A luxurious seaside escape nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, the Shangri-la Al Husn is a stunning adults-only Arabian cliffside getaway. Below is my detailed hotel review to help you decide whether the hotel is right for you!
Introduction
Back in February, I was visiting Oman for the first time (you can view my itinerary here), and when looking for accommodations in Muscat, I came across several beautiful options, with the Shangri-La being one of them. When I travel, I typically like to stay in budget hotels for 90% of the trip, so that I allow myself some wiggle room to splurge on a luxury hotel. When I saw photos of the Shangri-La, I knew I just had to experience it for myself.
Welcome to my review of the Shangri-La Al Husn, a luxurious 5 star hotel located in Muscat, Oman! During my recent stay in February (2023), I had the pleasure of experiencing all that this hotel has to offer, from its world-class amenities to its exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a convenient base for your business trip, the Shangri-La Al Husn offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to meet all your needs and exceed your expectations! In this review, I’ll provide an in-depth look at my stay at the hotel, highlighting everything from the accommodations to the location. So, sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through one of the finest hotels in Oman.
Location
The location of Shangri-La Al Husn is truly breathtaking. Situated on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, this hotel offers stunning views and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city center life and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
While the hotel itself is secluded, it’s still just a short drive away from many of Muscat’s top attractions. If you’re looking for a day of shopping or dining, the bustling Mutrah Souqs are is just a 20-minute drive away as is the Grand Mosque.
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of Oman, there are plenty of options nearby. Just a short drive away, you’ll find beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and marvelous wadis (river valleys). The hotel can defintiely arrange guided tours or help make recommendations!
Overall, the Shangri-La Al Husn is the perfect combination of seclusion and convenience. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the hotel’s stunning location while still being close enough to explore all that the area has to offer.
Accommodations
The hotel rooms at the Shangri-La Al Husn are nothing short of breathtaking. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed with modern wooden furnishings and a soothing color scheme that perfectly complements the serene surroundings.
One of the standout features of the hotel is that the property boasts multiple deluxe sea view rooms with a private balcony that overlooks the glistening waters of the Gulf. It’s the perfect place to sit and unwind while taking in the stunning view of the sea. The balcony is furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and a table, making it an ideal spot to enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset.
The luxurious king-size bed is placed in the center of the room, just next to the balcony to provide an uninterrupted view of the ocean. The linens are soft and plush, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
The room also features a spacious en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub, a separate rain shower, and a double vanity. The bathroom is well-lit with ample space and is stocked with premium toiletries, fluffy towels, and cozy bathrobes.
Other amenities in the room include a flat-screen TV with international channels, a minibar, a safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Overall, the rooms at the Shangri-La Al Husn are a stunning blend of luxury and comfort, perfectly complemented by the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Oman from the private balcony.
Amenities
The hotel boasts a range of amenities that cater to every guest’s needs. From the stunning infinity pool to the private beach, I found the hotel to be the perfect place to relax and unwind in style!
- The infinity pool itself is simply breathtaking. It offers uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers where you can relax and soak up the sun. I spent most of my mornings taking a dip and other than one or two other fellow guests, I mostly had the pool to myself!
- If you’re a fitness enthusiast such as myself, don’t worry, the Shangri-LA has got you covered. Their gym is top-notch, with everything you need to stay in shape after indulging at any one of their four resaurants. Plus, the gym has floor-to-ceiling windows with an epic view, making your workout feel like a treat.
- Speaking of restaurants, the hotel has several restaurants that cater to all tastes,from mouth-watering Middle Eastern delicacies to South Asia and the Mediterranean. The beach bar is perfectly situated by the property’s private beach, and the iconic cliffside restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners, engagements, and proposals (I was there solo but told myself one day I would come back with a sweetie :p) The complimentaryomplimentary afternoon tea along with happy hour that occurs every single day.
Service
The quality of service at the Shangri-La Al Husn was, so far, one of the best I have experienced among the Shangri-La properties.
From the moment you step into the hotel lobby, you’re greeted by friendly and attentive staff who are eager to assist you with anything you need. I was immediately offered Arabic coffee (Omani style) and dates as I waited to check in. Throughout my stay, the staff really went above and beyond to make sure that I felt welcomed and attended to whether it was checking if I had dietary restrictions, needed more towels, or needed help planning your day. What stood out most to me was the way all the staff remembers your name and made it a point to cultivate friendship. They always greet you with a genuine smile, and you WILL be offered coffee and dates multiple times, though I didn’t mind that at all!
The concierge managers Jamil Al Hasani and Jasim Al Habsi were by far, two of my favorite hotel staff members! By the end of my stay, I felt as though we were old friends. Both emanate such positive and welcoming energy that it’s impossible to not feel at home at the Shangri-La. I miss them both so very much!
Nick Flynn, the hotel manager, was also one of the friendliest yet professional hotel managers I have ever met! From the moment I arrived, he made me feel like a valued guest and was incredibly attentive to my needs throughout my stay. Not only was he knowledgeable about the hotel’s amenities and services, but he also had a wealth of knowledge regarding the surrounding area and was able to recommend some great local activities.
Overall Experience
My experience at Shangri-La Al Husn was nothing short of exceptional. From the stunning views to the impeccable service, every aspect of my stay was simply perfect. The room was luxurious and comfortable, and the infinity pool and private beach were major selling points. The dining options were outstanding, and the level of service from the staff was truly exceptional.
The hotel’s location was also a highlight, with its secluded setting on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Oman providing a sense of tranquility and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere. Yet, despite this seclusion, the hotel is still conveniently located just a short drive away from the city’s top attractions.
Conclusion
I would highly recommend Shangri-La Al Husn to anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable hotel experience in Oman. With its stunning location, flawless service, and top-notch amenities, it truly has everything you could want in a luxury hotel. I would give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars!
If you’re considering a stay at Shangri-La Al Husn, my recommendation is simple: go for it! This hotel truly has it all!