Highlights
- Centrally located in one of the best neighborhoods and near attractions.
- Resort like pool and beach space.
- Luxurious rooms and facilities.
- Award winning restaurants.
- Lavish banquet and conference facilities.
Background
The Grand Hyatt is a symbol of luxury around the world and the Muscat property is no exception. The 5-star hotel is one of the premiere establishments on the edge of the Gulf of Oman. The central location in the Embassy and Ministry district and only 20 minutes away from the airport make it ideal for business travelers while the first-rate amenities and beachside setting make it perfect for leisure travelers.
Experience
With a very early morning flight, I was at the hotel before check in. The receptionist let me use the business lounge as I waited until check in time.
Walking through the lobby I noticed that the building plucks architectural influences from Tuscany with an added Middle Eastern flair that gives it a regal feel. The décor in the lobby uses beautiful patterns and textures with a stunning statue as the centerpiece in front of a wall of stained glass.
My room, the View King was filled with contemporary furnishings inspired by a traditional Omani style. The rich golds and greens are stunning against the views of the Gulf of Oman from my private balcony. A king size bed with ultra plush pillows faced a flat screen TV and desk with a mini fridge. Traditional date sweets and fresh fruit welcomed me to the room.
The bathroom was finished in marble with a separate walk-in shower and a luxurious soaking tub. There is also a bidet in addition to the toilet and large vanity.
The Grand Hyatt also offers Suites and Grand Club Rooms which have a choice of views between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. They also have access to the private lounge which serves a complimentary continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeurves. Suites offer separate sleeping and sitting rooms with snug sofas and armchairs.
The each of the 280 rooms and suites offer every comfort for guests including a large work area with a desk, wireless internet, satellite TV, iPod docking station, mini bar and a complimentary morning newspaper.
At the Grand Hyatt Muscat there is no shortage of dining options. One of the favorites for tourists and locals is Tuscany, an award winning restaurant which serves what is considered the best Italian cuisine in Muscat. Not only does it serve specialized dishes from the Piedmont region but also pizza baked in a wood fired pizza oven. The terrace seating is perfect for special occasions or business lunches. The chef can even accommodate special requests for large groups.
The Sirj Tea Lounge is nestled in the lobby and offers a wide range of specialty teas and strong Arabic coffee.
For guests looking for more eastern flair, Marjan Indonesian Restaurant serves authentic Indonesian cuisine served by the pool. Some of the signature dishes include wok fried prawns, grilled fish prepared in a banana leaf and various curries. Marjan also prepares signature sushi and sashimi platters featuring the catch of the day.
During the winter months, Safari Rooftop Grill House is the perfect area to enjoy views of the Arabian Sea. The combined a la carte and buffet ranges from a variety of salads and sides, steaks, grilled game meats and fresh seafood. The set price also includes an unlimited beverage selection including beer and wine. More international fare is served in the Mokha Café which overlooks the Grand Hyatt Muscat’s gardens. The chefs also host special theme nights highlighting cuisine from all over the world as well as the family friendly Friday brunches.
The Grand Hyatt Muscat even houses one of the most popular nightclubs in Muscat. Copacabana is inspired by Rio de Janiero’s Carnival, the DJ mixes techno, dance, hip hop and R&B well into the morning hours. For something a little more tame, there’s also Club Safari and Habana Sports Bar and John Barry Bar featuring African safari and nautical themes where guests can settle in for a quiet drink and good conversation.
The Outdoor Pool is a perfect place to spend the afternoon. Plenty of sun loungers surround the pool for guests as well as on the “island” which sits in the middle of the river. There’s also a Jacuzzi, a shallow splash pool for toddlers and a waterfall feature to wade around in. The pool area also has direct access to the public beach which is perfect for guests looking for something a little more exciting. The Grand Hyatt Muscat staff can arrange all kinds of water sports outside of the hotel like wind surfing, fishing, snorkeling, diving and dolphin watching boat tours. The waters around the hotel are renowned for their marine life.
Club Olympus Fitness Center is filled with every exercise machine you’d ever need and full-time trainers to keep you motivated. There are also floodlit tennis courts so guests can play a quick match at any time of day. And no workout is complete without finishing up with a good steam; there are separate steam rooms for men and women as well as professional massages and body treatments available with an appointment.
The meeting and conference facilities at the Grand Hyatt Muscat are massive with over 1,000 square meters of space which can be divided, joined and reconfigured to suit any gathering. The most popular space for formal events, especially weddings, is the Afrah Ballroom which can be configured to host up to 800 people for cocktail receptions. The ballroom has its own grand entrance with parking and use of the pre-function foyer which is perfect for cocktail receptions. There are also board and seminar rooms for smaller meetings or private dinners including an outdoor space in the hotel’s gardens.
As expected from a premier hotel chain, the Grand Hyatt Muscat had top-notch service. The staff was very helpful in ever manner, from helping me navigate the city to recommending specialty dishes in their restaurants.
The beautiful location next to the beach and close proximity to the city attractions give the hotel the ideal mix of urban and resort life. The award winning cuisine alone is enough to draw travelers and locals alike to this 5-star hotel. I would highly recommend the Grand Hyatt Muscat to any visitor in search for regal luxury in Oman.
Contact
Grand Hyatt Muscat
Address: Shatti Al Qurm, P.O. Box 951, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, 133
Telephone: +968 24 64 1234
Website: http://muscat.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Email: muscat.grand@hyatt.com