Suite escape: The Merchant House
Campell Gray is opening its first boutique hotel in the GCC.
We’re keeping our eyes on The Merchant House, Manama, Bahrain. The new luxurious, all-suite boutique property is the first of its kind in Bahrain and is Campbell Gray Hotels’ first property in the GCC, following the success of Le Gray in Beirut.
Located in the heart of the city alongside the vibrant Bab el-Bahrain Souk overlooking the city’s financial district, the hotel development is playing a significant role in the regeneration of the area and its immediate surrounds.
The lobby of The Merchant House in Bahrain
Its pivotal position alongside Customs House, which serves as the impressive entrance to Bab el-Bahrain – ‘Gateway to Bahrain’ – means that guests at The Merchant House will find themselves fully immersed into local Bahraini life as they are afforded the opportunity to enjoy a true taste of its culture and traditions. The location places guests just steps away from the atmospheric Manama Souk, a maze of market shops selling everything from spices to souvenirs and home decorations.
The emphasis is on personalised service and individual preferences. Guests can be amongst the first to enjoy the authentic service of this unique hotel and take advantage of its introductory offer of BD 99 for the first night and the second night complimentary. Reservations are now being accepted for arrivals from 14 January.
The Latest
How Eywa’s design execution is both challenging and exceptional
Mihir Sanganee, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at Designsmith shares the journey behind shaping the interior fitout of this regenerative design project
Design Take: MEI by 4SPACE
Where heritage meets modern design.
The Choreographer of Letters
Taking place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation until 25 January 2026, this landmark exhibition features Nja Mahdaoui, one of the most influential figures in Arab modern art
A Home Away from Home
This home, designed by Blush International at the Atlantis The Royal Residences, perfectly balances practicality and beauty
Design Take: China Tang Dubai
Heritage aesthetics redefined through scale, texture, and vision.
Dubai Design Week: A Retrospective
The identity team were actively involved in Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design, capturing collaborations and taking part in key dialogues with the industry. Here’s an overview.
Highlights of Cairo Design Week 2025
Art, architecture, and culture shaped up this year's Cairo Design Week.
A Modern Haven
Sophie Paterson Interiors brings a refined, contemporary sensibility to a family home in Oman, blending soft luxury with subtle nods to local heritage
Past Reveals Future
Maison&Objet Paris returns from 15 to 19 January 2026 under the banner of excellence and savoir-faire
Sensory Design
Designed by Wangan Studio, this avant-garde space, dedicated to care, feels like a contemporary art gallery
Winner’s Panel with IF Hub
identity gathered for a conversation on 'The Art of Design - Curation and Storytelling'.
Building Spaces That Endure
identity hosted a panel in collaboration with GROHE.