Oman Recommendations
Aug 19, 2019, 9:49 pm
#46
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Beijing
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 98
https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home
Aug 20, 2019, 1:32 am
#47
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: En Route
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,798
I haven't been since they announced they would discontinue visas on arrival, I found the below link that has the new rules/categories on visas that might be helpful if you are traveling without the assistance of an agent/agency.
https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home
https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home
Aug 20, 2019, 4:52 am
#48
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
I think both embassies gave you the real answer. I was there again a month ago and there was VOA, I dont ever remember an interruption since the program was introduced.
Aug 20, 2019, 4:53 am
#49
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
I am curious why the Kempinsky over the RC Al Bustan (I had another stay that reaffirmed my feeling this is the best RC - and one of the most striking I have stayed at)?
Aug 20, 2019, 9:21 am
#50
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: En Route
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,798
I'm hoping so, some info online says VOA will stop and you should get evisa, but let's see. Fingers crossed.
Oct 17, 2019, 6:15 pm
#51
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 94
Where to rent a 4WD in Muscat?
We're staying at Alila Jabal around Xmas and were planning to get a car and drive. However, I can't figure out how to guarantee a 4WD car through kayak or similar search engines.
Could someone recommend a place to rent a car in Muscat / the airport?
Is it possible to use the CDW from my credit card in oman?
Thanks!
Could someone recommend a place to rent a car in Muscat / the airport?
Is it possible to use the CDW from my credit card in oman?
Thanks!
Oct 20, 2019, 8:38 am
#54
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: London, Paris
Programs: LH HON, AF Platinum
Posts: 2,001
Feedback from travelers I trust. They say that the Ritz is good but you could be visiting any other city when staying there. The rooms are generic. The lobby is of course still spectacular, but you don’t stay in a lobby when you stay in a hotel.
The Chedi still pays homage to the traditional architecture of Oman, but service has gone sideways. And hard product is wearing off.
I’ve been told the Kempinski still has the best balance between reflecting the cultural heritage of Oman and still being luxurious.
Of course, nothing beats the Alila in this regard. But that’s not in Muscat :-)
Oct 20, 2019, 12:34 pm
#55
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: En Route
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,798
Wonderful lobby with that unbelievable chandelier. Gorgeous hotel grounds and most importantly top-notch service. It was especially welcome after seeing what a disaster the other RC properties in the MENA seem to be (had awful stops at RC AUH and BAH on this trip). Nice beach, great pools, good F&B options, tennis courts, good gym and nicely manicured lawns with palm trees everywhere. Was a joy to be there, actually felt relaxing and the staff took care of everything.
Nov 5, 2019, 4:43 am
#56
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
I’m sorry I missed this.
Feedback from travelers I trust. They say that the Ritz is good but you could be visiting any other city when staying there. The rooms are generic. The lobby is of course still spectacular, but you don’t stay in a lobby when you stay in a hotel.
The Chedi still pays homage to the traditional architecture of Oman, but service has gone sideways. And hard product is wearing off.
I’ve been told the Kempinski still has the best balance between reflecting the cultural heritage of Oman and still being luxurious.
Of course, nothing beats the Alila in this regard. But that’s not in Muscat :-)
Feedback from travelers I trust. They say that the Ritz is good but you could be visiting any other city when staying there. The rooms are generic. The lobby is of course still spectacular, but you don’t stay in a lobby when you stay in a hotel.
The Chedi still pays homage to the traditional architecture of Oman, but service has gone sideways. And hard product is wearing off.
I’ve been told the Kempinski still has the best balance between reflecting the cultural heritage of Oman and still being luxurious.
Of course, nothing beats the Alila in this regard. But that’s not in Muscat :-)
Nov 8, 2019, 9:07 am
#57
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,402
Has anybody here either self-driven or hired a driver to get from Dubai to Muscat? I am assuming the roads are totally fine and safe, but wonder about the hassles of crossing the border, and jet lag. Is there a reputable limo service from Dubai that anybody could recommend for the drive? The alternative is just to fly, easy, but it might be nice to see the scenery (such as it is) from up close in at least one direction -- trying to figure out the best way to get to Alila Akhdar from DXB.
Jun 12, 2021, 11:36 pm
#58
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,755
Has anybody here either self-driven or hired a driver to get from Dubai to Muscat? I am assuming the roads are totally fine and safe, but wonder about the hassles of crossing the border, and jet lag. Is there a reputable limo service from Dubai that anybody could recommend for the drive?
Jun 13, 2021, 8:28 am
#59
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Dubai
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Accor Diamond, BA Gold, QR Plat
Posts: 357
Two years on, and I am also curious about this. We self drove some years ago, starting and returning to Muscat, and looping thru UAE. Border crossings were a significant hassle. I would not want to self drive but am curious about hiring a driver from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
https://www.wllimo.com/
Jul 11, 2021, 12:45 pm
#60
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: GOT
Posts: 1,168
What resort would you recommend if visiting the country with small children (3&5)? My wife spent a year in Oman as a child herself (though in a gated community at the time) and have always wanted to go back. While I prefer high class properties I'm ok to lean toward something family friendly as I've found that the kids enjoyment level tend to heavily correlate to me and my wife's relaxation.