How to Find Luxury Hotels in Oman

Oman is a country ruled by a hereditary sultan. Although essentially a monarchy, Oman is highly modernized in that it has an elected bicameral advisory counsel (cabinet) and prime minister. Oman also has remained a peaceful nation both internally and in regard to its neighbors. Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Nizwa are major Islamic tourist destinations. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Oman.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Visa
• Computer with Internet Access

Find Luxury Accommodations

1. Find luxury at the Al-Bustan Palace, a five-star, beachside hotel in Muscat. Amenities include a posh pool area, restaurant, private beach, lush gardens and various water activities. It even has a helicopter landing pad. Call 011 (+ 968) 24799666. Rates are relatively expensive.
2. Get your knick-knack fix in Muscat, which is definitely Oman's premier shopping destination. Situated within walking distance of the city's luxury accommodations, the old souk of Muttrah is an Islamic market teaming with great deals and wonderful keepsakes.
3. Stay on the beach in Salalah. Salalah features beachside, five-star hotels with all the luxurious amenities you would expect from one of the country's top destinations.

Arrive in Oman

4. Schedule to fly into Muscat, Salalah or Khasab. All cities have international airports and connecting bus and train lines.
5. Take a drive through picturesque Oman. Short-term travelers are permitted to drive with a U.S. driver's license.
6. Get on to the bus to get around town. Bus and taxi are inexpensive ways to move around the cities of Oman.

Get to Know Oman

7. Learn the official language of Oman: Arabic. English, Swahili, Urdu and Baluchias are also commonly spoken in Oman.
8. Swim in the country's numerous Wadis or river beds. The Wadi Shab is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Oman. This Wadi is nestled between two large mountains that have slopes of terraced date tree plantations.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no official Web site or phone number for booking accommodations in Oman.
• Book accommodations through your hotel's Web site to view images of facilities and find the most current rates.
• European-style traffic circles are common in Oman. However, unlike European traffic practice, the driver on the inside lane always has the right of way.
• The ideal time to visit Oman is in the winter, between October and April. The weather is mild and comfortable.
• Tourists are expected to be sensitive to the Islamic culture and not dress in a revealing or provocative style, including the wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter tops and shorts. Athletic clothing is worn in public only when the wearer is obviously engaged in athletic activity. Western bathing attire, however, is the norm at hotel pools and beaches.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Although Oman has not experienced any recent terrorist activity, United States citizens are always advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

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