# Mandarin Oriental, Muscat Mandarin Oriental, Muscat is a luxury hotel of about 150 rooms that opened in 2024 in Shatti Al Qurum, on the beach and in the heart of the city, 20 to 25 km from the airport. Four Forbes Travel Guide stars, some of the largest rooms in town, a kids' club and a spa with hammam make it the best luxury choice in the city, from about €440 a night with breakfast. Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/hotels/mandarin-oriental-muscat/ Mandarin Oriental, Muscat is the city's grand urban hotel: opened in 2024 on the Shatti Al Qurum seafront, it has about 150 rooms and suites, the beach, a kids' club and a spa, fifteen minutes from the Grand Mosque and old Muscat. It holds four stars from Forbes Travel Guide (the American guide that rates luxury hotels), and Condé Nast Traveller readers voted it the fourth-best hotel in the Middle East in 2026. The hotel belongs to the Mandarin Oriental group. ## Luxury in the city With Al Bustan Palace closed for renovation since 1 July 2026, for up to two years according to its owner, Mandarin Oriental is the luxury address we recommend in central Muscat. Unlike the resorts of Barr Al Jissah or Al Mouj, it sits in the middle of the city: you stay here to explore Muscat at your own pace, with the sea in front of you. Muscat International Airport is 20 to 25 km away, or 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is about 14 minutes away and the Muttrah corniche 15 minutes. See our [Muscat](/en/oman/muscat/) page. ## Sea or mountains: choosing a room Rooms draw on Omani craftsmanship. Nearly all have a balcony; the main choice is between a view of the Gulf of Oman and one of the Hajar Mountains. Couples can take the mountain view for the price, the sea view for the beach, or a Club room for the lounge; families should choose the Family Mountain View Room, two connecting rooms. At 55 m² before the balcony, the entry-level rooms are among the largest in the city, with double-basin bathrooms. The **Club Lounge** serves breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and drinks with canapés in the evening. The Royal Suite also comes in a two-bedroom version (475 m²) with a private dining room and kitchen. ## Children at the Mandarin Of the three big hotels on Shatti Al Qurum beach, it is the only one to advertise a kids' club. The **Kids' Club**, themed around Nadira the Arabian leopard, welcomes ages 4 to 12 from 9am to 1.30pm and 3pm to 5.30pm, Thursday to Monday; it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Times are local. There are two pools: a lap pool and a smaller dip pool for children. Rawya and Essenza have children's menus, and connecting rooms can be requested when booking. The hotel organises family outings: a sea trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, a sunset cruise and diving on the reef at Qantab beach. See also [family](/en/themes/family/). ## The spa **The Spa** combines the Eastern philosophy of balancing the five elements with local healing traditions. It has a mosaic-lined hammam with Moroccan-inspired rituals, a heat-and-water circuit with steam room and experience shower, sea-view relaxation lounges, and a couple's suite with its own steam room and terrace. The minimum age for the spa and gym is 16. See also [spa and wellness](/en/themes/spa-and-wellness/). ## Dining Five venues serving Italian, Mediterranean and international food: - **Rawya**, inspired by the Silk Road: Mediterranean classics, Arabic specialities and Asian favourites; - **Essenza**, Italian family-style dining, and **Essenza Bar**, smart casual (no sportswear); - **Sawa Lounge** in the lobby, for afternoon tea from 2pm to 6pm, booking required; - the **Pool Bar** for a casual lunch by the water, and **The Mandarin Cake Shop**. ## Price In October 2026, for a two-night stay in March 2027, the cheapest room cost about €440 a night for two adults, breakfast included, taxes and fees included, with any local taxes extra. ## Sabaro's view **Best for**: couples and families who want the luxury of a grand hotel and a beach while staying in the heart of Muscat. **Strengths**: a recent hotel; rooms of at least 55 m²; the kids' club; the spa; a score of 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com (401 reviews). **Worth knowing**: this is a city hotel on a beach, with only two pools; the kids' club is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; for a larger resort, see [Jumeirah Muscat Bay](/en/hotels/jumeirah-muscat-bay/) or [The St. Regis Al Mouj](/en/hotels/st-regis-al-mouj-muscat/). ## Frequently asked questions ### When did Mandarin Oriental, Muscat open? In 2024, two years after Jumeirah Muscat Bay. It is one of Muscat's newest luxury hotels. ### Sea view or mountain view? Sea-view rooms overlook Shatti Al Qurum beach and the Gulf of Oman; mountain-view rooms face the Hajar range and cost less. Both are 55 m² with a balcony. ### Is there a kids' club? Yes, for ages 4 to 12, from 9am to 1.30pm and 3pm to 5.30pm, Thursday to Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. ### Can children use the spa? No: the minimum age for the spa and gym is 16. ### How far is the hotel from the airport? 20 to 25 km from Muscat International Airport, or 20 to 30 minutes by road depending on traffic.