The Merchant House Manama: Art-Centred Luxuries in Bahrain’s Historic Heart

Just steps away from the bustling Bab Al Bahrain souq, in the heart of Manama’s old trading quarter, stands The Merchant House, making headlines for its art-led design, all-suite concept. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the hotel oozes character. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with cheerful hospitality, graffiti-splashed pillars and colourful modern canvases on high walls; the kind of welcome that Gordon Campbell Gray, the hotel’s visionary founder, intended.

True to Gray’s reputation for design aesthetic, The Merchant House is designed as a dramatic yet inviting space, with a vibe that is more art gallery living room than hotel. In fact, the property prides itself on housing the largest art collection in Bahrain, with over 200 original works hand-picked by Gray himself. These pieces, sourced from well-established Bahraini artists and emerging Gulf talents, hang throughout corridors and suites, reflecting the property’s guiding philosophy: that life should never be without inspiration, contemplation and great style.

This art-led approach extends to every other aspect of the hotel; take The Library, for example. Overlooking the lobby, The Library features over 1,000 curated books and is set in an atmosphere of timeless charm, with bookshelves backed in burnished copper and velvet armchairs in jewel tones. Café Gray, which offers a tranquil escape for casual bites, sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee, showcases edgy local artworks and bold design touches like oversized calligraphed busts and pops of colour. Grabbing a cup of coffee here feels like dipping into a sea of creative inspiration. As you wander the property, from the stylish atrium to the rooftop garden, it’s clear this boutique hotel has design in its DNA, and a personality that sets it apart from any cookie-cutter luxury stay.

With only 46 suites in total, the hotel maintains an exclusive, residential feel, as each suite is individually curated with a generous living area, complete with chic sofas, a work desk and floor-to-ceiling windows. Thoughtful touches abound, from bean-to-cup espresso machines to curated books on the coffee table, making it feel like your own stylish Manama apartment, complete with all the modern comforts.

The rooftop restaurant, Indigo Terrace, is one of Bahrain’s most celebrated dining spots. Floral prints, rattan chairs and a garden-style setting make it a dreamy space for breakfast, dinner or the popular “Fab” Friday brunch. The menu blends Mediterranean and Asian flavours using seasonal ingredients, with standout dishes like sesame-crusted local hammour and cherrywood-smoked beef rib.

Wellness is mindfully woven in for the discerning traveller. Guests can unwind at PURE Spa, where bespoke treatments offer pure relaxation and rejuvenation, complemented by a fully equipped 24-hour gym and a chlorine-free rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Manama skyline.

The Merchant House also stands out for how it connects guests to Bahrain’s heritage. On request, the hotel hosts a private tour of Muharraq’s UNESCO-listed Pearling Path where guests explore restored merchant homes and learn how pearling continues to shape the island’s identity. During the fifth-anniversary celebrations, we were invited to experience this cultural journey firsthand, hosted by All Details. The exclusive tour was hosted by His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), offering a rare and fascinating insight into Bahrain’s pearling legacy and the emotional stories behind the island’s maritime past, making the stay feel both deeply meaningful and memorable.

At The Merchant House, whether you’re sipping tea besides a vibrant piece of art, floating in the rooftop pool, or flipping through a Bahraini coffee table book, you’re sure to receive a unique experience of story, style and soul, turning your stay into a rich cultural exchange.

www.themerchanthouse.bh | @themerchanthousebahrain