Back from a wonderful holiday in Muscat, Oman. Cheers to the troupe – we all had an amazing time. Didn’t even know that there were so many dolphins in the Gulf of Oman!

We didn’t pick the Radisson. It was one of those – “Where are you guys staying? – Oh-okay, we’ll do that too” things. Good choice though, GM 🙂

Honest be told, when you arrive at the hotel, you can’t help but be just a teeny weeny bit disappointed. I think it’s just because we get so pampered in Dubai and their flash hotels, ha ha. So not really Radisson’s fault.

It took us half an hour to check in because the receptionist couldn’t remember the Business Class upgrade we were promised from the Facebook comp. Annoys me everytime this happens. “Congratulations, bla bla bla” – you turn up and they go “What are you talking about?”. He went back in the room, had a chat with some guys, came back out and apologized and checked us in. Woohoo! Complimentary mini-bar, buffet breakfast and use of the Business Class Lounge in the evenings with food and drinks. Things were only starting to get better 🙂

The Business Class room is – pretty alright 🙂 It comes with a Nespresso Coffee Machine which is nice touch. Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms. Mini-bar fully stocked with drinks, Peroni and Heineken.

The breakfast spread in Olivo’s is satisfying enough. Personally-made waffles, pancakes, omelettes. Reminds me of our time in Grand Millenium.

We spent one night at the Poolside Bar having drinks with the lot. Drinks is definitely reasonable, cheaper than the usual bars in Dubai. Wine’s about 30AED, Beer’s 25AED. New Zealand prices. Nice atmosphere too for a late night chit chat.

If you’re looking for a good place for a feast with your friends, and for a good, good price – go to Turkish Diwan Restaurant around the corner. It’s about 10minutes walk? We ended up spending about 45AED per person for food and fresh yummy juices. The bread there is amazing.

Grand Mosque is a 2 Omani Rials taxi ride from the hotel. A must-visit.

The Oman Dive Centre is a 10 Omani Rials taxi ride from there. Book the boat-ride out for snorkelling/diving – that’ll cost you 15 Omani Rials per person.

And if you have more time, definitely go to the Marina, for a Dolphin-watch ride.

All in all – we thought that for the price, Radisson Blu was worth it. Good location and it was, enough for a short two night stay. Costed us 50 Omani Rials for the Superior Room, and it was definitely a plus to get the upgrade, cheers to Radisson. Make sure you check out the food and drinks they have between 6-8pm in the lounge – say hi to Shashank for us 🙂

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat
• P.O. Box 939, P.C. 133
• Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
• Tel: +968 2448 7777
• Fax: +968 2448 7778
• E-mail: Reservations.Muscat@Radissonblu.com