Hilton Towers

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Following a successful international design competition, xCassia was awarded the commission for a 97,422 m² mixed-use landmark on a prime reclaimed, sea-fronting plot of 6,530 m² in Bahrain’s prestigious Al Seef District. Strategically located opposite the under-construction Bahrain City Centre Mall and within close proximity to Reef Island and the Bahrain Financial Harbour, the site sits at the heart of one of the GCC’s densest retail clusters and one of the Kingdom’s fastest-emerging residential and commercial destinations.

Masterplan & Program

The development is organized into three interconnected towers set atop a raised urban plaza designed as a vibrant public interface. Street-level retail lines the main frontage, while public food and beverage outlets activate the base of each tower, creating a dynamic pedestrian realm.

Hotel Tower – The tallest of the three, this 288-key four-star hotel is connected to a dedicated annex containing the front-of-house, lobby, and public amenities. The ground floor houses a generous lobby, foyer, feature bar, and public lounges, while executive and all-day dining facilities occupy the mezzanine. Nine floors of suites and 27 floors of standard and larger guest rooms are supported by strategically placed mechanical levels at base and crown. Amenities including a Business Centre, Gym, Spa, and enclosed swimming pool are discreetly integrated within the annex.

Residential Tower 1 (4B+G+M+28) – Located to the west, this tower contains the long-term stay component, with a dedicated entry lobby and 25 levels of two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments. A mechanical floor is positioned at the tower’s base.

Residential Tower 2 (4B+G+M+34) – Positioned between the hotel and Tower 1, this mixed-use residential block accommodates short-term serviced suites (15 floors of one- and two-bedroom units) and long-term serviced apartments (15 floors of two- and three-bedroom units). Long-term levels connect internally to Residential Tower 1, allowing the two buildings to operate as a single residential entity. The 29th floor links to Tower 1’s roof, hosting a shared gym and pool with panoramic views. Mechanical levels are located at both top and bottom for optimal servicing.

Design Strategy

Early design studies confirmed that maximizing north-facing views to the sea and south-facing city vistas required double-loaded corridors and a centralized core. Aligning the towers along the east-west axis provided symmetry, efficient structural grids, and streamlined utility distribution. By avoiding full plot coverage, the design introduces generous voids between blocks, allowing daylight and air to permeate while animating the plaza below.

Parking and service areas are accommodated in four basement levels, providing 700 spaces and extensive back-of-house areas for the hotel.

Public Realm & Cultural Context

A key ambition of the project is to establish a shaded, landscaped public plaza that functions as an “urban oasis” for residents, guests, and visitors. Planted areas, water features, and casual dining venues activate the space, fostering a lively urban atmosphere. The hotel’s adjacency to the plaza further enhances its social vibrancy.

Public interiors are designed with the intimacy of a boutique hotel, employing timber screens inspired by Islamic geometry and incorporating artwork by local artists to reinforce cultural identity and community engagement.

Architectural Expression & Views

The three towers clearly express their distinct functions—hotel, short-term residences, and long-term residences—while remaining visually cohesive. This clarity of program is enriched by internal connectivity between the residential towers, offering operational flexibility without compromising privacy or security.

Carefully positioned to preserve sightlines, the towers capture uninterrupted sea views over new marina developments to the north and dynamic urban panoramas over Bahrain City Centre and the Seef skyline to the south. Their height ensures these vistas remain unobstructed well into the future.