Oman has some of the most varied hotels in the Gulf: beach resorts and palace-style hotels in Muscat, a desert camp in Wadi Al Abiyad, a mountain retreat on the Saiq Plateau, tropical beach resorts in Salalah and a remote bay on the Musandam Peninsula. This guide covers eleven well-known hotels, grouped by region, with what each is best for, plus notes on how Oman’s hotel market was affected in 2026. For things to do, see our guides to tourist attractions in Oman and museums in Oman.
Hotels in Oman in 2026: What Has Changed
Oman held up better than most Gulf destinations in 2026. Official figures reported about 2.5 million visitors between January and August, similar to the same period of 2025, and operators said that regional travelers diverted trips to places such as Salalah and Jabal Akhdar. But hotels still felt the effect of the regional conflict that began in late February: guest numbers at three- to five-star hotels fell about 11 percent over the first eight months, European arrivals fell by around 31 percent in the first half, and national occupancy was reported at about 47 percent in September. Some resorts said bookings stayed low, including in remote areas such as Musandam, because of travel alerts, insurance limits and flight disruptions. Oman’s peak season runs from October to March, and hotels have been promoting offers, so rates and flexible terms are often better than usual. Check your government’s travel advice, confirm flights and keep bookings flexible.
How to Choose a Hotel in Oman
Short answer: choose Muscat for culture and city comforts, Salalah for beach and green landscapes from June to September, Jabal Akhdar for mountain air, Wadi Al Abiyad for a desert night, and Musandam for a remote bay with fjord scenery. Distances are large, so plan hotels by region and decide how much driving you want.
Oman Hotels at a Glance
| W Muscat | Muscat. Beachfront lifestyle hotel at Shatti Al Qurum. |
| Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel | Muscat. Palace-style resort between the mountains and the sea. |
| Kempinski Hotel Muscat | Muscat, Al Mouj. Contemporary Arabian design near the airport. |
| Jumeirah Muscat Bay | Muscat, Bandar Jissah. Beach resort with a spa. |
| Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah | Muscat. Large family resort on a bay. |
| The Chedi Muscat | Muscat, Ghubra. Garden resort with design focus. |
| Fanar Hotel | Hawana Salalah. Large beach hotel. |
| Hilton Salalah Resort | Salalah. Beachfront resort near the old souk. |
| Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar | Saiq Plateau. Mountain resort and spa. |
| Dunes by Al Nahda | Wadi Al Abiyad. Desert tented camp. |
| Six Senses Zighy Bay | Musandam. Secluded bay resort. |
Muscat Hotels
W Muscat
W Muscat is a lifestyle beachfront hotel in the Shatti Al Qurum area, with a large pool, several bars and restaurants, and a lounge-style rooftop. It suits travelers who want a social, modern base within reach of Muttrah Souq and the coast.
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Al Bustan Palace sits between the Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman with gardens and a long private beach. It is known for its grand architecture, family-friendly facilities such as children’s programs, and several pools. It is one of Muscat’s classic luxury choices.
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Kempinski is in the Al Mouj district, a marina-side area about ten minutes from the airport, with Arabian-contemporary design, a bowling alley and a range of restaurants. It suits visitors who want a modern resort feel and convenient airport access.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Jumeirah Muscat Bay is the first Jumeirah hotel in Oman, in the Bandar Jissah area, and it has since opened, so older guides that say it will open soon are out of date. It is a modern beach resort with a spa and restaurants and views of the Hajar mountains and the sea.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah is a large resort on a rocky bay with several hotel buildings, pools, many restaurants and watersports. It is a strong choice for families and groups who want everything on site.
The Chedi Muscat
The Chedi is a five-star resort in the Ghubra area, set among gardens with views of the Hajar mountains, and it is known for minimalist design and several restaurants. It is about 20 minutes from the old district of Muscat.
Salalah Hotels
Fanar Hotel, Hawana Salalah
Fanar sits at the eastern edge of the Hawana Salalah development and is named after the Arabic word for lighthouse. It is a large beach hotel with pools, a kids’ club, a spa and a long stretch of beach. It is best from June to September, during the khareef season, when the Dhofar region turns green and cooler.
Hilton Salalah Resort
Hilton Salalah is a beachfront resort among palm trees and bougainvillea, with views of the sea and the Dhofar mountains. It is a short drive from the Old Souk and the frankincense heritage sites.
Mountain, Desert and Musandam
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
This resort sits on the edge of a valley on the Saiq Plateau at about 2,000 meters, among the highest five-star hotels in the region. It offers cool air, stargazing, hiking and a spa, and it works as a family retreat. Operators noted in 2026 that Jabal Akhdar benefited from regional travelers diverting trips to Oman.
Dunes by Al Nahda
Dunes is a luxury desert camp near Wadi Al Abiyad, a little over an hour’s drive from Muscat, with air-conditioned tents, an open-air restaurant and a sundowner bar on a high dune. It suits couples and small groups who want a night in the desert without giving up comfort.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Six Senses Zighy Bay is a secluded resort on the Musandam Peninsula, set between mountains and a sandy bay. It was the first Six Senses resort in the Middle East, with a large spa and a villa-style layout. The resort manager said in 2026 that visitor numbers stayed very low because of travel alerts and flight restrictions, so check availability and the route before you book, since Musandam is reached through the UAE.
Which Hotel for Which Traveler?
- Families: Al Bustan Palace, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah or Fanar Hotel.
- Couples and quiet luxury: The Chedi Muscat, Six Senses Zighy Bay or Dunes by Al Nahda.
- City and nightlife: W Muscat or Kempinski Hotel Muscat.
- Mountain air: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
- Beach in summer: Salalah during khareef, June to September.
Booking Tips for Oman
- Choose flexible rates and check cancellation terms, especially for remote resorts.
- Peak season is October to March; summer in Muscat is very hot, while Salalah is cool and green during khareef.
- Ask what the rate includes: meals, transfers and activities vary.
- New hotels opened in Muscat in 2026, including Tivoli La Vie, so the choice keeps growing.
- Dress modestly outside resort pools and beaches, and check alcohol policies, which vary by hotel.
Check Current Conditions
Check your government’s travel advice and confirm flights, since regional events in 2026 disrupted Gulf air travel. For hotels elsewhere in the region, see our guide to hotels in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hotel in Oman?
It depends on your trip: Al Bustan Palace for classic luxury, Six Senses Zighy Bay for seclusion and Anantara Jabal Akhdar for mountains.
Where should I stay in Muscat?
Shatti Al Qurum for beach and dining, Al Mouj for modern resorts near the airport, and Bandar Jissah for resort stays.
When is the best time to visit Oman?
October to March for most of the country, and June to September for Salalah.
Is Oman safe in 2026?
Oman has been less affected than some neighbors, but advisories vary, so follow your government’s advice.
Are hotels cheaper in Oman now?
Many hotels have offered promotions, but availability and rates vary.
Do I need a car in Oman?
For Muscat, taxis work; for the desert, mountains and Salalah, a rental car or private driver is more practical.
