Thanks, DesertNomad and IAN-UK for your recommendations, very useful indeed.

Under 'normal circumstances' I would have jumped at a Muttrah hotel to absord the local flavour. Many years ago I visited Sanaa & Kuwait extensively and would love to explore an area such as Muttrah. However, I can get all IHG hotels on points and an advance purchase rate at the Sheraton (with complimentary breakfast and evening lounge access) is OMR 52 + tax at present. Hence I am inclined towards one of these.

Using a bus sounds attractive; can one take a Samsonite roller bag + a small computer bag into the bus? Also, how far is the bus stop from the Sheraton? Are the taxis at the airport amenable to negotiating prices or do they all stick to elevated prices at the airport as in Bahrain?

DesertNomad, thanks very much for the restaurant recommendation; will certainly try to fit in the Camilla. Also, any recommendations for a good Persian restaurant? Being so close to Iran, would love to gorge on some good Persian food.