Muscat's luxury hotel scene runs from the Al Hajar mountain-backed coastline to the modern Al Mouj district. At Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, guests get a private beach, reef snorkeling for kids, and Arabian-inspired design, with downtown Muscat and Al Alam Palace a 20-minute drive away. For a stay near the airport, Kempinski Hotel Muscat sits in Al Mouj, offering 310 rooms, three pools, and a 1,100 sq m ballroom; it is 5 km from Muscat International Airport and has won awards for both business and beach offerings.
Expect to pay a premium for these five-star properties, with rates at the Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat, and Fraser Suites Muscat reflecting their business-oriented amenities-free parking, airport shuttles, and meeting spaces. The JW Marriott links directly to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and includes an outdoor pool and fitness center. For a family-friendly pick, Fraser Suites provides kitchens in all rooms and a pool with a view, while Sheraton Oman Hotel offers three pools and a spa for around 84 guest ratings. Budget roughly $150-$300 per night for these luxury options, and book early for the best availability.