Originally Posted by
hmansouri
some good news, Starwood are opening three or so new hotels in Muscat that should be open by 2017 and 2018
as for the Sheraton, I read in a local newspaper in Muscat that there was an issue with financing the hotel or something and it doesn't look like it will open anytime soon.
So until 2017 there will probably be no SPG hotel in Oman unfortunately.
I highly recommend the Chedi if you need an alternative.
From what I've collected online, the site of the current InterContinental Muscat in Qurum was earmarked for redevelopment and would include a W, Westin and Element with the W being built first alongside the InterContinental, which would then be demolished for the Westin and Element.
As of June 2015, the Muscat Daily announced that the W was moving forward with a confirmed construction contract and completion in Q1 2018... But the Westin and Element are on hold because the InterContinental received approval to extend its contract and undergo a series of refurbishments and extensions. More details here from a November 2014 article:
http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/22...nental-muscat/
Not sure what's going on in Oman, but looks like Starwood options are a ways out. A bit of silver lining, however: I was lucky to be shown plans for the W and aside from a rather unassuming exterior, the interiors will be done by the Rockwell Group and will be absolutely amazing in every respect - lots of black with pops of gold and pink.
I hope the Sheraton gets up and running in the interim - we need them Starwoods!
khabah