Originally Posted by
lowfareair
I know it has been discussed a bit before, but thoughts on this place vs Al Bustan? Looking for outdoor shade, nice pools (would love to lap swim in the morning), and at least a decent beach. Planning to see Muscat a bit, so won't be staying on the property the entire time.
Main reasons we are asking: 1) We will arrive at 6:30-7a and would like to check in early (would use points for the night before, but it seems like any delay to the flight may trigger Marriott giving back the cert and charging full rack rate) so will reach out to the hotels to request and would be willing to pay a decent amount for it, but would like to know if one is more likely to be true to their word. 2) Both early 30s and feel W may be more our vibe. We think the Ritz could be nicer, but have stayed at luxury properties before and felt like we were 30 years below the median age.
Ritz looks a bit more dated (or maybe just more traditional design), but not sure if other aspects would make up for it. How do prices at each hotel compare for food/drinks? Looks like it would be another 7k points/night for Bustan on top of the FNCs we'd use for either, but not sure if one hotel will be decidedly more expensive than the other for incidental charges.
Only a Gold so not expecting any real elite benefits at either property.
Hi, stayed here as a Titanium.
The Pool at W is not made for lap swimming to be honest, it is only 1,3m deep maybe. So if you do easy breast swimming, fine but if you are looking at real lap swimming it is just to shallow to do anything. Said that we also arrived very early with Oman Air flight if I recall right, however we got our room directly at check-in but it was also not full and just a few day after soft opening.
The beach in front of the hotel is public and a lot of people have a stroll there, didnt see anybody spending time there. It is also not an very attractive beach. Some people went into the water, but lets say it is not your Dubai Beachclub Beach with white sand. It is nice for a walk. Food was pricy compared to outside of course and they take themselves a bit more serious than needed, but yeah it is a 5* Property, if you need the circus around your food you also pay for it. Though we only ate inside the hotel, it was always good (only stayed 2 nights).
What I really liked at the pool area was the service, very quick and smart. You also have a lot of shaded places, so we were there during August and it was never too hot because of the sun. Be prepared for madness on Friday, the pool is open to everyone against a charge and they have a party with DJ and a lot of locals/expats getting drunk. It was still a nice atmosphere (no Mallorca/Bahamas Cruise drunks), but if you enjoy pools without parties avoid Fridays.