Hotel in Muscat, Oman

edeldonlon

Hi,
I am going to be in Muscat for 3 nights in August. I was wondering does anybody have any suggestions of which hotel to book. I am a female solo traveller in my late 20's, if that makes any differences.

Thanks

Edel

nogoodnamesleft

I worked out there for a few weeks about 3 years ago. Most of the western hotels are located in the Qurum beach area (which is the diplomatic quarter with most of the embassies near by. I have stayed in the Ramada (its grand but only ok). The Intercontinental (its a decent hotel, its used by the airlines so plenty of cabin crew about for stopovers. The gym is large enough and is used by many of the expats living and working there, nice pool area as well, food is decent there and there is bar on the ground floor -drink is available in most western hotels but not all).
I have visited the Hyatt as a colleague from a separate company was staying there it is extremely luxurious, has a decent bar down stairs but rates are on the expensive side.

I was in my early to mid 20s when I was there, the people in Oman are very friendly but obviously you have to be aware of there customs and religious beliefs.

The souks down near the port about 10 -15mins from the hotels where you can buy carpets, jewellery, traditional arts and crafts etc.

coylemj

OP, asking for a hotel recommendation suggests that the trip is not business in which case I'll ask the question - will you have any local contacts to advise you on cultural issues like what to wear and what places it's not appropriate for a lone female to go?

Will this be your first time in an Arab/Muslim country?

edeldonlon

I am well travelled in Muslim countries, just got back last night from Dubai! I will be doing a layover on my way back from India and Nepal.

I have looked on bookings.com but some of the hotels look dreadful. I will have a look at the ones that nogoodnamesleft suggested (Thanks!)

Also it will be Ramadan when I am there and have heard that Oman is a dry state during this time, have either of you been there during Ramadan?

coylemj

No, have never been in a Muslim country during Ramadan. These links might be useful..

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/oman

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/be-a-responsible-tourist/travelling-during-ramadan

edeldonlon

Thanks for the links.

nogoodnamesleft

edeldonlon wrote: »

I am well travelled in Muslim countries, just got back last night from Dubai! I will be doing a layover on my way back from India and Nepal.

I have looked on bookings.com but some of the hotels look dreadful. I will have a look at the ones that nogoodnamesleft suggested (Thanks!)

Also it will be Ramadan when I am there and have heard that Oman is a dry state during this time, have either of you been there during Ramadan?

I was staying in the Intercontinental during Ramadan. From memory they still served alcohol but did so discreetly. The cafe in the hotel put up visual barriers to disguise the fact that they were still serving food during daylight hours (as the cafe was open plan in the lobby). The restaurant also used have a massive banquet during the night (many local well to do Muslim families used frequent the hotel eat).