AL BUSTAN PALACE INTER-CONTINENTAL HOTEL OPENS AFTER REFURBISHMENT ON OCTOBER 1

With a rejuvenated look, employees ready for today’s discerning guest, Sultanate of Oman’s flagship hotel is about to serve again

Following four months of extensive renovations, the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel in Muscat is re-opening to the Gulf’s holiday and business public on October 1.

Given its scenic secluded bay location, backed by mountains and fronted by the azure waters of Oman’s Indian Ocean coastline on the outskirts of Muscat, the hotel is already regarded as being among the world’s finest.

The refurbishment has now raised even the hotel’s widely acknowledged high standards with the injection of contemporary world class design and hospitality expertise to create new benchmarks in aesthetics, accommodation, service and leisure activities in the Gulf’s competitive market.

The hotel’s 198 guest rooms, 44 suites and deluxe suites will make an immediate impression on guests. Room designers were given freedom to instill a sense of the contemporary within the parameters of remaining true to the timelessness and quality of workmanship evident in designs from classical and art deco eras. Meticulously designed rooms exude the richness of Arabian culture, art and history – particularly that of the area where the Al Bustan Palace is situated.

A greater level of style begins with the grand lobby lounge, which becomes the hotel’s meeting place when it reopens at the end of October, with the emphasis on a greater level of comfort, elegance and practicality. Features include improved lighting, comfortable tables and chairs, with all tables having internet connectivity.

This qualified modernity also extends to the hotel’s four open restaurants which cater for Italian, French, seafood and buffet palates. A fifth, China Mood, to be officially opened in mid-October, will be infused with an unforgettable multi-sensory experience, promises designer and entrepreneur, world renowned, Tony Chi.

Recreation facilities will be of the highest standard expected of a hotel of its standing, with a luxury spa opening next March.

“People have come to expect world class from the Al Bustan Palace,” said Issa Al Hajri, general manager of the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel, and regional vice president, operations, Six Continents Hotels, Oman. “We spared nothing in terms of design and décor creativity, and the same with the level of service provision required to meet the expectations of the quality of guest attracted to the Al Bustan Palace.”

The hotel prides itself on its strong staff complement of local men and women. After taking their summer vacation during refurbishment, the entire staff returned to a full month of hospitality finishing courses to prepare them for their roles as 24-hour ambassadors for the hotel, whether the guest be a tourist or businessperson.

Business guests will have access to a new and larger business centre designed to make the transition from home to the Al Bustan Palace more seamless. There is 24-hour computer assistance to meet the increasing importance of technological connectivity in modern business. Improved business facilitation attractions such as multi-functional meeting and conference rooms can accommodate from one-on-one discussions to hundreds of delegates.

Owned by the Government of The Sultanate of Oman, the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel opened in 1985 when it hosted the annual conference of the leaders of the GCC countries.