Our three-day stay at Royal Saray Bahrain was very disappointing and far below five-star standards, especially at around USD 600 per night.
Arrival was cold and inattentive, with only one person at reception during peak Eid. We had booked weeks in advance and paid for a full sea-view room, yet were first given a poor-view room. When we called, we were told no alternative was available. Only after going down and insisting did a better room suddenly appear.
We had informed the hotel via Expedia chat that we were celebrating our anniversary, but there was not even a verbal acknowledgment. We also asked about spa treatments and received no response.
For a hotel opened in 2018, the property feels tired: broken handles, questionable plugs, poor lighting controls, and hot water takes several minutes to arrive. The worst issue was cleanliness. We found dirty towels, then received a replacement towel with holes in it. Bathrobes were child-sized, and proper robes were removed next day. Amenities were generic “hotel essentials” products.
Breakfast was mediocre and overcrowded, with guests eating in the lobby and weak selection. The pool policy was unacceptable: paying guests were expected to spend around USD 110 to use daybeds/cabanas, and over USD 1,000 for a closed cabin.
At checkout, reception did not answer calls for luggage assistance, and the voicemail was full.
The property has potential, but management, service, cleanliness, and standards do not justify the price or brand.
Free parking