A budget-friendly stay in Oman’s capital at Avani Muscat – Hotel Insider

Located just a few minutes drive from the United Arab Emirates, Muscat is a great option for a short break. And with the Sultanate’s first Avani hotel opening earlier this year, quick escapes to Oman can be pocket-friendly too.

Promising stylish rooms and apartments that blend modern vibes with coastal colors and plenty of traditional Omani touches. The four-star hotel has spacious rooms with options for up to six people, making it ideal if you’re a larger family or large group.

The National checked in to find out what Avani’s foray into Oman has to offer.

The welcome

Less than 15 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport is Oman’s first Avani branded hotel.

Having driven down from Dubai, we park ourselves in the large lot, but valet parking is available, and the front desk staff offers a smile and warm welcome as we enter the brightly lit lobby, decorated in turquoise coastal colors and a private Lantern chandeliers set the scene.

Our room’s wooden key card is a nod to the brand’s sustainability.

the neighborhood

Located in Seeb on the western side of the capital, Avani Muscat offers a good location for short breaks who don’t want to waste too much time getting from the airport to the hotel.

While not the most exciting of settings, it’s a handy spot for divers and boating enthusiasts as it’s only a 10-minute drive from Seeb Marina. Shopping is also available at the hotel’s doorstep via Al Araimi Boulevard, which also features fountains, restaurants, cafes, a children’s play center and a cinema.

The room

We stay in a superior one bedroom suite which is an impressive 66 square meters with a huge king size bed, plenty of closet space and a bathroom with double sinks and a rain shower.

The open-plan suite features a spacious lounge with striking silver pendant lighting, marble floors and cozy arabesque-style rugs. There is also a dining area and a spacious kitchen equipped with a fridge, cooker, coffee maker, washing machine and everything else you might need if you want to self-cater or book a longer stay.

There’s no balcony, but large windows overlook the palm-lined family pool below.

The scene

This hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers and is popular with locals and Arab families. Kids can visit the Avani Kids Club, where they have daily activities and entertainment, and the courtyard swimming pool is the hub of the hotel, with cabanas, loungers, and umbrellas scattered along the outskirts.

The AvaniFit studio is small but has everything needed for a good workout and all the equipment is state of the art. The AvaniSpa was not open during our visit but is now receiving guests.

The hotel also seems to be popular for weddings. It houses a 1,000-square-foot ballroom, and we see several wedding preparations going on during our stay.

The food

The Pantry is open in the evening for light bites and snacks, while the Patio Bar serves a varied poolside menu. 24-hour room service is also available, and it’s worth noting that the Avani Muscat is an unlicensed hotel.

The all-day dining restaurant, Trisis, serves Omani, Middle Eastern and international dishes, some with a Creole twist. The electronic menu can be a bit tricky to navigate, with dishes appearing in sections you might not expect.

After a long drive from Dubai we have lunch here and go for the Trisis Beef Burger (Omani Rial 7.8) which has tender Wagyu beef with crispy turkey bacon and is served with fries. It’s a good portion size and the flavors are good, but takes a very long time to serve. So long that our other dish – a green Creole mango salad (Omani rial 4) – is already done by the time the burger arrives. The salad is tangy and fresh, loaded with mangoes, tomatoes, onions and a tangy lemon dressing.

The service

The genuinely warm and welcoming staff at Avani Muscat are eager to please, but don’t expect it to be quick – this hotel definitely operates on Omani time. The service at Trisis is friendly enough, but incredibly slow. Don’t go too hungry as you will be waiting a long time for your food.

The Digital Host app is a great addition to the service, allowing guests to easily request services or order room service from their phones.

ups and downs

Recently opened, the hotel is fresh and bright and the rooms are spacious. The pool is a good size for swimming and there are plenty of sun loungers and cabanas for everyone.

The low point is the slow service. On our last day our key stopped working and we had to go to reception to have it reactivated. With only one person behind reception, we wait almost 15 minutes, which is not ideal when standing in wet bathing suits.

The insider tip

Our room overlooks the courtyard pool, which is a nicer option than the surrounding parking lots, but you might want to forgo if you’re a light sleeper. The sound of people swimming, chatting and screaming until the early hours can be distracting.

The judgment

A budget-friendly property a short drive from the airport and near a major shopping mall, this is a good choice for business travelers or families who might be more comfortable in an alcohol-free hotel.

The final result

Room rates start from Dh229 per night. Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 12:00 p.m.; www.avanihotels.com

This review was conducted at the hotel’s invitation during the global coronavirus pandemic. It reflects hotel standards at the time. Services may change in the future

Updated October 23, 2022 6:43 am