Hive Lounge

Hive Lounge is the social bar of the Sheraton Oman Hotel in Ruwi, the long-established business district inland from Mutrah. The hotel describes it as a gathering place built around live sport on big screens, crafted drinks and shisha, with seating both in an indoor lounge and on a terrace by the pool.

Live sport is the main draw, and the screens make it a good place to watch a match with a crowd. Shisha is served in a range of flavours, and the drinks list includes mixed drinks and promotions, including timed deals listed by the hotel. Food is easy to find within the hotel, from the Courtyard all-day restaurant to Asado, the South American steakhouse, which opens in the evening.

The hotel lists the lounge as open daily from 5pm to 4am, although promotion times differ, so check before you go. Dress is casual. Ask about the drinks offer on arrival, as promotions change. The poolside terrace is most pleasant between October and April; during the hot months, the indoor lounge is the more comfortable choice.

The lounge's long hours also make it useful for travellers on late flights who want somewhere to wait in the evening. It suits sports fans, groups of friends and business travellers staying in Ruwi who want a relaxed place to unwind without crossing the city. It is not a cocktail lounge, so come for the atmosphere and the screens rather than a refined drinks list. Non-smokers may prefer the indoor area away from the shisha. On big match nights, arrive well before kick-off to get a table with a good view of the screens, and check with the hotel which fixtures are being shown. During Ramadan, opening hours and service change, so call ahead before planning a visit.

The Sheraton Oman is in Ruwi, a short taxi ride from Mutrah Corniche and around 25 minutes from Qurum, depending on traffic. Bookings and enquiries can be made on +968 2236 4144, or by WhatsApp on +968 9129 5364. A good evening plan is dinner at Asado followed by a late match on the big screens.