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 large five-star city hotel in Al Khuwair, linked directly to Muscat Grand Mall, with a rooftop pool, a spa and five restaurants and cafés.
Good to know
Grand Millennium Muscat is a large five-star hotel in Al Khuwair, the central district that is home to many of the capital's ministries, embassies and offices. It is connected directly to Muscat Grand Mall, which is its biggest practical advantage: shops and cafés are a short indoor walk away, a real benefit in the heat of summer. The hotel has 296 rooms and suites, plus 32 serviced apartments for longer stays.
Leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool with a separate children's pool, a spa and the Zanta Health Club, which is fully equipped for a workout. The dining choice is broad for a city hotel. Taybat serves international buffet and à la carte meals, Bahriyat is the signature à la carte restaurant, and Mazaj Terrace offers outdoor dining with grills, paella, biryani and pizza. For lighter moments, Café D serves tea, coffee and pastries, while Pasha Café specialises in Omani breakfast and coffee, a good way to try a traditional morning meal without leaving the hotel.
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by noon. Note that the minimum check-in age is 21, which matters for younger travellers booking their own rooms. The serviced apartments are a good option for families or anyone staying a week or more who wants extra space and more independence. Rates are generally more moderate than at the beach resorts, though they rise in the cooler months.
The hotel suits business travellers with meetings in the ministry district, shoppers, families who value having the mall on the doorstep and leisure visitors who want a central base at a fair price. It is a city hotel rather than a resort, so there is no beach on site, but Qurum Beach and the Shatti Al Qurum seafront are a short drive away.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House Muscat are both nearby, and the hotel describes itself as just minutes from Muscat International Airport. Mutrah and Old Muscat are around 25 to 35 minutes by car depending on traffic. The restaurants of Al Khuwair, including Rozna and Turkish House, are close by for meals out.
On Dohat Al Adab Street in Al Khuwair, connected to Muscat Grand Mall.
296 rooms and suites plus 32 serviced apartments.
21.
Check-in from 2pm and check-out by noon.
Yes, a rooftop pool and a children's pool.
Taybat, Bahriyat, Mazaj Terrace, Café D and Pasha Café.
It is a city hotel without a beach, but Qurum Beach is a short drive away.
Call +968 2234 2222.
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.