The drive to the ShangriLa once you’re out of Muscat is fabulous. Through the mountains with glimpses of the Bay of Oman off to your left on the way there.
While were at the hotel we were told it was about 85% occupied and there were also two conferences taking place. However, it never appeared to be “busy, busy” and there was always lots of room on the beach and lawn in front of al Bandar and al Waha and no shortage of loungers either. The ‘lazy river’ runs between al Bandar and al Waha and back again.
We stayed in Al Husn at the ShangiLa for 3 nights – lucky us. The building itself is set up on a small headland above the beach in front of Al Bandar and Al Waha. If you stay at the SL, don’t forget to look up as well as around when you’re in the buildings – there are some beautiful ceilings.
We’ll get one query out of the way now. Construction noise … there are 3 separate sites under construction, 2 of them are either side of the main entrance which is at the top of the drive and is a good distance from the hotel – we didn’t notice any noise from either of these two sites. The third site is above the beach at Al Husn. Yes, there was occasional noise but, to be honest, it didn’t bother us at all. If you intend to spend your time around Al Husn’s pool you probably won’t be aware of it at all as the pool area is surrounded on three sides by the hotel building itself which provides a buffer against the noise – and the rest of the world, come to think of it lol.
Our room was a really good size with a large bathroom (separate shower, WC) and with a large wardrobe area with hanging rails, drawers (safe in one of them), iron and ironing board. The mini bar was stocked with beer, soft drinks and snacks and these were complementary and would be replaced on request by Room Service. Spirits (37.5cl bottles each of gin, vodka and whisky) were OR18 for the gin and vodka and OR26 for the whisky. Internet access is also free in the room and in the dressing table drawer is a hairdryer and an iPod accessory kit which includes a cable allowing you to plug your computer into the internet socket.
There are something like 19 or 20 different bars, cafes and restaurants which seem to cater to every taste. We especially liked the Piano Bar at al Bandar – if the weather allows, it has a large terrace outside overlooking the “square” below and the beach and sea. We’d recommend that you book your restaurants asap – we booked ours on our first afternoon and even then only managed to squeeze into Capri Court by the skin of our teeth.
We ate at 3 different restaurants (dinner only) – Bait el Bahr between al Bandar and al Waha (seafood), Capri Court (Italian) and the Tapas Bar which are both in or just off the “square” mentioned above. Our impression of BeB was not particularly favourable – it has more of a café-type feel inside although the terrace outside which was where we ate was nicer. And while the food wasn’t bad we didn’t feel that it justified the price – about GBP100 for 2 starters, 2 mains and a bottle of wine. Indoor and outdoor seating.
CC was much more enjoyable. The menu is extensive and offers a great choice. Particularly scrumptious was the beef carpaccio (melt in the mouth) which came with a small filo tart filled with sautéed porcini mushrooms and a teaspoon size dollop of truffled ice cream – truly delicious. 2 starters, 2 mains and a bottle of wine about GBP80. Indoor and outdoor seating.
The Tapas Bar was the best for us. Menus are the place mat on the table and you tick what you want and then hand it to the waiter. As well as paella (seafood and vegetarian) you can choose from about 25 Spanish-style tapas, 15 or so Indian and Arabic (such as samosas, mezze etc) and two pork tapas dishes. Our waiter advised 4 different tapas between the two of us but we ordered 5 (we were quite hungry and it was all we’d had to eat since breakfast) and couldn’t finish it all. However, if you’re still hungry after you’ve eaten your food you can always order more. And the food doesn’t come in any particular order or even all at once – the chefs cook in batches and when something you’ve ordered is ready it will be delivered to your table. Great fun. 2 gin & tonics, 5 tapas dishes, and a bottle of wine about GBP50. Outdoor seating only - no reservations taken.
Turtle nesting season is Jan – June and you’ll see several areas marked off on the beaches which is where green or hawksbill turtles have already laid their eggs. Last year almost 5000 eggs were laid on the hotel’s beaches. We didn’t manage to actually seem then laying eggs but we did see two turtles swimming in the shallows on our last evening waiting for the right time to come out of the water and do their thing.
There is a kiddies’ club (Little Turtles) which runs from about 9.30am – 5.30pm and I think it’s based at al Waha.
There is an Indian restaurant in Ruwi which is a good 20 – 30 minute drive away. It’s called Woodlands and has a very good reputation. We have friends in Muscat who use it quite often. See our Crowne Plaza post for two more restaurants.
Taxis – the hotel uses a fleet of metered taxis and they’ll send one to pick you up if you’ve gone out. Alternatively, order your return taxi before you leave the hotel – can’t see that this would be a problem. Most taxis in Oman are unmetered so make sure you bargain for the best price. If in doubt ask the concierge what you should expect to pay.
For the shoppers among you who have already experienced the “delights” of shopping in Karama in Dubai (counterfeit handbags, clothes etc) there is apparently a similar area in Ruwi but I don’t know where it is. Ask any of the staff and we’re sure they’ll be able to tell you.

My wife and I are just back from a 4 night stay in the Al Husn. Transfer from the airport cost 35 rials and rather then being collected in an Audi A8 as promised we were put in a Nissan 4 wheel drive (we complained and the cost was waived). Room itself was very well appointed though servicing of it was a hit or a miss insofar as we often had to call to have the minibar re-stocked or for the room to be made up. The Al Husn has no hotel bar as such- only a cigar lounge where a hostess will serve drinks. We went to the piano bar at the Al Bandar next door which was impressive. We ate at the Capri Court , Al Tanoor and the Tapas bar, each of which served very good food, even if a bit on the pricey side. Pool area doesn't have enough sunbeds or umbrellas for the up to 360 guests who may be staying there. Pool area at the Al Bandar is next to the beach and much nicer. Private beach at Al Husn is also disappointing being rather small and having a steep sand shelf down to the sea. Hotel claims to be six star, which it definitely isn't. It's rather soul-less and totally lacking in any kind of atmosphere. At £375 per room per night it's not cheap and for the same amount of money we could have had a hotel in Dubai wioth guaranteed good service.

Just returned from a 4 night stay at Al Husn hotel. The Al husn had exeptional facilities and service - a true 6 star hotel experience. We spent one morning on the main Shangri'la beach which was disappointing however the Al Husn Beach and Pool were truly first class with fantastic service (complimentary sorbets/fruit kebabs/sun glass cleaning and extremely private and exclusive). Our only complaint was on our last night the free mini bar had not been replenished with beer (all mini bar contents apart from spirtis were free of charge).

First night stayed at Al Husn - marble everywhere, superb service, caviar omelette for breakfast - plush...

Children plus brother and sister in law then arrived. Moved to Al Waha - not so plush - 4.5 star. but superb for families - lovely pools and beach. Buffets very good and excellent value (children eat free). Good restaurants also. Other guests - lots of brits - all happy and friendly.

Watch out on check in at Al waha - no way you will get a room prior to 2pm. front desk a bit shambolic and not enough staff - only real weak point of hotel.

Note - very hot in early April - 38+ - took a bit of getting used to - dont forget sun cream - gets to 50+ in summer - must be unbearable.

Trips great fun especially Family Fishing (recommend highly).

Spa very good -

We had to use Doctor as one daughter was ill - could not fault - very reasonable cost and professional and caring.

Very friendly locals - really recommend Oman and shangri - la excellent.