Hotel recommendations in Muscat, Oman

[XB70]

Mrs XB70 hits the big 40 in April and a bunch of us were thinking of Muscat.

The previous thread that I could find was from 4 years ago so thought I would see if any more current info.

If it helps:

- There will be 8 of use (6 adults and 2 kids) so either 5 rooms or, if they are around, maybe a villa?
- Would be for a Thursday night and a Friday night (arrive Thursday evening and leave for DXB on Saturday afternoon)

Thanks in advance

[Stylus]

Shangri-La for a resort 15-20 minutes out of down town with stunning location, Crowne Plaza for a city location with pool/beach access.

[Gaffer]

Shangri-La in Oman is great, but as another option, what about Sir Baniyas Island off the coast of AUH, the safari thing is great fun trying to spot and then chase a cheetah. You can either stay in the main hotel or one of the villa's around the island.

Claire

[h_____]

Maybe the Chedi in Muscat, if you want up market.

Sir Banyas, very nice, very different. Or off the wall choices, maybe the Anantara in Jebel Akhdar in Oman, not as far as Muscat, nice and stunning views.

[C997]

The Chedi is fantastic and in Muscat if you want to spend time in the city. It's expensive though, so are the Shangri La and the Al Bustan Palace. The Grand Hyatt is nice, again not cheap though.

If you want clean and functional for decent money and it's only going to be a base to explore from, The Park Inn is pretty good.

Chedi beats the rest in my experience.

[dxbtiger]

O/T but only slightly, where did they end up in the last episode of Top Gear, with the Chiron?

[Fats25]

dxbtiger said:

O/T but only slightly, where did they end up in the last episode of Top Gear, with the Chiron?

That is the new Anantara at Jabal Akhdar. Was still being built when we went there in January 2016, but obviously finished now. We stayed in the Alila that is just around the corner, and was stunning. Highly recommended and a great drive back across country (4x4 territory only) towards UAE (all detail in the Oman Off Road book).

In fact the windy road up to the hotel they showed in TG, that officially is only accessible by 4WD (even though is not needed). There is a police road block at the bottom, where they check your insurance, license, and that your car is 4x4. The policeman actually wanted to see me switch the Raptor to 4x4 before he would let me drive. I believe from speaking to a local in the hotel that there was a bus accident on the road involving school children a few years ago, and since then they introduced 4WD only rules. I know it does not make sense - but come on - you guys live in the region! I think if you don't have 4x4 there is a car park at the bottom, and you park there and the hotel picks you up.

We also spent a few nights at the Shangri La near Muscat, and loved it. We stayed in the adults only part of the hotel, which was nicer, but the whole resort was good. Also popped in the Chedi for a drink, and again that is nice, but I preferred the Shangri La. The Crowne Plaza I stay in for work, and is not really all that, but is closer to the main city. I'd go for the Shangi La again if I went.

[XB70]

Thanks so much for the suggestions - really appreciate it!

Cheers

[Targarama]

Oman is great, much quieter than Dubai. If you want somewhere posh on a beach then the options are limited and already listed. I find the Chedi far too up itself for my liking. The Grand Hyatt and Bustan Palace are my favourites (Bustan has best beach of the two). The Shangri-la is awesome too.

Or try something a little different:

- Oman Dive resort (next to Shangri-la but not such an awesome beach)
- Sifawy Boutique Hotel, Jebel Sifah (1hr drive from Muscat - fun road - or nearby Glamping on the best beach I've seen in an accessible location in Oman)

The Kempinski at The Wave (Al Mouj) will be open in a year or so, I think that will be awesome. Not much help now though...

We will be back there in 10 days time, driving from Dubai, staying at the City Seasons (mid-range) and driving to the beach at The Wave and Jebel Sifah. Can't wait (owned a house out there until recently)

[6th Gear]

Shangri La gets my vote by a large margin. The location is stunning, set up high with mountains surrounding the property.

There are three hotels within the hotel.

Al Waha - For young children
Al Bandar - For Families with children
Al Husn - Couples Only

Seeing as you're travelling with children, go for Al Bandar. It offers the peace and tranquillity of Al Husn and the option of bringing the family. Al Waha is best avoided IMO.

The facilities are first class and the food is to a very good standard. Great pool, nice beach, stunning mountain backdrop.

Stayed at The Chedi, didn't rate the location and the beach was disappointing. Do they allow children?

[TTOBES]

Last weekend booked a BA holiday staying at the al-Waha - end of the month. Should be good!