32 Best Hotels in Oman

1000 Nights Camp

$$ | Wahiba Sands Al Mintrib, Oman

This camp, which has more resort-style amenities than most others, offers several different levels of accommodations, from basic tents without electricty or bathroom facilities, to more luxurious tents with private baths and a/c, to small villas. All of the rooms are a bit run-down but are clean and comfortable enough. Breakfast and dinner buffet, fruit, water, and soft drinks are all included. On-site the resort has its own pool, sand volleyball nets, darts and billiards, and in the high season, Bedouin singers and dancers are often invited to perform in the evenings. As with most of the camps, the property can arrange all kinds of activities, including camel and horseback riding, dune-bashing, and desert trekking—albeit for a rather high fee. This property is not very remote, which makes it easy to find, but also means that it does not offer the quiet experience you may be looking for (it's in a part of the desert that is a popular camping and dune-bashing destination for locals, so it can be a bit noisy some nights). Pickups can be arranged in Bidiyah if you don't have your own four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Al Areesh Desert Camp

$ | Oman

This is the only desert camp in the region that is accessible without four-wheel drive, and it is the least expensive property in the Wahiba Sands. The very basic huts have electricity and private bathrooms; breakfast and dinner buffets are included in the nightly rates. At night a large fire is lit, and during the busy season Bedouin performers sing and dance. Activities like camel rides and guided crossings can be arranged.

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel

$$$$ | Quron Beach, Oman Fodor's Choice

A 20-minute cab ride from downtown Muscat, 40 minutes from the airport, this opulent five-star palace hotel shimmers like an oasis between craggy mountains and turquoise sea, offering every extravagance you'd expect from a Ritz Carlton establishment. It is also a true beach getaway, with long stretch of private white-sand beach and five palm-lined pools set among acres of manicured gardens. Rooms are elegantly designed and include such amenities as palatial bathrooms and private terraces. Of the three view options—garden, mountain, or sea—the breathtaking sea views (especially from the fifth floor on up) are well worth the slightly higher price.

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Al Raha Camp

$ | Oman

This camp is run-down, and the rooms are very basic, albeit clean with private bathrooms. It is one of the cheapest places to stay in the desert and is adequate for a night. The Omani owners can arrange pickups from town and desert excursions, and they maintain a good relationship with the local Bedouin and can arrange visits with them; Bedouin women to come to the camp each weekend to sell their handicrafts.This camp offers two meal options: breakfast only or half-board. Unless you plan to bring a cooler with your own provision, you should take the half-board offer. If you book during the summer, you must book a room with air-conditioning.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

$$$$ | Rte. 21, Oman

This all-suites luxury hotel on a remote cliff high in the Jabal Akhdar Range about 90 minutes from Nizwa takes full advantage of its stunning surroundings. Each room has a view, and both the infinity pool and the restaurant overlook a spectacular canyon. The property has been designed to blend organically with the natural surroundings, using stone from the mountain itself in the construction. This lends a fabulous effect, as the property is almost camouflaged from a distance. Traditional Omani handicrafts decorate the rooms and common spaces, and local ingredients, including rose water, are put to use in the spa. The on-site restaurant is pricey, as is their new bar, but the views more than make up for it.

Arabian Oryx Camp

$$ | Oman

This camp's spacious bungalows are good for traveling families, and the resort can arrange all kinds of desert experiences; the layout—rows of square, air-conditioned cabins—leaves something to be desired. All cabins have two queen beds, air-conditioning, and private baths. Aside from Bedouin singing and dancing in the gathering halls after dinner, which is only scheduled during the high season, there are few things to do in the camp itself. But the food here is some of the best of any of the camps in the area, with a huge selection during both breakfast and dinner (which is included in the rates), including great barbecue and local Omani specialties like sweet, saffron-flavored halwa.

Crowne Plaza Muscat

$$ | Al Qurum St., Muscat, Oman

Built to look like a cruise ship, the iconic Crowne Plaza sits high on a hill in the posh neighborhood of Qurum Heights, overlooking the sea and the twinkling lights of the city below. Though it is one of the older hotels in Muscat, the rooms were renovated in 2014 and are clean and modern with nice touches like universal outlets on the bedside tables and gorgeous walk-in rain showers in the bathrooms. Sea-view rooms are well worth the slightly higher price, as without the view the rooms might be a bit bland. The grounds feature tennis courts and swimming pools overlooking the sea, and a long staircase leads down to a very private beach. The casual pool and seaside restaurant-bar have consistently good sandwiches and salads, and the property's Persian restaurant, Shiraz, is excellent. The hotel is also home to the most popular English-stye pub in the city, which hosts Tuesday night quiz competitions that draw a lively group of expats and locals.

Crowne Plaza Resort

$$ | Al Khandaq St., Salalah, Oman

Though it's not exactly an architectural marvel, this serviceable hotel 10 minutes from the airport and city center, is more than just a convenient stopover. Pretty gardens, a golf range, and a large pool overlooking a wide expanse of beautiful beach and comforable, attractive common areas largely redeem what the building lacks in elegance. Rooms are pleasant, bright, and modern, some with terraces and direct garden access, and suites are large with rug-strewn marble floors, large sitting areas and traditonal interiors. There are dining options indoors and out, with a good range of international cuisine.

Desert Nights Camp

$$$$ | Oman

More expensive than most of the other camps, Desert Nights does offer nicer accommodations, though it is still desert "camping," so don't expect five-star standards. Nice additional perks include free camel rides and sunset drives up the dunes; other add-on desert activities, such as camel safaris, trekking, and dune-bashing, are reasonably priced. Breakfast and dinner are included, but be sure to request and reserve an outdoor table. Transportation can be arranged from Bidiyah or Muscat.

Golden Tulip Nizwa

$$ | Hai a Thurat 611, Oman

Though the rooms could use updating, the Golden Tulip Hotel is the best place to stay in Nizwa. It has a beautiful swimming pool, restaurant, café, sheesha lounge, and three bars with common spaces decorated beautifully with traditional Omani handicrafts. The front desk can arrange tours of the surrounding area, and staff are very knowledgeable about the local sights. It's also in a convenient location, about a five-minute drive from the main Nizwa square, where the souq and fort are located.

The bars in the Golden Tulip are the only places to drink alcohol in Nizwa.

Grand Hyatt Muscat

$$$ | Shati St., Muscat, Oman

With soaring ceilings, gilded columns, and giant stained-glass windows, this Arabian-style luxury hotel sets a particularly opulent tone in the grand lobby. Rooms are quite spare by comparison, with a rather neutral palate and just a few Arabesque flourishes, including rounded windows, tasteful stained-glass accents, and marquetry on some of the furnishings. During the winter, a rooftop restaurant with great views of the sea is open on the weekends, while the rest of the year there are several indoor dining options, including a fine italian restaurant and an international buffet, as well as three lively bars. The property is a popular and especially convenient location for those visiting to meet with government officials, as it is in the ministries district and close to all the embassies.

Hilton Salalah Resort

$$$ | Sultan Qaboos St., Salalah, Oman

You may not be awash in luxuries here, but you'll find everything that's expected from the Hilton brand in a location that capitalizes on the area's formidable natural beauty. Common and dining areas are airy, bright, and welcoming. Rooms are sizable and clean, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views from private terraces. The palm-lined outdoor pool and tennis courts are well maintained and overlook a wide stretch of sandy beach (although there is an industrial complex in view), and dining can be had indoors, on the terrace, or beachside.

Hormuz Grand

$$ | Al Matar St., Muscat, Oman

One of the newest properties to open in Muscat, the Hormuz Grand is the first luxury property in Seeb, just across the expressway from the airport. While the hotel's exterior may seem plain, the grounds are beautifully manicured and the rooms sleek and modern, including fun touches like a PlayStation and high-end toiletries. The hotel has a fine but extremely expensive Indian restaurant in addition to a pool lounge and all-day international restaurant. On-site are also an elegant spa and a pool surrounded by comfortable, pillow-covered lounge chairs. The property expects to get a liquor license by 2016.

InterContinental Muscat

$$ | 2817 Way, Muscat, Oman

Built in 1977, the InterContinental is one of the oldest properties in Muscat, and though the service still shines, the property is a bit dated. The grounds are lovely, with tennis courts, gardens, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and direct beach access, and some of the restaurants and bars are big draws for locals as well as visitors. The location is the hotel's best feature: it's within walking distance to the Opera House, the cafés and shops of Shatti Road and Bareeq al Shatti, and much of the local nightlife. Renovations in 2016 should give the property a much-needed face-lift, but despite the dated decor, the hotel continues to be a favorite among business travelers and tourists looking for a resort experience at a reasonable rate.

Jabal Akhdar Hotel

$ | Way 621, Oman

An hour from Nizwa, this hotel is the most inexpensive of the limited options on the mountain itself, offering clean and perfectly adequate, if uninspiring, rooms. What this property lacks in interior design, however, it makes up for with its location and breathtaking views of the stepped, cliffside farms of Jabal Akhdar. The included breakfast is nothing special, but given the lack of dining options in the area, it is best to take advantage of it. The property can only be reached with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The hotel doesn't have a website for online bookings, but it's listed on Booking.com.

Jebel Shams Resort

$$ | Way 617, Oman

This three-star hotel in Jebal Shams, about 90 minutes from Nizwa, caters to the outdoorsy set who visit the mountain to hike and bike, offering fairly basic rooms that include breakfast and dinner. Great hiking and biking trails begin right on the property, and bikes are available to borrow. Accommodations options vary from tents to individual chalets with private fire pits to more traditional hotel rooms. You can opt out of the included meal packages, but there are no other dining options in the area unless you have packed in food yourself. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to access the property.

Misfah Old House

$$ | Oman

Owner Ahmed Al Abri has turned 11 rooms of his restored historic home in the ancient village of Misfat Al Abryeen into basic, no-frills guest rooms. Rates vary by season but always include local Omani meals prepared by the village women who live next door. It's a rustic, unique experience about an hour from Nizwa.

Nomadic Desert Camp

$$ | Oman Fodor's Choice

A simple camp of traditional palm leaf huts (with no a/c or electricity), this family-run property offers a more local experience than some of the other resorts, with the friendly, on-site Omani owners who are extremely helpful. This might explain why most repeat visitors to the area seem to prefer this no-frills property over some of the more luxurious options. The reasonable rates include Omani-style dinner and breakfast, a short camel ride, and a guide to lead you in from Bidiyah if you have a 4x4 (otherwise pickups are available for a small fee). A fire is built nightly, and guests and locals gather to relax over a cup of tea under the stars.

Be sure to bring cash, as you can only use a credit card for the room; any additional activities or extras (like sheesha), will need to be paid for in cash.

Other camps offer more excursion options, but few that offer the remote, authentic desert camping experience.

Pioneer Hotel Apartments

$$ | Nuzhah St., Muscat, 114, Oman Fodor's Choice

In a residential neighborhood, the hotel may seem a bit out of the way, but it is a mere 10 minutes from the beaches at Al Bustan and the main tourist attractions of the Mutrah Souk and Old Muscat, and it's an ideal home base for those traveling with family or planning a longer stay. Luxurious, apartment-style accommodations are well-designed, with brand-new furnishings, separates, and lovely views of the mountains. Service, from check-in to check-out is impeccable, which is no surprise as the Omani owners are on-site daily to keep an eye on things and to get to know their guests; they are happy to assist and are a wealth of information offering insights about the local area that no other hotel concierges offer. The rooftop pool is a beautiful, tranquil place to spend the afternoon, and the restaurant provides service there throughout the day. The room service and restaurant are quite good and extremely affordable. The hotel does not have an alcohol license, but there are bars nearby.

Qurum Beach Hotel

$$ | Al Qurm St., Muscat, Oman

The no-frills Qurum Beach Hotel looks like a kitschy California motel from the 1960s, and though it's a bit run-down, the large apartments are clean and acceptable for those on a budget who want to be close to the nightlife in the surrounding hotels, the cafés of Shatti Street, and the public beach. The location in the heart of the hotel district in Qurum, just steps away from the beachfront Corniche at Shatti Road, is indeed ideal. Don't expect much service beyond a basic complimentary breakfast of toast and Nescafé and room service that is good for little more than ice or beer. But the hotel's five sprawling, three-bedroom apartments are a fantastic option for larger families or groups. Each has two master bedrooms and one twin room, all with their own bathrooms, as well as a spacious living area, separate dining area, and either kitchen or kitchenette (depending on the room).

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Eco-Tents

$$$ | Rte. 23, Oman

An hour south of Sur in Ras Al Jinz, the turtle reserve offers 31 eco-friendly guest accommodations directly on the beach. The rooms and tents include breakfast, beach access, and turtle-watching excursions. The small café in the visitor center offers light dining options throughout the day, which is a good thing as there are no other restaurants or facilities in the area. The prices for the accommodations are high for what you get, but for those with a keen interest in the preservation efforts of the great sea turtles, they offer a unique experience.

Resort Sur Beach Holiday

$$ | Way 411, Oman Fodor's Choice

On the far end of the New Corniche, this is the best lodging option in Sur, offering direct beach and corniche access, complimentary breakfast, and the most popular bar in town. There are a few great little restaurants and cafés across the street from the hotel, and the main attractions of Old Sur are mere minutes away by car. Don't expect much of the rooms themselves: they are clean and comfortable, despite being outdated and bland decor-wise.

Ruwi Hotel

$ | Al Farahidi St., Muscat, Oman

This solid, well-run hotel is one of the best mid-range hotels in the city and convenient to Muscat's central business district, streets lined with lively South Asian shops, inexpensive eateries, and freeway access. The rooms are clean, modern and comfortable, and room service, while not bringing up any award-winning food, is good and fast. The hotel has a pool and fitness center, laundry service, free Wi-Fi, and early check-in starting at noon. It's a fantastic option for business travelers on a short visit, as it provides easy access to both the banking and media-heavy areas of Ruwi, and is a roughly 10-minute drive to government ministries and businesses in Al Khuwair.

Safari Desert Camp

$$ | Oman

This traditional, electricity-free camp is one of the most remote, with tents scattered around the site, each nicely furnished with carpets and two beds as well as an open-topped tent for the toilet and shower. If the camp is still not remote enough for your liking, there is the option for "wild camping" in a tent a few miles away from the main site; other than your meals being delivered, you will be left in peaceful solitude. Local Omani breakfast and dinner are included in the rate, and additional experiences, from Bedouin musical performances and henna tattooing to camel safaris and professional drivers to take you deeper into the desert, can be booked. Transfers from Bidiyah are available for a hefty additional fee. Though the camp is open year-round, we do not recommend booking at this camp from mid-May through mid-August due to the lack of air-conditioning.

Sahab Hotel

$$ | Rte. 21, Oman

Perched on the cliffs of Jabal Akhdar—and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle—Sahab offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains from many of the attractive, modern rooms and from the lovely pool. The food is average, but as there are no dining options in the vicinity, you should take advantage of the meal service. The property can arrange guided hikes, cave exploration, and other local activities. It's about an hour from Nizwa.

Salalah Marriott Resort

$$$ | Al Fath St., Mirbat, Oman

An hour east of the Salalah airport and city center, this sprawling resort functions best as a quiet, self-contained getaway spot, with the advantage of being near tourist destinations. The hotel's large central pool is the focal point, intended to make up for the lack of beach access—except for scuba diving, which can be easily arranged from the diver's lodge within the resort. Rooms are streamlined, contemporary and very clean, with private balconies and views of the pool or mountains. A spiffy spa and good dining choices within the hotel are a big plus.

Shangri-La Al Husn Hotel

$$$$ | Al Jissah St., Oman Fodor's Choice

Tucked between the sea and the rocky cliffs of Qantab, about 45 minutes from the airport, this sprawling resort actually has three hotels, the family-friendly Al Waha, the central-to-the-action Al Bandar, and the exclusive, romantic Al Husn, which is the standout. Chic, arabesque design touches—towering ceilings, curved doorways and windows—and the sweet smell of frankincense wafting throughout the halls give it the exotic feel you're looking for. Dramatic views of the mountainside beach are available from every spacious room, each of which has a balcony, where you can have your included breakfast. There are other extras, including a complimentary minibar, daily hosted afternoon tea, and pre-dinner cocktail hour. The Al Husn has its own adults-only private beach and infinity pool, which ensures quiet tranquillity, though the amenities of the other properties are only steps away, including 17 dining outlets and bars, kayaking and scuba diving lessons, a world-class spa, and a heritage village offering locally made, Omani handicrafts. The property has a complimentary shuttle bus to take guests into the historic Mutrah and old Muscat neighborhoods to experience some local culture. The main draw for this property is the complete escape it can offer, as guests can luxuriate in beautiful surroundings and choose to have as much or as little contact with the outside world, or even with the very well-trained staff, as they like.

Sur Plaza Hotel

$$ | Rte. 23, Oman

The centrally located hotel has clean, simple rooms with all the basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and a lovely pool, beside which you can take your breakfast or lunch. There are also both alfresco and indoor bars. The food in the restaurant is passable, and the drink selection limited, but sufficient. The location, reasonable price, and reliability of the property make it an acceptable choice for a home base while you're exploring Sur and the surrounding region.

The Chedi Muscat

$$$$ | 18th November St., Muscat, Oman Fodor's Choice

Though just a quick cab ride from the airport or the nightlife in Qurm, this luxe hotel—the most sophisticated of all the upscale properties in Muscat—may have a convenient location, but the beachfront compound feels like a remote oasis. The design combines traditional Omani architecture with a contemporary Asian feel: rooms have white walls, dark-wood flooring, and touches of deep red or umber; rooms have huge windows overlooking the spectacularly manicured grounds, which are dotted bubbling fountains and ponds. The spacious bathrooms have rain showers, deep sunken tubs, and a selection of luxury grooming products. Thoughtful touches include complimentary drinks, with deluxe rooms offering free water, wine, and beer (suites have a full complimentary bar), and an excellent daily breakfast, which can be taken in the restaurant or in your room. The spa is considered one of the best in Oman, and the entire property mimics its soothing vibe, from the winding, softly lit walking paths to the high-end fitness center with cutting-edge classes, to the infinity pools. The hotel's six restaurants, especially The Restaurant and The Beach Restaurant, are dining destinations for local as well as guests. The wine cellar is the largest in Oman, and cocktails and mocktails are outstanding, if expensive.

The View

$$$ | Rte. 21, Oman

This small eco-resort is far from rustic, with well appointed "pods" (private, modern chalets with private balconies) overlooking the valley. An infinity pool will allow you to soak while you watch the stars; fire pits offer a place to gather around as the night air gets chilly. The on-site restaurant is a destination in and of itself, thanks to the incredible views over Al Hamra and Nizwa that it offers. The property specializes in active, guided tours, so this is a great place to make your home base if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the great Omani outdoors. It's about an hour from Nizwa.

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