Despite being a busy capital city, Muscat hasn’t lost its traditional feel and historic elegance. Visitors are treated to low rise blocks and plenty of domes and arabesque windows opening out onto the port, which is still the city’s focus. This is also where you’ll still find some of the best places to stay in Muscat.
As well as beautiful, traditional buildings, our Guru’s list includes modern resorts, favoured by those who are here for a beach break with a unique cultural twist.
With its clean, traditional appearance, Muscat is a very forward-thinking, modern city. On the list of highlights you’ll find the spectacular Grand Mosque which visitors can enter and the magical Sultan’s Palace and ancient forts which visitors can’t. The souqs and the corniche and the new Royal Opera House, which has attracted the very best international companies and performers.
The Mutrah Corniche is a good place to start your explorations, and this row of traditional white latticed buildings and mosques, gardens and fountains is especially picturesque at sunset when the buildings are bleached many colours. Part of the corniche experience is its souq, a traditional, chaotic market offering some fabulous artefacts, antiques, textiles and jewellery etc.. Just a little further on and you’ll find the fish markets and busy port.
Once you’ve seen, and felt, a bit of modern Muscat, you might like to delve into old Muscat, and Oman, at the Bait al-Baranda Museum, and then explore the walled part of Muscat, which was the original city limits.
And then of course there are those miles and miles of beaches, some lined with resort hotels, and some lined with fishermen collecting in their nets. Muscat is also a relatively short drive from the Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most spectacular wadis, with a collection of beautiful green pools, eery caves and sheer sides.
Our pick of the best places to stay in Muscat provide luxury or simplicity within easy reach of all the sights.
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Muscat
A Five Star luxury resort in Muscat on the coast. Contemporary classic rooms and suites with private patios, sea-facing views and all the mod cons. Seven restaurants to choose from, pool, private beach and banquet halls. A great choice for a family holiday.
Muscat
Barefoot luxury with a private beach, a central lagoon, and premier restaurants. Elegant contemporary rooms and suites with all the mod cons, private balconies, sea-facing/lagoon views. Excellent spa facilities, diving spots, and pool areas. A superbly opulent beach holiday.
Muscat (Qantab)
A royal Arabian palace inspired hotel on a peninsula with its own private beach, nightclub, restaurants, cafes and bars. Luxury rooms and suites, contemporary in style, have their own private balconies and all the mod cons. A sophisticated beach holiday.
Muscat ( Way No. 3215 .O. Box 964 Al Khuwair,)
Barefoot luxury in a 21 acre beach resort in Muscat. Classic contemporary rooms and suites with all the mod cons and sophisticated furnishings. Private beach, fantastic pool, eight restaurants to choose from, and a top of the range spa. Total pampering.
Muscat
A beach resort just outside Muscat with fantastic kids facilities. An enormous oasis pool with slides, diving school, tennis courts, and mini golf. Simple contemporary rooms with private balconies. Extensive spa, restaurant, cafes, and beach bars. Ideal for a family beach holiday.
