Bordered by the Arabian Sea, the desert and the mountains, Muscat is a city of contrasts. Here you can find glittering, contemporary structures and upmarket shopping malls, dome-topped marble mosques, and Portuguese forts dating from the 1700s.
Oman’s capital is a forward-thinking place, offering a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary architecture, plus some truly exceptional places to stay.
My guide to the 10 best hotels in Muscat is based on my recent visit to the port city, as well as recommendations from friends and fellow travellers.
Which of these luxury places to stay will you be calling home, while discovering all the best things to do in Muscat?
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Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
1. The Chedi Muscat
Address: North Ghubra 32, Way 3215, Street No 46, 133 Muscat
Best for: Relaxation
Having recently stayed at The Chedi in Muscat, I can heartily recommend it.
The beachfront position means some rooms and suites offer sweeping sea views, and the design of the hotel is impossibly elegant.
For foodies, The Chedi has plenty of on-site dining options, plus three pools and private beach access. In fact, one of the pools is the longest in the Middle East!
While the five star property is modern and refined, I love that a sense of place is provided by details such as palm trees and arabesque arches.
I found the service to be outstanding, and the hotel has a peaceful, relaxed feel. There’s also lots of space, superb food, and one of the best hotel gyms you’ll find anywhere.
Book here or read my full review of The Chedi in Muscat.
2. Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Address: Saraya Bandar Jissah SAOC, P.O Box 605, PC 115, Qantab
Best for: A seaside escape
Jumeirah Muscat Bay sits between the mountains and the ocean, around half an hour by car from Muscat, or 40 minutes from the airport.
While just outside of the city, I simply had to include it in my guide to the best hotels in Oman.
The views of the Arabian Sea, the mountains, and the beach are unparalleled, and it’s the only hotel on this sandy, sheltered Muscat Bay.
Though the 196-room hotel has an Omani feel, it’s subtle, and lots of marble, glass, and light woods keeps things fresh.
It’s surrounded by tropical gardens, and pops of colour here and there liven up the stylish, muted tones.
Top-notch service, a sumptuous spa, outdoor activities, and that unparalleled position are among the highlights.
3. Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Address: Street 6 335, Al Mouj, Muscat
Best for: Entertainment
The Kempinski name is synonymous with service and style, and this Muscat property is no exception.
In terms of amenities it’s unbeatable, too, with the stunning, 1,100 square metre Muscat Ballroom the jewel in the crown.
An entertainment centre with a bowling alley also makes the hotel stand out among the best hotels in Muscat.
The comfortable beds are a real perk of this property, and dark, dramatic touches also help to add character to the decor.
With some ocean view accommodation, a deluxe spa, and several restaurants and pools as well as the entertainment centre, I’m sure there’s little chance of getting bored here!
4. Al Bustan Palace
Address: Al Bustan Street, Muscat 114
Best for: A private beach
Although it’s not the only hotel in the area with a private beach, Al Bustan Palace does boast the longest stretch of sand in Muscat.
For families, the Ritz Kids programme is also a real plus. Here, children and teens can get involved with activities ranging from crafts and local cultural experiences to beach football or snorkelling.
The hotel is styled along classic, elegant lines, with lots of fresh white offset by dark, intricate wood carvings, and teal or duck egg blue linens.
Al Bustan Palace is close to the coastline and the city. Plus, facilities like three restaurants, a spa, and mountain or sea view rooms make for a special stay.
5. W Muscat
Address: Al Kharjiya Street, Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat
Best for: Modern chic
If you prefer not to play it too safe, W Muscat’s more contemporary edge might appeal.
It’s more modern than other luxury Muscat hotels, with bold patterns, mood lighting, and angular furniture.
The facilities are also unfailingly impressive, including a 24-hour gym, a tennis court, a spa, and half-a-dozen eateries.
I love that every room has a balcony, too, so you can make the most of the ocean or garden views.
6. InterContinental Muscat
Address: Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati area, 113 Muscat
Best for: Tropical gardens
If you’re keen on space for strolling around and stretching out, the fact that the InterContinental Muscat is set among 35-acre gardens is sure to please.
There’s also a range of restaurants, including one specialising in Polynesian cuisine.
The hotel is situated in Muscat’s smart and central diplomatic district, and you can expect a warm welcome from the helpful staff.
For me, this one wins brownie points for yummy food, comfortable beds, and its gorgeous beachfront location.
7. Fraser Suites Muscat
Address: Landmark Building, 23rd July Street P.O. Box 410, 133 Muscat
Best for: Self-catering space
Fraser Suites Muscat offers great value luxury accommodation in Muscat, all housed within an attractive, distinctive building.
While there are fewer facilities than at larger properties, the hotel certainly doesn’t lack substance.
The style doesn’t offer as much character as other hotels in Muscat, but the setup is ideal for those after a self-catering option.
The one, two, and three bedroom suites are perfect for anyone seeking more space, though you’ll have to snap the larger ones up quickly as they sell out fast.
Combining hotel amenities like a restaurant, gym, room service, a spa, and swimming pools with self-catering space, this is a great all-rounder. Though don’t expect sea views.
8. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Address: Bandar Jissah, Muscat
Best for: All the amenities
With views over a half-kilometre stretch of coastline and a dramatic mountainous backdrop, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah is a large resort comprising the Al Bandar and Al Waha hotels.
With so much on site, I have no doubt that you’ll never need to venture anywhere else!
The facilities include 19 bars, cafes, and restaurants, including a rooftop bar and a seafood, ocean-view eatery.
Other perks include the kids’ Turtle Ranger programme, a lazy river, and staff who can arrange everything from water sports to desert safaris.
9. Hormuz Grand Muscat
Address: 111 Al Matar St, Muscat 128
Best for: Big brand value
Hormuz Grand Hotel Muscat is a Radisson property offering five star facilities at four star prices.
The fact that there’s no sea view is more than made up for in terms of cleanliness, comfort, and luxury.
The property is the epitome of the east meets west concept, with Indian and New York restaurants, a Thai-style spa, and views over the Muscat mountains.
You can also expect attentive service, a bar, a couple of pools, and a gym, making this another of the best hotels in Muscat.
10. Royal Tulip Muscat
Address: Al Marafah Street Building No. 689/1, Way No. 238, Al Ghubra North, 103 Muscat
Best for: Budget-friendly break
If you really want to stay in Muscat at a snip, I’d recommend booking into the Royal Tulip.
You get a pretty luxurious four-star property for the price, and I love the fact that you get a rooftop pool thrown in.
The Royal Tulip Muscat also offers a hot tub, hammam, and sauna, plus a fitness centre, a trio of restaurants to choose from, and even some ocean views.
Unbeatable when it comes to bang for your buck in the glittering Arabian city.
Do you have any favourite luxury hotels in Muscat? Let me know in the comments below! If you’re planning a trip to the Omani capital then you may also like:
- 10 amazing things to do in Muscat
- Ultimate day trip guide to the Daymaniyat Islands
- The Chedi Muscat hotel review
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