Job Discussion Forums

[ntropy]

Oman sounds like a great place to live/work. What do you recommend for those of us just coming in for a few days. Hotel recommendations? Muscat only.

Thanks

[carnac]

Can recommend things to do and hotels, but your question is a bit vague. Don't know your likes and dislikes/hobbies, and don't know your hotel budget. Some of my favorite things to do are dolphin-watching excursions which include cruising the incredible coastline around Muscat and jumping off the boat at a secluded beach for a brief swim, and day trips to beautiful locales, for which you will need a rented 4x4. (not as adventurous as it may sound, just beautiful). Hotels range from cheap with zero amenities to luxurious, break-your-wallet prices. There are plenty of in-betwen hotels with decent prices and restaurants, but my definition of "decent" may differ. Why are you coming, if I may ask? Job-hunting (I can help)? Tourism (ditto)?Adventure(ditto)?Geology? Icthyology? Bird-watching?
Suggestion: Go to google, enter oman tourism or muscat oman tourism, wander around for a bit then ask about some things that you think might be interesting.
As a brief answer, I can personally recommend the Crowne Plaza Hotel - reasonable (I believe) prices, great beach, good restaurants, and they assist in arranging tours.
Brgds...//C

[ntropy]

I'm just looking for a place to escape to during the Eid break for a few days. Coming to relax, rest, have fun and do a bit of shopping.

Not a backpacker but not an exec either. Typical TEFLer. Want value for money. I'd like to have a few decent meals, a glass of red wine, shop for some books, laze by the pool, etc.

[veiledsentiments]

I would rent a car and do a bit of exploring... easy drive to Nizwa and Bahla... have afternoon tea at Al Bustan Hotel for a bit of luxury. It's an easy place to get around because there is really one main road.

There used to be a good used book store. Great place to stock up if it is still there.

VS

[Duffy]

We went to Muscat for the weekend, wanted to have lunch on the terrace at the Al Bustan. I was turned away because I was wearing (long) shorts! Then they offered to "lend" me a dishdasha! I declined and we went to Bandar Rowbha, had a fantastic meal, with wine and lemonade, used to be called "Spritzers" in the Yuppy days.

Duffy

[ntropy]

Good advice. I always to tend to forget renting a car. Must come from years of living in gridlocked Asia.

[veiledsentiments]

Hey Duffy... I wonder if it would have been different if you were a hotel guest? Perhaps this is a rule that they have put in since the rise in tourist trade. I normally dressed the same to go out somewhere as I did for the classroom.

ntropy... maps are easily available and getting around is easy.

VS

[Duffy]

Hi VS,

I was trailing behind the wife and our very goodest friend who knows Muscat like I know Pendennis Castle (forgive the "in" bit there but Aliskander will know what I mean)

A couple of guests were just leaving and the husband was talking loudly, saying about how was it that they could stay in to the Savoy in London, have a meal ON the Terrace Restaurant IN shorts and be welcomed, yet in the best hotel in Oman be banned!!!

I have heard that both the Sheraton and the Al Bustan Hotels in Muscat are about to close down for one year for refurbishment. Hopefully, their attitudes will be also modernised when they re-open!!

Duffy

[veiledsentiments]

I suppose that they would say that they are keeping out the riff-raff... I can't recall if that is an outside or inside restaurant, but it all seems rather excessive. I would think that a hotel of that size or caliber would have both informal and formal eating areas.

VS

[Aliskander]

Trust me - the "riff raff" cannot afford to go to the Al Bustan - be it in shorts or long trousers.
The terrace restaurant is, as one would guess from its' name, on the terrace - outside.