khabah

Random and possibly unrelated but thought it would make interesting conversation nonetheless: Carlson Rezidor just signed a new Muscat hotel as part of their five-star/LC-esque Quorvus Collection called the Hormuz Grand. I had a nosey through its website and this place has "Le Méridien" written all over it: from the feel of the property, the color of the walls/poolside, the decoration and even the bedspreads and covers - those are particularly damning and look to have the exact same pattern/design that LM uses on their beds. See for yourself here: http://www.quorvuscollection.com/hormuz-grand-hotel

Thoughts?

- K

khabah

Possibly some good news - there's a plan to reopen the hotel in the next few months now that ownership disputes have seemingly been resolved and contractors are back onsite. The project will apparently be handed over by March 31st and an opening around Eid Al Fitr in July.

Fingers crossed, it might look like SPG will be back in Oman sooner than later.

khabah

***

Sheraton Oman to reopen after nearly 10 years

The Sheraton Oman Hotel in CBD, which has remained closed since late 2006 for refurbishment, will throw open its doors by the first half of 2016.

The new push for completion of the project comes after the Lulu Group bought a stake and now co-owns the hotel with the Al Hashar Group.

A senior official from the Lulu Group working on the refurbishment project told Muscat Daily that work is on in full swing. “We intend to complete the project by March 31 and have a soft opening in next two months. We have got all the contractors back on board and are currently working full time on the project. We expect the commercial launch of the hotel to be somewhere around Eid al Fitr,” he said.

It’s been nearly nine years that the landmark property in CBD has been closed. “The hotel has been closed for too long and everybody is keen to see it up and running,” the official said.

He added that the renewed push for the completion has come after the Lulu Group came on board. “We are also working on some additional features like a multi-storeyed car parking and a new food and beverages section with special features.”

cln

still not bookable

khabah

The hotel page was recently updated with new renderings that show a more contemporary look for the interior spaces than what was originally there before. Their Instagram account mentions that there's still scaffolding and construction going on but they aim to open in the next few months... My money is on a reopening in July after Ramadan winds up.

Stay tuned.

khabah

khabah

Oops - jumped the gun. New press release today detailing new openings in the Middle East, including the following:

"Re-opening of the Sheraton Oman in Q3 following extensive renovations of its rooms and public spaces, refreshed food and beverage outlets and extension of one of the largest ballrooms in the country."

More here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/hom...-Hotels-Middle

khabah

cln

thanks for sharing

remymartin

Hate to ask, but as I will be in MCT next month where else should I stay? GH or IC?

kmd0506

I have stayed at both a number of times over the past year. IC outside of the room- better gym, pool, restaurants and more within walking distance of the hotel. GH has slightly better rooms (and more important for me better air conditioning), but not as big of a fan of their gym and restaurants. Not as much within talking distance of the hotel itself at GH.

remymartin

Thanks!

khabah

Starwood's a-comin' back to Oman! Opening date: September 16th.

[Source: http://www.sheratonoman.com/]

khabah

CaptainMiles

Now that September 16th has come and gone, pushed back to October 1st. Still not bookable on SPG.com.

khabah

Meant to get at that sooner. Not sure what's taking them so long to get it online seeing that we're under two weeks out from opening now...

khabah

SkiAdcock

Press release on Marriott website:

http://news.marriott.com/2016/10/she...e-renovations/

Excerpt:

"Sheraton Hotels & Resorts announced today the reopening of Sheraton Oman following a transformative renovation of its guestrooms, public spaces and food and beverage offerings.

Sheraton Oman features 230 modern and spacious rooms, including 27 suites with panoramic views of the Al Hajar mountain range. Showcasing interiors with distinctive touches of Omani culture, all rooms are outfitted with the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities and services, including the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. The renovation features the addition of 38 Sheraton Club rooms, which offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club lounge with complimentary wifi, daily breakfast and a premium selection of beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Sheraton Oman also features Al Deyafa, a lounge dedicated for guests with early check-in’s and late check-outs – the only hotel in the country to offer such a facility.

The hotel also features a range of leisure facilities such as the state-of-the-art Sheraton Fitness & Spa with Technogym equipment, with a separate gym for ladies. Facilities include an outdoor and indoor pool with an option for resistance swimming, two jacuzzis and exclusive access for ladies every morning from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 12pm. The expansive spa features four treatment rooms, with one room exclusively for men and one for women. Fitness aficionados can look forward to a Kinesis Studio for Zumba and other movement classes.

Sheraton Oman is poised to offer its guests an elevated modern experience nestled in its original location at the top of Ruwi – the financial and business hub of Muscat. An ideal setting to experience Muscat, Sheraton Oman is half an hour away from Muscat International Airport and offers easy access to the Old Town, the Muttrah Souk, the Fish Market and the National Museum of Oman."

ExpatSomchai

Any recent stays here?

flyalotlm

Stayed at Sheraton Oman in late February 2018 and had a nice stay. Good Platinum recognition as upgraded to a suite on a high floor, per our preferences. The reservations department was highly responsive to our questions via email prior to our stay. Club lounge was above average compared to U.S. Sheraton Club Lounges with nice afternoon snacks at 3:00 pm and then Happy Hour at 6:00 pm. We arrived late morning and were still able to check into our room which was very nice after our long flights from the U.S. West Coast. Staff was very responsive and helpful for all functions, from front desk/concierge to housekeeping to breakfast buffet to Club Lounge to Pool staff. Liked with the pool with canvas overhangs that provided shade all day long. Location is within walking distance from the Ruwi bus station and there you can catch the #4 bus to the Souk, Fish Market, and Old Muscat. We were also able to catch "public" taxis easily on the streets in front of the hotel (versus using "hotel" taxis to go the Grand Mosque and the airport. Expect to negotiate. OMR 5 is a good fare to the airport.