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 beach hotel in the Al Mouj waterfront community, with 310 rooms, a long coastline, a spa, a kids' club and 11 places to eat and drink.
Good to know
Kempinski Hotel Muscat is a large five-star hotel in Al Mouj Muscat, the waterfront community on the western side of the capital, closer to the airport than to the old town. It has 310 rooms and suites and is set along a stretch of coastline that the hotel puts at more than six kilometres, giving it a resort feel while staying within easy reach of the city. It is one of the more complete hotels in Muscat for guests who want everything on site.
The hotel has swimming pools, a beach, a spa offering both modern and traditional treatments, a health club and Dippy's Kids Club for younger guests. Families will also appreciate Cosmic Bowling, the hotel's own bowling venue. There are 11 places to eat and drink, including The Kitchen for buffet dining, Soi Soi for Thai street-food dishes, Bukhara for North Indian cooking, Zale Club and Lounge for Mediterranean sharing plates, the Countdown Sports Lounge, the Amwaj Lounge for afternoon tea and the 1897 Cocktail Lounge for malts and cocktails. The Pool Bar looks out over the Gulf of Oman.
The hotel suits families, couples and business travellers who want a self-contained stay with plenty of choice for dinner, without needing to leave the property each evening, and its location makes it practical for short stays and early flights. Book ahead in the cooler months from November to March, which are the busiest. Families should check the kids' club schedule when booking.
Because Al Mouj is some distance from Mutrah and Old Muscat, plan on taxis or a hire car for sightseeing; the drive to the old town takes around half an hour or more depending on traffic. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is closer, and Oman Aquarium at Mall of Muscat is also on the western side of the city. The hotel's meeting spaces and Muscat Ballroom host weddings and corporate events.
To book, call +968 2498 5000 or use the hotel website. The hotel is a licensed venue, so alcohol is available in its bars and some restaurants, and the 1897 Cocktail Lounge is strictly for guests aged 21 and over.
In the Al Mouj Muscat waterfront community on the western side of the capital.
310 rooms and suites.
Yes, the hotel is set on a long stretch of coastline with beach access.
Yes, there is Dippy's Kids Club, pools and Cosmic Bowling.
There are 11 places to eat and drink, including Bukhara, Soi Soi and The Kitchen.
Yes, with modern and traditional treatments, plus a health club.
Around half an hour or more by car, depending on traffic.
Call +968 2498 5000.
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.