F1 Drivers' Luxurious Digs: Exploring Their Bahrain Stay

With the Bahrain International Circuit located 30km northeast of the country's capital, Manama, F1 drivers and fans have a range of accommodation options to choose from. While proper budget lodgings are scarce in Bahrain, with hostels almost non-existent, apartments can be rented cheaply during race week. For those seeking luxury, Bahrain offers a more affordable alternative to nearby Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The best hotels in Manama are served by free shuttle buses to the circuit on race weekends. The central business district, home to the Bahrain World Trade Centre, is a popular choice for F1 teams and personnel. However, with limited accommodation options near the circuit, the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a sought-after option, conveniently located just 4km from the track.

F1 drivers stay in hotels in Manama, Bahrain's capital city

F1 drivers and other team members typically stay in hotels during race weekends. While it is not known exactly where F1 drivers stay in Bahrain, it is likely that they stay in hotels in Manama, Bahrain's capital city, which is located just 30 kilometres northeast of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and close to the airport.

Manama offers a wide range of accommodation options, from youth hostels and cheap hotels to luxurious five-star hotels. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bright lights, bars, clubs, and exotic souqs. It is also home to authentic Bahraini cuisine, western-style discos, shopping malls, and attractions such as the Al-Faith Mosque.

Some of the recommended hotels in Manama include the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Downtown Rotana, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, and Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. These hotels often provide free shuttle buses to the circuit during race weekends.

The central business district of Manama, known as the Diplomatic Area, is a favoured place for F1 teams and personnel to stay. This area is close to the Bahrain World Trade Centre and the historic Manama Souq.

While there is limited accommodation near the circuit in Sakhir, the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa and Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain are options, but these are likely to be booked by teams and F1 personnel in advance.

With Bahrain's hot temperatures, it is essential to consider the distance from the hotel to the circuit, as well as access to shade and air conditioning.

There is a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury

Bahrain's capital city, Manama, is the best place to stay for visitors attending the Bahrain Grand Prix. Located just 30 kilometres north-east of the Bahrain International Circuit, Manama offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. While proper budget lodgings and hostels are limited in Bahrain, decent apartments can be rented cheaply during F1 week, especially if costs are split among friends. At the higher end of the scale, luxury stays in Bahrain are significantly more affordable than in nearby Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Sakhir district, located in the south of the island, is home to the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, just 4 kilometres from the circuit. This hotel is a popular choice for F1 teams and personnel and often gets booked up well in advance. Another option in the area is the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, a 10-minute drive from the circuit.

If you're looking for a more central location, the Diplomatic Area of Manama, also known as the central business district, is a favoured spot for F1 teams and personnel. This area boasts impressive skyscrapers, shopping malls, and luxurious hotels. Recommended hotels in this area include the InterContinental Regency Bahrain and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

For those seeking a balance between budget and luxury, Al Juffair is a great option. This neighbourhood offers a good selection of apartments and hotels to suit different budgets. Recommended places to stay in Al Juffair include The K Hotel and Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain.

For a beachside escape, consider the Amwaj Islands, a group of man-made islands off the north-east coast of Bahrain. Here, you'll find some of the best high-end resorts and sandy beaches in the country. Recommended places to stay on the Amwaj Islands include the 4-star Ramada Hotel and Suites and the 5-star Art Hotel & Resort, which boasts a private beach and eight on-site restaurants.

Free shuttle buses connect selected hotels to the Bahrain International Circuit

Free shuttle buses are provided for F1 fans during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. These buses connect selected hotels and the airport to the Bahrain International Circuit. The shuttle service is also available for those staying at a nearby hotel that is not part of the route, as long as they can present their F1 tickets.

The shuttle buses run every 45 minutes during the hours listed below:

• Airport to Selected Hotels: Race Week / 5am-midday & 3pm-1am
• Airport to the Circuit: Friday to Sunday / 6am-4pm
• Selected Hotels to the Circuit: Friday to Sunday / 10am-4pm
• Circuit to Selected Hotels & Airport: Friday to Sunday / 6pm-11pm
• Selected Hotels to the Airport: After Race / 8pm-midnight (Sunday) & 6am until midnight (Monday)

The hotels served by the free shuttle buses include:

• Al Seef: The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Nordic Palace & Spa- Seef, and ibis Seef Manama
• Diplomatic Area: InterContinental Regency Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, and Downtown Rotana
• Al Juffair: The K Hotel and The Olive Hotel
• Sakhir (Near Circuit): Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

The Bahrain International Circuit is located in Sakhir, about 30 kilometres northeast of Bahrain's capital, Manama. Manama offers a wide range of accommodation options for fans attending the Bahrain Grand Prix, from budget apartments to luxurious five-star hotels. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, bars, and cafes.

The Sakhir district, where the circuit is located, has limited accommodation options. The best choice in the area is the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, which is just 4km from the circuit and served by the free shuttle buses. However, it is likely to be booked well in advance by F1 teams and personnel.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a prominent event on the F1 calendar, known for its challenging circuit layout and thrilling races. The race has been held at the Bahrain International Circuit since 2004 and has become a favourite among motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

The central business district of Manama is a popular choice for F1 teams and personnel

The central business district of Manama, also known as the Diplomatic Area, is a popular choice for F1 teams and personnel. This area is favoured due to its proximity to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and convenient location near the airport. It offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to serviced apartments, all within a 30-minute drive to the circuit.

The Diplomatic Area is known for its impressive skyline, featuring the iconic Bahrain World Trade Centre with its distinctive twin towers. It is also home to the upmarket Moda Mall Bahrain, offering a range of shopping options for visitors. Additionally, the historic Manama Souq, one of the city's most famous attractions, is located nearby.

When it comes to accommodation in the Diplomatic Area, there are several recommended hotels that cater to F1 teams and personnel. These include the Downtown Rotana, InterContinental Regency Bahrain, and The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, located just north of the centre, offers seven restaurants and five swimming pools.

The area also provides easy access to other parts of Manama, including the vibrant nightlife, shopping, bars, and cafes. It is also close to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the city's must-see attractions. The convenient location and range of amenities make the Diplomatic Area a convenient and popular choice for those attending the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Amwaj Islands offer high-end resorts and sandy beaches, but are further from the circuit

The Amwaj Islands are a group of man-made islands located in the Persian Gulf, northeast of Bahrain and just 4.5km from Bahrain International Airport. The islands were constructed in the early 2000s as part of a pioneering project to offer 100% freehold land ownership to expatriates living in the Kingdom of Bahrain and to increase the supply of waterfront property.

The Amwaj Islands are home to some of the best high-end resorts in Bahrain, as well as sandy beaches. They are a popular choice for visitors to the country, offering a range of accommodation options, including the 4-star Ramada Hotel and Suites Amwaj Islands and the 5-star Art Hotel & Resort, which boasts a private beach and eight on-site restaurants. The 5-star Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is also highly rated.

In addition to luxury resorts, the Amwaj Islands feature residential, commercial, and retail buildings, as well as a 240-meter diameter circular marina with over 140 berths. The islands are connected to Muharraq Island by two causeways, each about 1km in length.

While the Amwaj Islands offer a range of attractive amenities and accommodations, they are further from the Bahrain International Circuit, with an estimated driving time of approximately 45 minutes (45km) to the circuit. This may be a consideration for F1 drivers and fans attending the Bahrain Grand Prix, who may prefer to stay closer to the circuit or in the capital city of Manama, which offers a wider selection of accommodation options and is served by free shuttle buses to the circuit on race weekends.

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