BACKGROUND Open since March last year, the Park Inn Muscat is the second Rezidor-branded hotel in the Omani capital, the other being the Radisson Blu in the Al Khuwair district. The group’s Hotel Missoni brand is due to debut in the Sifah development to the east of the city centre in 2012. The basement of the Park Inn was recently partly flooded after a wadi overflowed during a cyclone, resulting in the temporary closure of the hotel, but it is planning to reopen in early July.
WHAT'S IT LIKE? The six-storey property is a new-build with an atrium in its centre. At four stars it is a step above most Park Inn hotels worldwide, something that the owner deemed necessary to satisfy the local market. The hotel’s lobby is modern without being ostentatious, and two members of staff were always on hand at the check-in desk to deal with guest queries.
WHERE IS IT? About 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, just off Sultan Qaboos Street, the main highway linking the airport with the Ruwi business district. The impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is five minutes’ drive away, and the closest beachfront – around the Grand Hyatt and Intercontinental properties – is about the same.
ROOM FACILITIES My standard room was facing the front of the hotel, with views over Sultan Qaboos Street to the Gulf of Oman in the distance. Windows are double-glazed, and although there was a constant hum from the busy road, it was not enough to disturb my sleep. Some rooms face inwards on to the atrium and lobby below, so if you prefer an external view then request this at check-in. Rooms are simply decorated, with a light brown patterned carpet and splashes of the brand’s signature red, blue, green and yellow colours on wall prints.
Facilities that come as standard include a sofa and coffee table, a large glass-topped workdesk, a 32-inch Samsung flatscreen TV, tea and coffee facilities, free mineral water, a minibar, a laptop-sized safe, a steam iron, and plenty of storage space. All bathrooms, with the exception of three suites, have large walk-in showers instead of bathtubs, as well as a shaving mirror, scales, hairdryer and unbranded amenities.
Suites feature a separate living area and the choice of an adjoining twin room. Corner rooms, which are slightly larger, have been designated as “business friendly”, with upgraded amenities including a bathrobe, slippers and free internet access (it normally costs 5 rials/£9 for 24 hours). There is wifi access throughout the hotel provided by iBahn, although I found the connection temperamental in my room so used the wired connection instead.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The property features Park Inn’s RBG Bar and Grill, a concept gradually being rolled out across the brand offering simple steaks, burgers and seafood dishes. The restaurant is located on the ground floor next to reception, and is decked out in stylish slate and red, with a central open kitchen.
I tried the creamy clam and corn chowder to start, followed by a burger cooked medium as requested. Both were tasty. I was impressed to see that one of the chefs visited every guest after they had finished their meal to check they had enjoyed it. The eatery offers a business lunch between 12pm and 3pm Saturday-Wednesday comprising two courses and a soft drink for 7 rials (£12.50).
There is also an outdoor terrace, although alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed here as the area is visible to the public – the general manager told me he was considering adding a smoked glass screen around the terrace to overcome this. Smoking laws were introduced in Oman at the start of April, banning smoking in restaurants and public places.
The hotel’s lobby lounge is located under the atrium and breakfast is served here, with a good selection of hot and cold choices, including eggs cooked to order.
Business facilities There are four meeting rooms on the first floor, with capacities of between 14 delegates boardroom-style and 60 theatre-style. There is also a breakout area and a 24-hour business centre.
LEISURE FACILITIES The sixth floor has a fitness centre with a gym, two massage rooms, and separate male and female saunas and steam rooms. There is also a rooftop pool with plenty of lounge seating and a bar, which by all accounts has become a popular nightspot.
VERDICT A solid business hotel with modern, well-equipped rooms and good leisure facilities.
Mark Caswell
FACT FILE
- How many rooms? 175, including seven suites
- Room highlights The walk-in shower and large workdesk.
- Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in September started from 53 rials (£95) for a Standard room.
- Contact Park Inn Muscat, Sultan Qaboos Street, Al Khuwair; tel +968 2450 7888; parkinn-muscat.com
