Review: Grand Hyatt Muscat (2022)

1.3K

Introduction – My trip to Oman

Review: Oman Air Business Class from London (LHR) to Muscat (MCT)

Review: Grand Hyatt Muscat (2022)

Review: The stunning Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman (2022)

Review: Oman Air First Class Lounge, Muscat International Airport

Review *Coming Soon*: Oman Air First Class from Muscat (MCT) to London (LHR)

 

Grand Hyatt Muscat (Oman) is located in the diplomatic district, overlooking the shores of Gulf of Oman, in Shatti al Qurum. With views of the majestic Hajar mountains and just steps away from the Arabian Sea, the hotel embodies the richness of Omani warmth and culture within authentic Arabian architecture. The sprawling property includes 280 rooms (including 54 suites) with private balcony access, meeting and event spaces for up to 800 people, which cater to a wide range of events and business requirements.

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Booking and Upgrade

My 3 night stay in April overlapped Ramadan, when hotel prices across Oman are generally at the lower end. I paid a cash rate of 40 OMR (Omani Riyal) or ~$105 USD/nt, for standard room with King bed. A Cat-3 property in the Hyatt portfolio, rooms can also be booked on points for 12,000 points per night. As a Hyatt Globalist my booking was upgraded to a standard suite – ‘Grand Suite King’ upon app check-in, in advance of my arrival.

 

We were greeted at the entrance by Omani staff that was dressed in the traditional dishdasha (white robe). The main lobby of the hotel was a magnanimous courtyard setting of an Arabic palace or a fort, with ornate balconies and windows overlooking the central area.

A beautiful setup of traditional coffee pot, called Dallah, and oil lamps were a sight for sore eyes, just past the entrance doors.

The check-in area was tucked away behind large pillars, and the process itself was easy and efficient. The staff were very friendly and took their time to explain the local customs, especially during Ramadan, including access to food/drinks during day time, clothing etiquette, etc. We were informed that one of the eight restaurants at the property was the designated area for foreigners who wished to eat or drink during the day, which also included a full breakfast service each day. As for clothing, the only expectation was to dress modestly.

During our stay, we noticed an unbelievable amount of respect towards both locals and foreigners alike, without making anyone feel awkward about their choices. Not once did we feel being ‘looked at’ or ‘judged’ for either consumption of food/drinks during day (indoors only) or for our choice of clothing around pool area.

My favourite part of the lobby area were the gigantic floor to ceiling stained glass windows, which overlooked the hotel lawn, multiple pools and the Gulf of Oman in the background.

Ramadan meant that there were several Iftar (breaking of fast after sunset) events organized for Muslim guests and Omani locals, to break their fast with family – set menus meals in beautifully ambient setup were the hallmark of each evening.

 

 

Grand Suite King – Room 416

The Grand suite is a ~900 sq ft (84 sq m) room that offers impressive views of the Gulf of Oman and the mountains from the balcony. The room complements the esthetic of the hotel overall – traditional Omani luxury, things made with real wood (aka heavy), and opulence in form of marble floors and excessively roomier bedroom and bathroom.

Access to rooms is slightly awkward, if I can be honest. The elevator is a good 5 minute ‘winding hallway walk’ from the lobby. Room 416 is on the fourth floor, which is one floor above lobby level? I was glad that we did not lug our own luggage all the way, the heavy carpets in the hallway makes it difficult to roll the suitcases.

Once at the room though – the marble floored foyer, with a guest washroom, led to a full size living room, and a bedroom which could double as a tennis court, and a full size master bathroom.

The living area was equipped with sofa, generous work area with access to multiple power outlet.

 

 

The layout of the bedroom with king bed was interesting to say the least. With so much empty space around the bed, it never felt cozy, but the space was good for a few cartwheels, or an indoor gym.

 

The balcony was a neat setup for two, although with the blazing Oman sun over us we never had a chance to enjoy the balcony for what it was. That said, the sunset views of were stellar!

Master bathroom was a serious throwback with wallpaper decor, the marble floors and stand alone shower were very nice.

 

 

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Dining Options

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Grand Club

Grand Club is the hotel’s luxurious lounge created exclusively for suite and club floor guests. It was a perfect private social space to unwind after busy day of sightseeing, with a sumptuous evening menu. Although the menu described itself as snacks, and light bites, the spread was in fact much larger and could easily supplement as early dinner. There were no alcoholic beverages on offer during Ramadan, obviously.

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Sunset Central

The highlight of the hotel for me was the private access to the beautiful stretch of the beach (public beach in Oman) with incredible views of the sunset – an activity we planned our day around. A perfect way to end each of the three evenings we spent at the hotel.

 

Take Away

Despite the limited food offering at the Grand Hyatt, my stay was wonderful. The traditional Omani architecture, and decor, added the cultural experience, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Hotel staff was lean but incredible in their service ethics – not only did they make everyone feel welcomed, the non-judgmental discourse when some guests did not follow local customs, was commendable. Every room came with a balcony, and impressive views of the gulf and the mountains, makes this a great Hyatt property in Muscat. Obviously not all things were great, the rooms and amenities could definitely use an upgrade, and are starting to show their age. The limited food on offer was underwhelming, both in-room and restaurant. But give me direct access to a private beach (its public, but Ramadan) and I can overlook minor inconveniences 🙂

Related post from this trip:

• • Review: Oman Air Business Class LHR – MCT