Laying on the shores of the Arabian Peninsula, Muscat is the capital city of Oman. It has rightfully earned its place in the history books as a vital port, in the ancient sea routes that linked the Middle East with Africa and the Far East.
Distinct about Muscat, are the dazzling white buildings as you approach the city. Ranked as the 41st safest city in the world, Muscat has become a buzzing tourist hub attracting over 3 million visitors as in 2018!
The city is home to many museums, souks, and ultra-modern hotels, providing you with a unique blend of history and modern technology.
Whether you are there for business or pleasure, Muscat definitely has something to offer. As tourist numbers continue to increase, many hotel operators have opened properties that cater to many tourists.
After traveling extensively through Oman for 10 days and a long stay in Muscat, I put together the best hotels to stay in Muscat. I got quite a few messages about this trip thus I decided to write this in-depth guide on where to stay in Muscat. Accommodation places are categorized by location and budget.
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Table of Contents
Useful Travel Information About Oman
✈ Book cheap flights to Oman with Skyscanner or Kayak
✔ Book transfers from airports with Viator
➳ Find the best hotel deals in Oman with TripAdvisor
✩ Get the best tours and activities in Oman with Tourradar
❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at RentalCars.com
☘ Get the best discounted outdoor gear (Outlet) at REI.com
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at WorldNomads
⚘ Get a travel guide in order to prepare your trip. I recommend the Lonely Planet Oman
1. Where to stay in Muscat City Center
It’s important to know that Muscat is stretched along the coast on a strip of 50 km. There is no proper city center thus. The most interesting areas for tourists are Muttrah and Old Muscat which is home to the royal palace and several museums that have to be visited.
If you are in for the bustle, head to Muttrah, only a 10 minutes drive away from Old Muscat.
Muttrah and its souk are a highlight for any tourist, offering a plethora of shopping options and lots of fun activities for the family to indulge in. Other than shopping and business dealings, you have a selection of restaurants that will cater to any palate.
Given the proximity of Muscat to the sea, seafood-based dishes are a staple among many menus. Take some time out to visit any of the local restaurants and savor Arabian catering at its best.
When looking for restaurants in Muscat, I strongly recommend Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant (Omani food), a fabulous restaurant located in a traditional Omani house.
In order to be close to tourist places in Oman, Muscat, I recommend staying in the city center.
Best Hotels in Muscat City Centre
Sheraton Oman Hotel ***** – If you are looking for a qualitative hotel close to Muscat city center, I recommend having a look at the Sheraton Oman Hotel *****. Not only is this hotel the tallest building in town, but it is also home to The Courtyard, a multi-cuisine dining establishment that appears in many lists of the best restaurants in Muscat. – Check reviews and book a room
Budget Hotels in Muscat City Center
Haffa House Hotel ***
Mutrah Hotel **
Naseem Hotel *
Mid-Range Hotels in Muscat City Center
Al Falaj Hotel ***
Royal Tulip Muscat ****
Tulip Inn Downtown Muscat ***
Golden Tulip Headington ****
Fort Guesthouse نُزل القلعة
Family-friendly Hotels in Muscat City Center
Haffa House Hotel ***
Golden Tulip Headington ****
Crowne Plaza Muscat ****
Luxury Hotels in Muscat City Center
Shangri-La Al Husn *****
Radisson Collection Muscat *****
Crowne Plaza Muscat ****
Grand Hyatt Muscat *****
InterContinental Muscat, an IHG Hotel *****
W Muscat *****
Kempinski Hotel Muscat *****
2. Best Hotels near Muscat International Airport
Opened in 1973, Muscat International Airport is the link of Oman with the rest of the world. It was initially christened Seeb International Airport before the name changed in 2008.
Oman Air and the budget airline Salam Air call Muscat International Airport their home. Many national carriers from Europe, Asia, and Africa fly in those seeking to partake of Oman’s touristic beauty. Visiting Oman has never been easier!
Throughout the years, Muscat International Airport has seen several major improvements to cater to the increasing number of passengers and ever-shifting demands.
Muscat International Airport even boasts the first active drone detection system. With over 15 million passengers annually, Muscat International Airport is a hive of activity.
Whether you are on transit or planning a stay within the country, there are several hotels close by.
Best Hotels near Muscat International Airport
The Aerotel Muscat – Airport Transit Hotel is an in-house transit hotel, which features spacious rooms with all the amenities akin to a standard hotel. Bookings can be made for hourly or overnight stays, depending on what is convenient. – Check reviews and book here
Budget Hotels near Muscat International Airport
The Secure Inn Hotel Muscat ***
Home Station Hotel ***
Muscat Gate Hotel ***
Mid-Range Hotels near Muscat International Airport
Novotel Muscat Airport ****
Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC ****
Carnelian by Glory Bower Hotels ****
Holiday Inn AlSeeb Muscat ****
Family-friendly Hotels near Muscat International Airport
Muscat Gate Hotel ***
Novotel Muscat Airport ****
Carnelian by Glory Bower Hotels ****
Mysk Al Mouj Hotel ****
Luxury Hotels near Muscat International Airport
Mysk Al Mouj Hotel ****
JW Marriott Muscat *****
Centara Muscat Hotel Oman ****
Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand *****
3. Where to stay in Muscat for Beach Holidays
As a top tourist destination, Muscat boasts some of the cleanest beaches in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Oman beaches are famous over the world as one of the preferred turtle nesting sites. Each year between April and August, thousands of turtles flock the beaches of Oman to lay their eggs.
The turtles normally come ashore at night and lay their eggs till dawn. As the hatchlings begin to emerge, you will get a chance to see different types of animals such as desert foxes, seagulls, and crabs.
Other than turtle watching, there are plenty of water sports that you can participate in, including parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
Al Qurrum, Qantab, and Kalbuh are among the famous beaches in Muscat that you can visit.
Qurum beach, in particular, is a favorite amongst tourists. It is considered one of the cleanest and best beaches in Muscat. The water is exceptionally clear, allowing activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
The coastline is donned with many palm trees and runs close to 4 kilometers long. Don’t worry about the summer heat as there are many private cabanas and sun lounges that you can rent from the local vendors and hotels.
Best Beach Resorts in Oman Muscat
The Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat ***** is unique as it has two wings, Al Waha mainly for families and leisure travelers, and Al Bandar which is more business-suited. While here, make it a point to visit the Chi Spa and see for yourself why it is rumored to be the best spa in Muscat! – Check reviews and book here
The Kempinski Hotel Muscat *****, on the other hand, offers both short-term and long-term stays. It has its own private beach, as well as villas and apartments, allowing for a more personalized stay. It is considered one of the best beach resorts in Muscat. – Check reviews and book here
Mid-Range Beach Resorts in Muscat
Al Bahjah Hotel ***
Beach Bay Hotel Muscat
Crowne Plaza Muscat ****
Millennium Resort Mussanah ****
Family-friendly Beach Resorts in Muscat
Crowne Plaza Muscat ****
Grand Hyatt Muscat *****
Kempinski Hotel Muscat *****
Luxury Beach Resorts in Muscat
Grand Hyatt Muscat *****
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat *****
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel *****
Shangri-La Al Husn Muscat *****
4. Where to stay in Muscat for Luxury travel
Oman is one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This is a six-member state organization that is responsible for both economic and political affairs within the region.
There are many reasons why Muscat is a great luxury travel destination. The Royal Opera House is also a top performance destination within the Arabian Peninsula. Many internationally acclaimed entertainers such as Andrea Bocelli and Madija El Roumi have had performances in its theatre.
Given the demands of this elite group of clients, there are plenty of luxury hotels in Muscat that you can fancy a stay at.
The Al Bustan district is definitely the best area to stay in Muscat for luxury holidays as it is quite secluded and boasts gorgeous beaches.
Best five-star hotels in Muscat, Oman
The Chedi Muscat *****
The Chedi Muscat ***** is considered one of the top hotels in Muscat. Covering an area of over twenty-one acres, the property has 158 rooms and villas within a beautifully landscaped garden. The Al Hajar Mountains appear in the background and the pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman complete the heavenly scenery.
The beautifully designed rooms combine Arabian hospitality with the latest technology to make you feel royal. Add a 100-meter long pool and you’ll never want to leave! – Check reviews and book here
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel *****
The Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel ***** is one of the top 5 star hotels in Muscat. The hotel was initially a palace and was refurbished in 1985 to host the delegates of the GCC summit. The Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel ***** is one of the most luxurious hotels in Muscat.
With over 200 acres of beachfront, there is plenty of space for you and your beloved ones to participate in any of the water sports available. The Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel ***** caters to both leisure and business travelers and has amenities suited for any activity. – Check reviews and book your room
More luxury hotels in Muscat
W Muscat *****
Grand Hyatt Muscat *****
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat *****
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel *****
Grand Millennium Muscat *****
Shangri-La Al Husn *****
Radisson Collection Muscat *****
Crowne Plaza Muscat ****
InterContinental Muscat, an IHG Hotel *****
Kempinski Hotel Muscat *****
5. Where to stay in Muscat for Business Travel
If you are in Muscat for business, the best place to stay is the Ruwi district. Most privately and state-owned businesses have their offices in this area. Within Ruwi’s borders are many shopping areas such as Muscat’s City Center.
As all the city’s activities are mainly within this area, you will not struggle to find many options in case you’re looking for where to stay in Muscat.
Many hotels are available to suit any budget while in Muscat for business. The Al Falaj Hotel ***, the Sheraton Oman Hotel *****, and the Golden Tulip Headington **** are some of the properties you can sample.
Best Hotels in Muscat for business travelers
Best 4-star Hotels in Muscat for business travelers
Golden Tulip Headington ****
City Seasons Hotel & Suites Muscat ****
Levatio Hotel Muscat ****
Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair ****
Best 5-star Hotels in Muscat for business travelers
Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand *****
Sheraton Oman Hotel *****
Fraser Suites Muscat *****
W Muscat *****
6. Best Cheap Hotels in Muscat
As with any city, Muscat has a varied demography. You have affluent areas such as Qurm and the budget areas like Al Khuwair, Ruwi, and Al Ghubra. However, it is important to know that Muscat is not a cheap travel destination!
Public transport around Muscat is well developed and you can easily reach any destination that you desire. In no-time, you’ll reach major tourist hotspots such as the Avenues Mall, the Mutrah Corniche and Bait Al Zubair.
Without breaking the bank, you can get decent accommodation while in Muscat. Some properties offer top-notch amenities at reasonable prices.
Regardless of the tag best cheap hotels in Oman, Muscat, many hotels still have their own unique style of offering affordable accommodation.
Best Budget Hotels in Muscat
Naseem Hotel *
Mutrah Hotel **
Muscat Inn Hotel **
Ibis Muscat ***
7. Best Hotel Apartments in Muscat
Not all vacations necessitate you to stay in a luxury hotel. There are also multiple hotel apartments that you can stay at. As Oman seeks to position itself as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East, efforts have been made to cater to every taste of tourists.
All across the city, there are fabulous apartments that will give you a feeling of home away from home. If you are wondering where to stay in Muscat in an apartment, there are plenty of options.
As one of the major trading hubs in the Middle East, Muscat also plays home to those on work assignments. Muscat hosts many expatriates who come on short assignments, either to train the locals or work on projects when and as needed.
Petroleum Development Oman and Suhail Bahwan Group rely on overseas ex-pats to boost some of their operations. For these professionals, hotel apartments are a preferred option as compared to hotels.
Best hotel apartments in Muscat, Oman
Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat
Among the most searched after hotel apartments are the Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat ****. They are an extension of the newly built Tilal Complex, a new community that features residential, commercial and retail spaces.
Within the property are 115 fully furnished apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Each apartment is fitted with the latest home technology but maintains the essence of the Arabian style. – Check reviews and book here
More Apart-Hotel options in Muscat
- Coral Muscat Hotel and Apartments ****
- Al Shorouq Hotel Apartments
- City Park Hotel Apartments
- High Residency Apartment
- Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat
8. Best Hotels in Al Khuwair area, Muscat
Muscat is divided into districts. Each of these districts stands out for its unique population, culture and unique tourist attraction sites. One such district is Al Khuwair.
Although not one of the flashiest, it has seen massive development and is a draw to many residents and tourists alike. While in Al Khuwair, you have access to international schools, The Higher College of Technology, and a fully functional hospital among other amenities.
Given this new surge of development, Al Khuwair is quickly becoming the most sought-after neighborhood in Muscat. Definitely, the best area to stay in Muscat, Oman if you want to experience the daily grind.
There are plenty of shops and tasty restaurants which make Al Khuwair one of the most interesting places to stay in Muscat. It’s particularly a great place to spend holidays in Muscat, Oman if you want to mingle with the local population.
Within its borders are the Muscat Grand Mall, one of the premier shopping destinations within the capital.
Best Al Khuwair Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair ****
I opted for the recently opened (February 2019) Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair ****. I really appreciated the rooftop pool providing excellent views over Muscat and the breakfast buffet is a delight. However, my biggest shoutout goes to the commitment of the Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair ****‘s staff team. They really go above and beyond to make your stay in Muscat a great one! – Check reviews and book here
Park Inn by Radisson Muscat ****
The Park Inn by Radisson Muscat**** is home to Sama Terraza. It boasts a pool and a bar, and is high enough for you to overlook the entire neighborhood! Take a dip in its outdoor pool or the temperature-controlled jacuzzi during your stay here. – Check reviews and book here
Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat ****
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat **** is famous for its restaurants Al Tajin Grill and O’Malleys Irish Bar. The Al Tajin Grill serves a vast array of traditional Arabian meat dishes and also has vegetarian options for those who dine there. The O’Malleys Irish Bar, on the other hand, is an extension of Irish cuisine, deep in the heart of Muscat. – Check reviews and book here
More Hotels in Al Khuwair, Muscat
Best Western Premier Muscat ****
City Seasons Hotel & Suites Muscat ****
Grand Millenium Muscat *****
General Travel Information about Muscat
What to do in Muscat, Oman?
The Muscat Grand Mall, the Royal Opera House and the National Museum of Oman are some of the best things to do in Muscat, Oman.
From museums, tasty restaurants and visits to historical sites, there are plenty of things to do while in the city center. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and a walk through Old Muscat rank top among tourist activities.
The shift towards diversifying its economy, the Omani government has put in place initiatives that promote both business and leisure travel.
What to buy in Muscat, Oman?
Given the long history of Oman as a trading post, the Mutrah Souq should be in the itinerary of any business traveler. Having served the residents for over 200 years, it’s the place to find all that you need for your trading needs. Items on sale are varied from cookery to garments, jewelry, and perfumes.
There are also plenty of curio shops that sell paintings and souvenirs. To commemorate your visit to Muscat, why not buy yourself a Khanjar. This dagger is the national symbol of Oman and is used as insignia on flags and other items.
How To Get Oman Visa?
Tourists from anywhere in the world can apply for an eVisa through the government portal.
If you are traveling from within the GCC, and a citizen of any of the member countries, you have the luxury of a visa-free travel into Oman. Read the detailed instructions in my 10-day Oman itinerary
Is it safe to walk around Muscat?
Muscat, Oman is one of the safest countries in the world. Also women can walk alone. However, as usual, use common sense and avoid the outskirts of larger towns.
What are the best places to stay in Muscat near Muscat International Airport?
The Aerotel Muscat – Airport Transit Hotel is an in-house transit hotel, which features spacious rooms with all the amenities akin to a standard hotel. Bookings can be made for hourly or overnight stays, depending on what is convenient. – Check reviews and book here
What to know before traveling to Oman?
They implement the Sharia in Oman, and it focuses mainly on the modesty and respect of others. Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and can land you in jail or deportation! However, rules are less strict in hotels.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, it is also not allowed to eat or drink in public! Always be aware of the dos and don’ts while in Oman, in order to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law!
Read more: What to wear in Oman
It’s also important to know that Muscat is not a budget destination. A night in a 3-star hotel can easily cost you more than 100 $.
Muscat is a city full of wonders. From ancient buildings to ultra-modern facilities, high-end accommodation to budget hotel apartments.
Holidays in Muscat are truly magical. It is only a matter of time before we’ll see more and more tourist numbers opting for Muscat as a destination.
Accommodation Map of Muscat, Oman
Hola! I am Paulina, a fervent travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, you’ll find all the tips to make the most of your holiday. Get ready to enjoy outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling or sailing. Let’s hit the road together!
