Although the Intercontinental is an older hotel vs. all the new ones being built, it is a very reliable choice. The hotel is still in very good shape. Their grounds are beautiful and since it is so centrally located, the hotel is actually a favorite sports club with the locals. Two nice swimming pools with lively scenes. A great selection of restaurants that were also very lively. (The Trader Vics is located there.) And the service was fabulous. Everyone working there was so professional and friendly. I recommend calling the hotel directly for rates. Upon checking out, the front desk told us we could have gotten a cheaper rate by calling them directly (it was prime tourist season, so everything was expensive) We were able to walk to the Qurum nature reserve to go horse riding. The one drawback to the hotel is that it doesn't have a private beach. The hotel is directly on the beach, but it's public. The water and sand is still lovely and relatively clean.

We travel extensively and stay frequently at Intercons so we have a basis of comparision to say this is absolutely the worst Intercon we have stayed at! Traveling for several weeks in the Middle East, we thought this would be a good side trip and selected this hotel because our original reservations were for the Intercon Al-Bustan which was closing for renovations and we had to change. Upon arrival, we checked in via the Priority Club desk as elite members. After being told the property was sold out, but we were "lucky they saved a special room for us" we were shown to what we later realized was the maids quarters adjacent to the high end suite. The room had mold on the walls, broken furniture and hair on the floors! After contacting the desk, we were again told it was the only available room. We went to dinner and stopped by the Priority Club desk and were told a manager would come to see us at dinner since we were staying on the property. Although the manager again assured us we had a great room (LIES!) he could not or would not accomodate a move. Finally, the next day we again visited with management and were moved to a very nice room and thought all was well until we saw a huge party being set up directly under our windows (5th floor). This was a Omani wedding party for the women and we were told the band would likely play until 3am! From a cultural standpoint, we loved the opportunity to observe their customs but could have used some sleep as the band played practically all night! If we could have slept by the lovely pool and been served by the really nice staff there, maybe that would have been ok! Definately cannot recommend the Intercon in Muscat!

After a long drive from Dubai via Hatta, we arrived quite late in the afternoon only to find that our room was not ready for occupancy. Seeing that we were slightly annoyed by this, the Guest Relations Manager stepped and smoothed things over. The accommodation was very good, breakfast included in the room rate was more than adequate, and each restuatant we tried in the hotel was very good, especially the staff. Would highly recommend it.