The Merchant House, Manama

BACKGROUND This 46-suite hotel from Campbell Gray

Hotels opened last February, marking its first hotel in the GCC and third in the Middle East alongside Beirut and Amman. The operator recently joined the Global Hotel Alliance.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? Walking into the lobby and minimalist reception desk, you’re immediately greeted by vivid colours and art pieces and quickly you get the sense of a carefully crafted hotel – from the Merchant scales on the reception doormat to the rooftop Indigo – which reflects Gordon Campbell Gray’s eye for detail and distinctive designs.

With only 46 suites – there were only six on my floor – the intimacy is appealing and there were times when I didn’t feel I was in a hotel. Black-and-white Bahrain heritage prints provide a classy bridge with the past and The Library, stacked with 1,000 hand-picked classics and good reads on the Mezzanine level, is a place I could have happily stayed in all day; the same could be said of the beautiful 60sqm suite on the fourth floor.

WHERE IS IT? Centrally located and a key element in the regeneration of Bab el-Bahrain souk and original heart of the city (close to InterContinental Bahrain). A stylish Land Rover was on hand for the airport transfers.

ROOMS Leaving the fabriclined lift, I walked along deepblue carpets to my corner suite, attractively set back from the corridor and past a traditional boat photo, divided into three.

The corner suite had a generous lounge area with cream sofa and swivel blue chair and the enormous bed had two oversized square pillows and two normal ones. Alongside a brace of TVs and plentiful power/USB sockets by the desk and bedside was a minibar tray of snacks and drinks,

Jura espresso machine – and microwave, glasses and plates if you’re here for a long stay. The fish-themed bathroom was a minor let down for a premium hotel as it had showers but no tub. Other suite types include Urban, Executive and Signature.

FOOD AND DRINK A case of quality rather than quantity as Indigo is the sole restaurant (though there is a coffee bar in the lobby). Its à la carte ethos reflects the personalised service and I enjoyed breakfast, a quick brunch and leisurely evening dinner. Executive chef Rob Shipman has created an ambitious ‘European with an Asian twist’ menu and highlights included the Swedish Pytti Panna and delicious Beef Rib Ssamjang with Korean BBQ sauce and pipirrana salad.

MEETINGS A private room next to the library can host up to 10 guests.

LEISURE The pool, next to Indigo, is little more than a water feature, sandwiched next to a small gym. But I enjoyed the one-hour ‘ultimate aromatherapy’ massage in the discreet spa (two treatment rooms) – rounded off with a pot of green tea, which was a first in 20 years.

VERDICT Merchant House is a boutique gem and with its personalised service and distinctive designs, it’s a refreshing alternative to the hotel chains.