Spending a week here as Hilton Gold for points.
Hotel does look pretty modest from the outside, but pool is nice and service, while slow, is decent enough. Quite low occupancy, though.
It's right on the beach, but its public, havent tried swimming yet, there are also often some SUVs offroading on water's edge. Salalah port is pretty close, but no noise or smells from there and I actually like the night view.
As we're travelling with a child, I really appreciate that children's pool is thoughtfully covered with the cotton shade, which keeps at least half of pool in shade during whole day, better work than in Grand Hyatt Dubai, fyi.
There's also a small children's playground outside (not in shade though) and Kids Club, but last one was closed today because of Filipino lady having some "problems" per front desk, whatever it is.
Several Swedish people in the resort, both families and retirees, as there's a direct charter from Stockholm, even Concierge Desk had tour info only in Swedish.
Upgraded to King Suite for 20 OMR (40 EUR) per day. Probably could've got it cheaper, but offered this as first sum in check-in as Hilton website itself offered same upgrade for 25 OMR.
What I hate is really slow internet (only wired in the rooms, I am using Connectify Lite for sharing with other devices, works well). Best speed you can get is 0,25 mb/s download. Free for Golds and Diamonds.
Also I dislike some nickel''n'diming going on, like asking 5 OMR a day for DVD rental, I can buy one from electronics store for 13 OMR. As Gold, negotiated one night for free.
Also resort seems to keep workforce minimal, for example same guy picked us up in airport, brought our bags to the room and told us that he also works as concierge
Shuttle is free from airport, but costs 3 OMR per person to return. Taxi Mafia charges 5 OMR per day to Salalah city.
Got pretty reasonable price from local Dollar car rental, Honda Civic 50 OMR for 3 days, which was better price than online offerings. Again, was too lazy to haggle.
Tomorrow we're gonna drive around check out Crowne Plaza and Marriott, actually both are supposed to be nicer properties, but neither were such steals as Hilton for 7500 points. As bought the points last year from Amex promo, cost out of pocket for suite with breakfast is under 75 EUR per night.