Hotel
The Chedi Muscat
A calm, design-led beach resort by Jean-Michel Gathy set in 21 acres of gardens, known for its 103-metre Long Pool and private beach.
A five-star hotel connected to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, about ten minutes from the airport, with three pools, a spa and five dining venues.
Good to know
JW Marriott Hotel Muscat stands in Madinat Al Irfan, beside the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, to which the hotel is connected. It is around 10.5 kilometres, or about ten minutes by car, from Muscat International Airport, which makes it one of the most practical luxury bases in the city for business travellers, conference delegates and anyone with an early flight. The hotel is rated five stars and has 304 rooms and suites, some with views over the wadi landscape around the site.
Facilities are extensive. There are three pools, a lap pool, an infinity pool and a children's pool, as well as Spa by JW and a fitness centre that is complimentary for guests. Families get a complimentary kids' club, and the hotel has more than 2,200 square metres of meeting space, including two ballrooms. Dining covers five venues: Kitchen 7, an international open-kitchen restaurant; Pink Salt, the steakhouse; Catch, a Mediterranean spot by the pool; JW Market, a café and deli; and Butter Buns, a venue for adults aged 21 and over with sports screens, a games room and arcade games.
Check-in is from 3pm and check-out by noon, and guests must be 18 or over to check in. Parking and valet parking are complimentary, and there are electric vehicle charging points. Accessibility is well covered, with accessible parking, lifts, accessible routes to the main facilities, and rooms with mobility, hearing and roll-in shower options. The hotel offers airport shuttle transfers for a fee, and taxis can be arranged at the desk.
The JW Marriott suits business travellers, conference visitors and families who want a full-service hotel close to the airport. It is Green Key certified and LEED certified, which may matter to travellers looking for more sustainable options. Leisure visitors should bear in mind that the hotel is not on the beach and is some distance from the old town.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is within easy reach by car, while Mutrah and Old Muscat take around 30 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic. A hire car or taxis are the best way to explore from here.
In Madinat Al Irfan, connected to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
About 10.5 kilometres, roughly ten minutes by car.
304 rooms and suites.
Check-in from 3pm and check-out by noon; guests must be 18 or over to check in.
Yes, self-parking and valet parking are complimentary.
Yes, a complimentary kids' club and a children's pool.
Yes, with accessible parking, lifts and accessible rooms including roll-in showers.
Kitchen 7, Pink Salt, Catch, JW Market and Butter Buns.
Bar
An elegant, over-21s cocktail and malt lounge at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Al Mouj, styled after a traditional European lounge and open nightly until 1am.
Restaurant
Formal Omani restaurant beside the Royal Opera House, serving shuwa, harees and other national dishes in halls decorated with Omani patterns and silverware.
Café
The first Oman branch of the Danish coffee roaster and bakery, serving specialty coffee, sourdough and handmade pastries in Al Qurum from 7am daily.
Thing to do
One of Oman's oldest markets, a maze of covered lanes behind Mutrah Corniche selling frankincense, silver, textiles, spices and khanjars.