You might not associate rest and relaxation with a business hotel, nor might you expect opulent décor and a five-star service in a city centre location when catering for time poor business-folk.

 

However, Sundus Rotana in Muscat, Oman, is challenging that notion having recently opened a new hotel that appeals to the many rather than just the few.

 

We were visiting the country for the first time and, after a fantastic flight from Manchester with Oman Air, we were over the moon after arriving and checking in at this gem of a find as the exceptional Omani hospitality continued.

 

A classy corporate vibe is what you will find at this 215 room and suites hotel. It’s sleek and sophisticated, offering top class business and leisure facilities and efficient service in a low-key style.

 

 

Located just a few minutes’ drive from Muscat’s new International Airport and the new Oman Convention and Exhibition centre, Sundus Rotana is ideally situated not just for business men and women but for anyone that is travelling to Muscat for the first time and that wants a luxurious base to stay when exploring the region.

 

When you enter the lobby, there’s a wonderful sense of space with high ceilings. There is floor to ceiling windows, muted colours and marble floors. This hotel exudes individuality throughout.

 

The rooms are bright and spacious and have contemporary furnishings with a stylish décor and all the modcons you’d expect in any five-star hotel.

 

There are huge 43-inch flat screen TVs in the rooms with cable and satellite. The rooms are quiet because of soundproofing and come with free newspapers, free bottled water, free wifi and free toiletries.

 

The rooms look out either over to the front of the hotel or have mountain views to rear.

 

We had a room at the back of the hotel overlooking the majestic mountain landscape that Oman is famous for.  Although there is a highway nearby, there’s hardly any noise.

 

 

The Bodyline Fitness and Wellness Club has a well-equipped gym – better than any other hotel that we’ve stayed at – and the outdoor swimming pool is heated while the steam rooms help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.

 

There’s a strong emphasis of health and wellbeing throughout this hotel, what with its high-end fitness facilities and the number of juice bars and individual meal options available when dining here.

 

The service is courteous, efficient and of high standard. Everyone that worked at the hotel knew our names and became our friends by the end of our stay.

 

That’s the one thing that really stood out to us here at this hotel – the true Omani hospitality and service that is prevalent throughout.

 

Fulfilling the Rotana legacy of culinary excellence, the hotel also features three signature restaurants including the Lobby lounge café, Ginger all-day dining and Teatro.

 

Breakfast, which is served in Ginger’s was as expected, a huge spread with lots of live counters, from eggs, grilled meats to cereal, fruits and waffles, fresh juices and vegan and vegetarian options and a whole lot of other food.

 

Ginger all day dining at Sundus is also famous for its Friday brunch, where Omani locals and international visitors flock to for exceptionally good food and flop by the poolside with their bellies full of the fine stuff.

 

Decadent cakes, healthy juices and barista made coffees are available at the Lobby lounge.

 

The hotel has also recently launched its latest dining experience, Teatro, following the success of this new concept in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Manama and Doha.

 

 

This award-winning restaurant is known by introducing an extensive range of five different cuisines on its menu from Thai to Chinese, Japanese Sushi, Indian and Italian all under one roof.

 

It has a vibrant open kitchen style atmosphere – a stark contrast to its sister restaurants in the hotel.

 

Its interior is dramatic with black and red furnishings and combines the open kitchen with cooking stations.  There’s also a outside terrace perfect for cocktails which seemed popular among hotel guests and locals.

 

Teatro’s Saturday Brunch sets the scene right for a theatrical extravaganza of food, cocktails and live music with its new Masquerade brunch every Saturday between noon and 3 pm.

 

Brunch costs £40 including soft beverages, £60 for alcoholic beverages and a package with bubbly at £80 if you want champagne.

 

There’s an extensive range of food choices at this restaurant whether you choose the weekend brunch option or a midweek meal from its A La Carte menu.

 

What to see and do in Muscat 

 

The concierge at the hotel can arrange private tours of the city of Muscat and experiences among the Omani culture outside of the resort. Read why you should visit Muscat in 2019.

 

VIVA Verdict

 

This is an absolute gem of a hotel with great food and exceptional service. It is well situated for those travelling to Muscat for the first time to explore what the region has to offer. It certainly was a memorable stay  and we can’t wait to return!

 

Prices per night at Sundus Rotana in Muscat start from £98. Visit https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/oman/muscat/sundusrotana to book.

 

How to get there

 

We flew business class with Oman Air. The airline flies to Muscat, Oman twice a day from Heathrow and daily from Manchester. Business class fares start from £2,434.70 per person return from Manchester to Muscat.