Oman

Cannot comment on BA stop as flew Oman Air non stop but can recommend The Chedi ( a GHM property ). Closer to the airport than the city centre but a great hotel all the same with its own private beach and great spa.

thanks both

firstflyer – haven’t booked yet, and have heard great things about Oman Air, but I need to collect a few more tier points before the autumn, hence the BA preference….!

Hi SM, im sure you will have a grea trip, Muscat is a very sedate and charming city and my recommendation for a hotel, although slightly outside the city centre and like the Chedi, the Shangri-La Barr Al-Jissah is an absolutely stunning hotel with its own private beach and is also cheaper than the Chedi. Either way, have a great trip

Agree totally with Oman being leagues ahead of Dubai, and also the recommendation of the Shangri La Al Jissah – three hotels with shared facilities. Stunning, although outside centre. Al Bustan Palace would be my second choice. Chedi too close to the airport which is now busier than ever.
The BA stop is very much stay at seat – doors likely to be open for less than 20 minutes whilst the (majority) of the passengers get off at Abu Dhabi.
Oman Air is streets ahead of BA and the return flight on BA is most un-civilized time. This is one of the routes to forget about earning BA tier points, in my opinion.
Have fun!

I agree that Oman Air is really the best option to fly, far better than BA and non stop.
Alternatively, Etihad is worth a go, with a change in AUH of course.

I agree with the others, that The Chedi is a great choice , minimalist, quiet, and on a wonderful beach.
The Shangri-La does have its 3 part hotel options, but the beach is nothing special, certainly not pure white sand, more stones and rough, and it is quite remote, on a cut through road via the Mountains.

Either way, do not miss the Souk in the Old Muscat, and consider a Dow Boat at sunset, to admire the coast line there.

Either way, Oman retains far more tradition and character than most Emirate stays, and is generally quieter and more natural.

Several Airlines also stop on the way to Muscat, including KLM, that go via Doha.
Enjoy, but choose your location and hotel carefully, according to what you aim to do, stay around the hotel / beach and relax, or be adventurous outside.

I would give Oman Air a go…their business class is better than some airlines first class. I flew to BKK with them from CDG.

I didn’t fly Oman Air. But SMSports wrote he needs the points. So I guess it doesn’t help much to promote Oman Air…

I doubt continuing passengers will be allowed to leave the aircraft. So no duty free shopping…

Interconti Muscat is on the sea side, not far from the “centre” (there is not really such thing in Muscat, a conglomerate of small cities – 3 if my memory serves). Enjoyed when I stayed there (it was a few years ago though…).