Bahrain becomes another new destination for the Crowne Plaza hotel brand with the rebranding of one of the island's best-established hotel properties following a three-year renovation programme.

The transformation of the former Holiday Inn Bahrain by its owners, the Bahrain Tourism Company, began in November 1999 with the complete refurbishment of its 165 guest rooms, and the installation of new air-conditioning and telephone systems, as well as in-room internet and fax lines.

The second phase of the renovation project saw the refurbishment of the La Mosaique restaurant and Harvesters pub, and the creation of the new Tracks Sports Bar, Harvesters Terrace, an outdoor paved patio, an Arabic tent, children's playground, and an Arabic night club, Golden Club.

The final phase brought a striking new hotel entrance and reception area, a new Cappuccino coffee lounge, as well as new air-conditioned guest corridors and an additional 60 car park spaces. "The rebranding represents a major investment by the hotel owners," said David Atkinson, area director marketing.

The hotel becomes the 13th property in a line-up of Crowne Plaza hotels and resorts in the Middle East and Africa.