Al Bustan Palace

The stunning beach at the Al Bustan Palace

Hotel Review

"Welcome to the Palace" were the fine words as we checked in to the Al Bustan. And yes, it certainly did feel like the kind of place a Sultan might enjoy. This hotel has a much more Arabian feel than the Grand Hyatt or Chedi, and the huge spectacular lobby wes testament to this. As we were discussing our room options, it became clear that there was a special '9th floor' which we couldn't have, as this was reserved only for Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers!

The sweeping bay is as spectacular as we had imagined, and we even discovered a beautiful deserted cove of perfect white sand just to the right of the hotel. So, relaxation was the order of the day, although the staff made sure we were OK for drinks.

There were several restaurants including a reasonable Chinese, a superb Italian, open air Beach restaurant and a buffet terrace, plus others. A word about the buffet though - for a buffet, the food is far better than anything we have had in other parts of the world including the Far East, and there is lots of it. It is very easy to eat too much! And ther great thing is that every evening is different, so you may have a French theme, or a Mediterranean theme, or Asian, and so on.

The hotel runs a wide variety of trips and excursions around the vicinity of the hotel, Muscat and the rest of Oman, and I particularly fancied the snorkelling, knowing that Oman has (surprisingly) some superb coral reefs with an abundance of fish. Unfortunately, I missed the turtles thanks to a pushy couple who wanted to be back by a certain time, and then spent the whole return journey telling us how much more they had seen yesterday! Don't you just love some poeple?

So who does this appeal to? Individual travellers, couples and small familes will all enjoy a wide variety of activities and excursions, as well as a great choice of restaurants for the evening.

What's Included?

Board Basis	Bed & Breakfast
Transfers	Transfer from Muscat Airport

Rooms

• 250 air-conditioned rooms
• Bath & shower
• Satellite TV, Mini-bar, Telephone
• Tea / Coffee making
• DVD players
• Free Internet
• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• UPGRADE TO: Al Bustan Suites - The Arabian Deluxe Suites are distinct, with exotic tiling. Similar in decor to the Arabian Deluxe rooms, the suites provide a separate sitting room with ornately carved wooden sofas and chairs with the same tile pattern.

Facilities

• Temperature controlled swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Tours and excursions
• Watersports and cruises
• Superb private beach
• Souvenier shop
• Tennis village
• Beauty Salon
• Florist, hairdresser
• Gift shop, bank
• Wide selection of games

Cuisine

• Al Marjan Restaurant - unique ambience which serves first-class modern European cuisine
• China Mood - Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine
• Al Khiran Terrace - international buffet theme nights and Italian à la carte
• Beach Pavilion - open-air beachside restaurant
• Atrium Tea Lounge - afternoon tea and refreshments
• Al Maha Piano Bar - drinks and entertainment
• Pool Bar - for light poolside snacks and juices
• Seblat Al Bustan - authentic Omani night-time Bedouin tented dining experience

Official Rating 5*

	Price Guide Until Easter 06 Deluxe Garden View   £1015 Deluxe Sea Facing   £1250       Includes Direct flights with Gulf Air Transfers 7 nights accommodation Breakfast All taxes These prices may vary depending upon your exact date and any new fuel supplements etc. Please call 01462 672 397 for an exact costing.

Arabian Deluxe room

Al Bustan Deluxe room

Aerial View of Al Bustan

Swimming Pool

One of the many restaurants

Enjoy a Bedouin evening