On the Arabian Peninsula’s shores, Muscat is Oman’s capital city. 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.
The city is home to many museums, souks, and ultra-modern hotels, providing you with a unique blend of history and modern technology.
However, it can be challenging to decide where to stay in Muscat. After an extended stay in Muscat, I put together the best places to stay in Muscat.
You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Useful travel information about Oman
Book cheap flights to Oman with Skyscanner
Book transfers from airports with KiwiTaxi
Find the best Hotel Deals in Oman with TripAdvisor Hotels
Best tours and activities in Oman with GetYourGuide
Rent a car with the best discounts at Discover Cars
The best discounted Outdoor Gear at REI.com – Outlet
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo
$ I withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top)
Overview: Best places to stay in Muscat
- Luxury: Shangri-La Al Husn – W Muscat – Kempinski Hotel Muscat
- Budget: Haffa House Hotel – Mutrah Hotel
- Close to the airport: Mysk Al Mouj Hotel – JW Marriott Muscat
- For beach holidays: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah – Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel – Shangri-La Al Husn
- For business hotels: Fraser Suites Muscat – W Muscat
- Family-friendly: High Residency Apartment – Millennium Executive Apartments
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 exciting tourist areas are Muttrah and Old Muscat, which is home to the royal palace and several museums that must be visited.
If you are in for the bustle, head to Muttrah, which is only a 10-minute drive away from Old Muscat.
Muttrah and its souk are a highlight for any tourist, offering many shopping options and fun activities for the family to indulge in.
Besides shopping and business dealings, you have a selection of restaurants catering to any palate.
Given the proximity of Muscat to the sea, seafood-based dishes are a staple among many menus. Take some time to visit any local restaurant and savor Arabian catering at its best.
I recommend staying in the city center close to tourist places in Oman, Muscat.
Best Hotels in Muscat City Centre
Sheraton Oman Hotel – If you are looking for a qualitative hotel close to Muscat city center, I recommend looking 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
Haffa House Hotel
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 Oman’s link to 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 significant improvements to cater to the increasing number of passengers and ever-shifting demands.
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, several hotels are nearby.
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. Best place 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 worldwide as one of the preferred turtle nesting sites. Each year, between April and August, thousands of turtles flock to the beaches of Oman to lay their eggs.
The turtles usually come ashore at night and lay their eggs till dawn. As the hatchlings emerge, you will 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 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.
Don’t worry about the summer heat; you can rent many private cabanas and sun lounges from 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
On the other hand, the Kempinski Hotel Muscat offers both short-term and long-term stays. It has its own private beach, 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
Al Hail Waves Resort
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. Best area to stay in Muscat for Luxury travel
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 like Andrea Bocelli and Madija El Roumi have performed 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 pretty 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 loved ones to participate in any water sports. 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. Best places to stay in Muscat for Business Travel
If you are in Muscat for business, the best place to stay is the Ruwi district.
Most private and state-owned businesses have their offices in this area. Within Ruwi’s borders are 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 travel
Golden Tulip Headington
City Seasons Hotel & Suites Muscat
Radisson Panorama 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 budget areas like Al Khuwair, Ruwi, and Al Ghubra.
However, it is essential to know that Muscat is not a cheap travel destination!
Public transport around Muscat is well-developed, and you can easily reach any desired destination.
In no time, you’ll get significant 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, the best cheap hotels in Oman Muscat, many hotels still have their 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 to train the locals or work on projects when and as needed.
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 with residential, commercial and retail spaces.
The property has 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
- Levatio Suites Radisson
- 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 district stands out for its unique population, culture, and tourist attraction sites. One such district is Al Khuwair.
Although not among the flashiest, it has seen massive development and draws 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 is Muscat, Oman if you want to experience the daily grind.
Plenty of shops and tasty restaurants make Al Khuwair one of Muscat’s most exciting places to stay in Muscat.
It’s a great place to spend holidays in Muscat, Oman, if you want to mingle with the locals.
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, which provided excellent views over Muscat, and the breakfast buffet was 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. – 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 and tasty restaurants to visits to historical sites, there are plenty of things to do in the city center. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and a walk through Old Muscat rank top among tourist activities.
With the shift towards diversifying its economy, the Omani government has implemented initiatives promoting 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 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 member country, you have the luxury of a visa-free trip 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, focusing 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, eating or drinking in public is also not allowed! Always be aware of the dos and don’ts in Oman to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law!
Read more: What to wear in Oman or What to Wear in Oman as a Woman
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 accommodations to budget hotel apartments.
Holidays in Muscat are genuinely magical. It is only a matter of time before we’ll see more tourists opting for Muscat as a destination.
Accommodation Map of Muscat, Oman
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
