The InterContinental Muscat is nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman. This outstanding hotel invites travelers to immerse themselves in a world where traditional Omani hospitality meets the unsurpassed standards of an internationally renowned hotel.
The InterContinental Muscat is one of the most distinctive hotels in Oman. Originally built in the late 1970s, it embodies a mixture of traditional Omani architecture and then modern design elements. When it first opened, the hotel stood alone on the coast, but a number of new buildings have since been constructed in the surrounding area, such as the famous Opera House.
We particularly liked the layout of the hotel. Galleries run around a high atrium, in which the reception is also located, from which the rooms lead off. Glazed elevators take guests to their rooms. During the ride, you can watch the hustle and bustle in the entrance area of the hotel.
Whether you are longing for a break, traveling on business or want to explore the culture of Oman, the InterContinental Muscat offers the perfect starting point to discover the country.
An important plus point for us during our time at the InterContinental Muscat – the friendliness of the people. No matter what request we had, whether we were still tired at breakfast in the morning or standing in front of unfamiliar dishes in the restaurant with questioning faces, they gave us a smile and helped us. What a great service!
Room selection at the InterContinental Muscat
A variety of luxurious rooms await guests at the InterContinental Muscat. Each room and suite at the hotel is designed to provide an unparalleled accommodation experience. Standard room amenities at the InterContinental Muscat include air conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, soundproofing, balcony, coffee maker, complimentary bottled water, minibar (chargeable) and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are amenities such as a work desk, safe, bathrobes, hairdryer, and other amenities such as a pillow menu for comfort and convenience.
The different names of the rooms on the various booking platforms are a little confusing. In general, however, the rooms can be divided into two groups: City/mountain view and sea view. Once you have made your choice, you can choose between rooms on the lower and upper floors, with different bed types and features. We saw all room types on a short tour of the hotel and to be honest, the sea view was the only decisive criterion for us. All the other features were not so important to us.
Room with beach view or mountain view?
The Classic rooms offer 32 m² of elegant furnishings with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Guests can look forward to amenities such as a balcony, views of the Hajar Mountains or the city. The air-conditioned rooms also have a desk, a safe and a minibar.
Premium rooms also offer 32 m² of luxurious space, equipped with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. In addition to a balcony and city view, these rooms also offer amenities such as a desk with desk chair, a large safe and a seating area.
We stayed in a room on the 6th floor of the hotel. Our room was furnished with a wonderfully comfortable king-size bed. The bathroom was large with a walk-in shower. From our balcony we could see the gardens, the pool area and the sea. A wonderful view! I was particularly impressed by the peace and quiet in the room. There’s nothing worse than hearing guests in the next room or outside your own room. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case here. It was pleasantly quiet at all times of the day and night – perfect for ideal relaxation!
The Executive Club rooms and suites with a king-size bed and a balcony provide a little more luxury. In addition to a breathtaking view, guests also have access to the Club Lounge.
In addition to the above options, the hotel also offers a Junior Suite with a king-size bed, balcony and either a sea view or city view.
For the ultimate in luxury, the Royal Suite is available with a breathtaking sea view. This large suite offers two rooms, a balcony overlooking the sea, garden and pool and access to the Club Lounge.
Restaurants
At the InterContinental Muscat, guests are spoiled with culinary delights in 6 different restaurants. Trader Vic’s offers French-Polynesian specialties. While enjoying your meal here, you can look out over the Gulf of Oman. The restaurant is one of the best in the city and opens its doors to guests from 5 pm.
The Tomato presents Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a picturesque setting. Here you can sit outside with a view of the pool area and enjoy lunch or dinner.
Tr-Eat is a cozy café with exquisite snacks and pastries. You can relax here with a coffee or tea for most of the day.
Takara provides authentic Japanese cuisine.
Mynah’s Edge seduces with Arabic flavors under the open sky. The food on offer was limited during Ramadan, but it tasted good.
The Al Ghazal Pub is a real English pub. Here you can enjoy fish and chips, the traditional shepherd’s pie or boerewors and mash. You can play darts and billiards and watch current sporting events on the big screen. Bands also perform from time to time.
Restaurant Musandam
The Musandam restaurant offers international dishes and themed buffets.
Here, every day starts with a large breakfast buffet that leaves nothing to be desired. From fresh fruit and vegetables to freshly prepared omelettes – we were delighted with the selection every morning and were able to start the day feeling invigorated.
In the evening, the restaurant also offers buffet meals. Various themed buffets are presented here. We were in Oman during Ramadan and were able to take part in the Iftār in the evening. This is the meal that Muslims eat every evening after sunset during the fasting month of Ramadan.
At the InterContinental Muscat, not only the buffet in the restaurant, but also in front of the restaurant was transformed into a kind of marketplace where a wide variety of dishes were on offer. For example, there were dishes from Egypt, Syria, India and Oman. With shining eyes, the chefs presented us with “their” dish from their home country and were delighted when we took a sample to the table. Unfortunately, it was not possible for us to taste more than one dish, as we wanted to try as much as possible. A great meal and a wonderful atmosphere.
Pure relaxation!
It’s not just the rooms and the excellent food that promise pure relaxation at the InterContinental Muscat. If you would like to experience a massage or a cosmetic treatment, you will find a good offer.
In addition to the pool area and the children’s pool with numerous sun loungers and parasols, the hotel also offers a 25-metre pool in the large, very green garden area. Here you can swim your laps. Free pool towels are of course also available! I really enjoyed relaxing by the pool after our first excursions and enjoying the warmth (in mid-March it was around 27 degrees in the shade).
A fitness center, two floodlit tennis/paddle courts and a sauna are also available. If you want, you can even hire surfboards or SUPs and walk a few steps to the public beach. The beach section does not have sun loungers and at high tide the water reaches as far as the adjacent shore path. We went swimming here in the Gulf of Oman, it was simply wonderful to enjoy the pleasantly warm water. Please note: This is a public stretch of beach where Arabic customs should be observed.
We really enjoyed our time at the hotel and would book a room at the InterContinental Muscat again in a heartbeat.
Address:
P.O. Box 398
Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area
Muscat 114 Oman
Good to know
Coming from the airport, take the motorway at the 3rd roundabout. After about 15 minutes, exit at the 3rd roundabout to Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, leave the next roundabout at the first exit, follow the road and turn left at the 2nd set of traffic lights.
Parking is free of charge at the InterContinental Muscat. There is a large hotel parking lot for around 300 cars. There is also a charging station for electric cars in the parking lot.
The trip costs around 12-13 Omani Rial with the taximeter.
The hotel does not allow pets.
Check-in from 15:00 to 00:00
Check-out until 12:00 noon
If you would like to request an early or late check-in or check-out, you can make a special request at the time of booking.
WLAN is available in the room/apartment and is free of charge.
Places of interest near the hotel
- Muscat Gate Museum:
Located in the old city of Muscat, the museum offers insights into the rich history and culture of Oman. - Fort Al-Miran:
This is one of the two forts guarding the port of Muscat. - Oman National Museum:
The National Museum is dedicated to preserving Omani culture and displays an extensive collection of artifacts that illustrate Oman’s history, art and cultural heritage. - Bait Al Zubair Museum:
Located in the heart of Muscat, the museum houses a rich collection of Omani artifacts and artworks. It provides insights into the country’s way of life, traditions and history. - Muttrah Souk:
Muttrah Souk is a traditional market in Muscat and one of the oldest markets in the Arab region. Visitors can find everything from Omani handicrafts, spices, traditional textiles to jewelry. It is a perfect place to buy souvenirs and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Omani trade. - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque:
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is open to all visitors who are interested in Islamic architecture and culture. The mosque is famous for its huge hand-knotted carpet and the impressive chandelier in the main prayer hall. - Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace:
The Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, also known as the Al Alam Palace, is the official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who ruled until his death in 2020. It is not open to the public, but offers a great photo opportunity.
Many thanks to the InterContinental team for their kind support during our stay.
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