping for. So, request a high floor. Trust me on this one. And maybe bring earplugs, just in case.
Is it worth the money? Seriously, because luxury often comes with a hefty price tag.
Okay, the million-dollar question (pun intended, because these apartments are probably worth that much). Is it worth the money? That depends. Are you looking for pure, unadulterated luxury? Yes, probably. Are you on a tight budget and just want a place to crash? Absolutely not. It's expensive, let's not sugarcoat it.
But here's the thing. You're paying for more than just a room. You're paying for the service, the amenities, the *experience*. The feeling of being pampered and looked after. The fact that you don't have to lift a finger. Is that worth it? For me, sometimes, yes. Other times, I find myself wincing at the bill and calculating how many instant noodles I could buy instead. It's a trade-off. Think about what you prioritize. But if you can afford it, treat yourself. You deserve it, even if it’s just for one night. And, you know what, if I'm being honest, it's the kind of place that you book for a special occasion—the honeymoon, the big promotion, the “I’m-really-stressed-out-and-need-a-break” occasion. And, oh by the way, even if you are paying the money, make sure you check the bill. On my last stay, I had a mini-bar charge that was *definitely* not mine. I would be lying if I said the bill was perfectly clear and transparent, the price can easily be inflated... Be careful.
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