Guest reviews Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

by Dream31028663218

Fantastic

We stayed there for a view days and the entire trip was implacable. The surroundings and facilities are excellent and very well maintained. Already upon arrival you can feel the fantastic amosphere of the hotel. All associates are so super friendly, kind and professional. Our room was clean and of the highest standard. Just what you would expect from this kind of hotel. Thank you for this great experience.

by carinarferreira Olhos de Agua, Portugal

A True Palace service

Stayed at Al Bustan Palace in April 2018 and I was fascinated by the hotel. Starting with the majestic and impressive lobby with its imposing chandelier, the whole resort is impeccable and room is very good. Breakfast restaurant is overlooking the main pool that is beautiful and the beach is very good as well. Key highlight is the service, had the best experience ever just by being escorted to my sun lounge and the amenities offered by the pool. The hotel has a lot of the Oman culture and details, turning it very special.

by Zcareem

The best weekend getaway!

If you are a UAE resident, and would like to visit a location that isn't RAK or Fujeirah (chances are you've visited these places enough times), then a long drive to Oman is the way to go! The moment you exit the UAE border, everything about your view changes;the shades of the mountains, the twirling of the roads, the clarity of the skies, the feel of remoteness. If you are spoilt with the views of shiny skyscrapers and flashy cars just as I am, then entering Muscat will be so refreshing to your eyes - a gaze at how ordinary lives at GCC really look like. The road that takes you to the Al Bustan Palace by Ritz Carlton, you'd forget you're in the middle east and rather a remote town perhaps in Santorini. It is absolutely stunning, every angle is picturistique. The moment we arrived at the palace, the welcoming fragrance of oud and Arabic music welcomed us. ALTHOUGH, the bellmen were busy amidst a discussion to take note of our arrival... For about 5 minutes, it was still forgivable the moment we stepped into the magnificent lobby. A swift checkin was done, the deluxe room was just perfectly comfortable! The resort is upkept so well, the walk to the Spa is unbelievably refreshing - the walk to get there was sufficient for me to feel relaxed. We tried meals from private dining, the pool bar, buffet restaurant as well as the beach pavilion - let me tell you... OHMYGOSH.We thoroughly enjoyed every single bite. ALTHOUGH I was woken up by the housekeeper at 23.30 pm (awoken by deep sleep after 7 hours of driving), I was too busy with comfort the next day to remember to be grumpy. So yes, I highly recommend! I would love to visit ones again! Thank you Al Bustan Team, for a wonderfully relaxed getaway. Currently going through withdrawal blues.

by 128PatrickS128 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Wonderful

Ok, so the Al Bustan palace might not have the most refined of exteriors, but once inside it feels like a magical well run oasis. We stayed at the Al Bustan with two couples and three children ranging from 2-6 years. They, and we, loved it. The staff is attentive, friendly and flexibke. The children’s pool is absolutely brilliantly appointed and well maintained and the food is good. Personally I felt the Palace’s broad landscaped gardens are what make it magical. The beach is ok, but the immense lawn expanse makes for a tranquil place to spend your days in the warm Omani breeze. If there would be any points of improvement I would ask for slightly firmer breads at breakfast and if possible a wine selection that includes more wines that score over 3.5 stars on Vivino.

by patgr36 Windsor and Maidenhead, United Kingdom

Superb stay

We spent 8 nights as a family. Overall a superb stay and we enjoyed the location, service, facilities and food. Huge thanks also for the continuous support and benefits for the Bonvoy programme on rooms, check ins and food. Rooms We were awarded a very kind upgrade to a junior suite and interconnecting room facing the sea. Both very well appointed with modern yet locally designed decor Junior suite was an excellent size Point of note...the standard room was quite small with little space to place luggage. The bathroom has no hangers for large towels and gowns apart from stepping into the shower and hanging over the bath. Balconies on the floor (3) are small by any standard - both rooms. Food Generally excellent. They catered very well for the two members of the party who are gluten free with breads and also pointing out the menu item options (Chinese excepted) The al Khiran breakfast was very good with a wide range. They also catered for some special requests from me - thank you so much!! I don’t have all names but thanks to chefs Sagar and Anoob! Al khiran buffet was very good as well with an excellent range of fresh cooked foods, great salad selections. Quality of the meats and fish was fantastic The beach restaurant we enjoyed a couple of times. Lovely location and very good food. Superb fish and meats and very friendly and helpful service Went to Turkuaz a couple of times (separate review) and recommend Had a very disappointing visit to the Chinese restaurant which had been a highlight on last trips to Oman. They had an exceptionally limited set of options for gluten free and no gluten free soy sauce - which is a basic and available in every high end Chinese I have been to. Aside from this the non gluten free food was poor and no better than a standard takeaway. Facilities Lovely large gardens and opportunity to find a peaceful spot. The bed and food helpers were great We used the tennis courts almost everyday. A note for others there is a 4omr charge per racket Gym is good. Plenty of cardio machines including a concept 2 rower. free weights selection Kids loved the swimming pools Excellent kids play area pool slides and fountains Point of note that the beach is quite rocky and not very alluring or good for swimming. I understand this is a result of a storm 6 months back. Other Would suggest for others you drive or take a taxi or alternative arrangement Our inward journey the driver didn’t bother to push loaded trolly for my wife and the car had no middle seatbelt On return driver sped along at 140km whilst sending texts and blasting radio At 45omr each way this isn’t acceptable for a ritz Carlton And I feel I have to flag for others Overall Would highly recommend and we will definitely come back