Stay beside the Bab Al Bahrain souq, in the burgeoning downtown area. The Merchant House is somewhat of a trailblazer, as the country’s first five-star boutique property. However, the building is not a new arrival, having been here since 1949 and served as government offices in the past. Now it’s an arty, trendy spot, not least on the rooftop, where you can hang out at the hotel’s restaurant, bar, outdoor garden terrace and in the pool with a view. There’s also a spa, a gym and a mezzanine library with over 1000 books to read.