Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lasting for a month from around the end of January,
Muscat Festival
has become a highlight
of the capital's year. The event is organised around several main venues - one usually in
Qurm Park and others in the suburbs of All-Amerat and Naseem Gardens along the Mus-
cat to Barka Hwy near Seeb.
In the main venue, there are nightly fireworks about 8pm, a 'living' replica of an Omani
village with
halwa
-making and craft displays, exhibitions from regional countries and
events such as laser shows and traditional dancing. There is also a funfair, international
pavillions selling crafts, bargain clothing and bedding and a range of items from cheap
imports to inlaid furniture from Pakistan. International dance troupes perform on the
open-air stages and fashion shows take place nightly; other acts, such as high-wire acro-
batics, occupy the periphery. In addition, many shops in Muscat offer grand draws and
discounts. Check the English-language newspapers and Muscat FM radio for the festival
program.
On 18 November,
National Day
is marked with fireworks, city buildings are draped with
strings of colourful lights, and Sultan Qaboos St is spectacularly lit and adorned with
flags. Petunia planting along highway verges, roundabouts and city parks is timed for
maximum blooming, transforming the city into a riot of floral colour.
Sleeping
Muscat is not a cheap city to sleep in, but it does have some splendid hotels. Some are al-
most holidays in their own right. The hotels of Qurm, Shatti al-Qurm and Al-Khuwair are
all on or near the same stretch of sandy beach. Alternatively, for a location within walking
distance of the capital's main attractions, try the less-expensive hotels in Mutrah.
Top-end prices quoted here are rack rates and you can almost certainly arrange a dis-
count of some sort. Disconcertingly, rates change by 20% or more from one day to the
next. Nonsmoking rooms are available.
Marina Hotel$
HOTEL
( 24 713100; Mutrah Corniche, Mutrah; s/d OR18/25; )
For those wanting to discover Muscat's
soul, then the Marina Hotel, overlooking the fish market and participating in the character
of the corniche, offers a very good vantage point. You can feel the city's pulse over break-
fast on the terrace of the popular Al-Boom Restaurant. The rooms are on the cramped side
but it remains a local favourite.
Naseem Hotel$
HOTEL
