The ride from the airport to the Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC took about 10 minutes. It wasn’t even 12:30 when I arrived to the hotel, and I was already wondering what I’d do until the 15:00 (3pm) check-in. But to my pleasant surprise, my room was already ready.


Reception

I sat here while waiting for my room key

The receptionist invited me to take a seat while she processed my booking. While waiting, I took a quick walk around the ground floor.


Cafe

Chocolate



Spa & gym

To the right of the entrance, there’s a café. A massive chandelier hangs above a staircase that leads to the lower level, where you’ll find the pool area, spa, gym, and several restaurants.

Arabic coffee for the guests

Lifts

Since there were still guests checking out, the receptionist offered me some Arabic coffee and dates. I hadn’t even finished my coffee before she handed me the room keys.


Room

Room

The room itself was spacious, with a king-sized bed in the center.

My office for a few days

Tea

There was a coffee machine, an unexpected but welcome surprise, as well as tea, a kettle, and bottled water, all ready to use. A plate of fresh fruit and some sweets were waiting for me on the table.




There was plenty of space in the wardrobe to hang clothes, and of course, an iron and ironing board if needed.



The bathroom had both a shower and a bathtub. I quite like the Apotheke toiletries, which are commonly found in Crowne Plaza hotels.

Bathroom

Bathroom

I found a safe box and a copy of the Quran.




The view from the room wasn’t particularly exciting. But I assume it’ll look better once the area is more developed.

View from my room

Sunrise

The hotel also has an executive lounge (called the Club Room) located on the 6th floor. It’s open from 12:00 to 20:00 (8pm), with Afternoon tea from 15:00 (3pm) to 17:00 (5pm) and happy hour from 18:00 (6pm) to 20:00 (8pm).

Details

6th floor

I visited around four, but there was nothing set out for afternoon tea. The receptionist assured me snacks and sweets would arrive soon. But the next day, I checked again, and it was the same story: no afternoon tea in sight.

Lounge

Dining part

Terrace

Lounge (left side)

View from the lounge

I returned later for happy hour. This time, there was a selection of finger food. To my surprise, alcohol was available, too. I happily ignored it and poured myself a nice glass of mango juice.


Lamb

Spring rolls

Mini burgers

Selection of spirits

Juice and sof drinks

Beer and some wine

As for dining options, the hotel has three restaurants. One is a Belgian bar located on the ground floor behind the reception, serving Belgian beer and pub-style food. The other two are on the lower level: one is a Thai restaurant, and the other is a buffet-style restaurant where I had breakfast each morning.

Belgian pub

Thai restaurant

Thai restaurant

Buffet-style restaurant/breakfast

There are two pools outside, one for the kids with a knee high water, and a bigger one where one can swim.



Outdoor seating


I walked around the hotel just to see what's there.

Garden

Hotel

Entrance

Garden