ibis Muscat

ibis Muscat is a budget-friendly, three-star property on Dohat Aladab Road in the central district of Al Khuwair. It follows the familiar ibis formula of practical rooms, a simple restaurant and reliable basics, at a price that leaves more of the budget for excursions. Muscat International Airport is about 15 minutes away.

Rooms come in several categories, from superior doubles and twins to premium and privilege rooms, so it is worth comparing the options when booking if you want a little more space. The on-site restaurant, Oopen Pasta and Grill, serves breakfast and evening meals, and room service is available. There is a fitness centre, and the hotel has a car park with basement spaces, which is useful if you are hiring a car for road trips into the interior or along the coast.

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by noon. The hotel does not offer the pools, beaches and spas of the resort hotels, so it suits travellers who plan to spend their days out exploring rather than relaxing on site. Booking direct through the Accor website gives access to the current rates and room types. With no pool on the listing, plan to use the beaches or day trips for cooling off; Qurum Beach is the nearest city beach. Breakfast at the hotel makes early starts for day trips simpler.

ibis Muscat suits budget-conscious travellers, road-trippers, solo visitors, business travellers on a tight budget and anyone who needs a clean, practical base for a few nights. Families should check room sizes and bed configurations before booking, and ask whether connecting rooms are available.

Al Khuwair is a central location. The Grand Millennium and Muscat Grand Mall are on the same road, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a short drive west, and Qurum Beach, the Royal Opera House and the restaurants of Shatti Al Qurum are a short taxi ride east. Rozna, Turkish House and the Radisson Blu's bars are all nearby for dinner and drinks. Mutrah and Old Muscat are around 25 to 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Contact the hotel on +968 2235 4600 or by email at [email protected].