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The Holiday Inn Express, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), will open its first property on the island in March.
The budget hotel will offer business guests an alternative place to stay in the thriving hotel hotspot around the bustling Exhibition Avenue area of Manama.
The property is managed by Ishraq International Hotels while interiors are being designed by a Dubai-based company.
General manager Luca de Stefano, said: “We chose this location as there aren’t other branded hotels in the vicinity. Although there are other businesses offering similar services in the neighbourhood, we are comfortable with it as competition is always good.
“We are also hoping to welcome business during the weekend from guests who drive to the island from neighbouring Saudi Arabia. We are expecting high occupancy by offering affordable room rates.”
The 274-room hotel, which includes two especially adapted for the disabled, is the fifth property of the Holiday Inn Express series, four of which are in Dubai.
The 20-floor building will feature one all-day dining restaurant offering international cuisine, three meeting rooms which can accommodate 50 delegates each, and a gym. The hotel will provide parking for 160 vehicles.
The management is also confident that the country will rise from the slump in its hospitality sector, which suffered due to the island’s unrest earlier this year.
Head of sales Ali Fairooz said: “The situation now is a lot different from what it was six months ago. By next year, we are sure things will get back to how they were before the crisis.”
Mr de Stefano, 33, who has 16 years of experience in the industry, added: “It may have had a negative impact on tourism and such issues take time to overcome. But we are confident the country will spring back to business.”
The hotel has recruited 100 members of staff belonging to more than 15 nationalities.
