Bahrain’s first floating hotel was officially opened yesterday (May 15) at the Coral Bay on the Al Fateh Corniche.

The five-star C Hotel is the culmination of several phases of expansion and improvements at the Coral Bay resort, which boasts a range of facilities including restaurants, a spa, beaches and water sports.  

The hotel is floating, but anchored, allowing guests to feel they are on a cruise ship, but yet having the ability to enjoy the facilities on shore. An automatic gliding bridge connects the hotel to the Coral Bay’s luxury facilities.

The boutique hotel is part of the Hotel des Charmes group, which specialises in luxury boutique hotels around the world.

Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and several leading businessmen attended the event.

Shaikh Khaled praised the efforts of Akram Miknas, promoter of Seven Leisure Group and a leading media personality of the region, in bringing the unique idea into fruition.

He said the government had to amend existing laws to make way for the facility, which has been built to highest standards.

The hotel, which represents an investment of $4 million, has been built to highest specifications with superior materials and furnishings, said Miknas.

He thanked Shaikh Khaled for the support extended to the project by the government.

Miknas said the hotel, which is receiving guests for the last two months, offers 12 rooms and two suites. The basement level has eight rooms, while the top deck has four rooms and the Admiralty and Royal suites.

The hotel is currently experiencing an occupancy level of almost 80 per cent, he said.

The hotel guests can enjoy all the facilities and amenities of the Coral Bay resort.

The C Hotel was built from the locally well-known Al-Khaleejia house boat, following a three-year conversion work. The boat was redesigned with the help of Italian engineers and interior designers.  -TradeArabia News Service