Oman tourism: Sheraton Hotel reopens in Muscat

Oman Thursday 13/October/2016 08:41 AM
By: Times News Service
Oman tourism: Sheraton Hotel reopens in Muscat

Muscat:Sheraton Oman Hotel, a 14-storey tower, which dominates the skyline in Muscat, re-opened its doors on Thursday morning, following a multi-million rial revamp.
Owned by Al Hashar Hotels LLC, under the umbrella of the Al Hashar Group, and in association with Twenty14 Holdings, the 230-room hotel has been a landmark in Muscat for more than three decades ensuring guests can experience more in the heart of the city.
In pictures: Images of the Sheraton's interior and exterior
The hotel was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Al Muhannad Al Hashar said, “Sheraton Oman, the tallest building in the country, has played a key role in shaping the hospitality sector in Oman since it first started business in 1985. The hotel interior has been completely redesigned, leaving the exterior shell as it is. With this magnificent transformation, the hotel is well positioned not only to be a leader in the sector, but also to support the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism in promoting the country’s tourism potential at the international level. Significantly, with the Sultanate all poised for a long-term, major growth in the MICE segment, Sheraton Oman’s enhanced conferencing facilities are sure to add great value to the future of tourism.”
“The Sheraton Oman is one of the most iconic hotels in Oman and it gives us great pleasure to open the property to travellers and members of the local community. We are delighted to further strengthen our portfolio in the region with this new landmark property and firmly believe that the new look and feel will provide guests the most unique, genuine and world-class hospitality experience,” said Adeeb Ahamed, managing director, Twenty14 Holdings.
Sheraton Oman features 230 modern and spacious rooms, including 27 suites with panoramic views of the Al Hajar mountain range. Showcasing interiors with distinctive touches of Omani culture, all rooms are outfitted with the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities and services, including the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience.
The renovation features the addition of 38 Sheraton Club rooms, which offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club lounge with complimentary wi-fi, daily breakfast and a premium selection of beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Sheraton Oman also features Al Deyafa, a lounge dedicated to guests with early check-in’s and late check-outs—the only hotel in the country to offer such a facility.
The hotel also features a range of leisure facilities, such as the state-of-the-art Sheraton Fitness and Spa with Technogym equipment, with a separate gym for ladies. Facilities include an outdoor and indoor pool with an option for resistance swimming, two jacuzzis and exclusive access for ladies every morning from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 12pm. The expansive spa features four treatment rooms, with one room exclusively for men and one for women. Fitness aficionados can look forward to a Kinesis Studio for Zumba and other movement classes.
For business travellers, the hotel offers nine meeting rooms, two boardrooms and the Oman Ballroom, which is designed to pay tribute to the splendour and generosity of Omani hospitality. With a capacity to host large events of over 1,000 guests and smaller intimate gatherings as well, Sheraton Oman can be a perfect choice for both private celebrations and business functions. Since its opening in 1985, Sheraton Oman has had a history of bringing people together in the heart of Muscat with its imaginative and innovative range of dining experiences.
Restoring the tradition of refined gastronomy, the hotel opens with Courtyard—the hotel’s all-day dining venue, where guests can look forward to a return of the classic Seafood Night and the Asado South American Steakhouse—serving the finest steaks and grills expertly paired with an international selection of beverages.
The hotel will also feature Paired, Sheraton’s food and beverage programme comprised of artisanal small plates and elevated bar snacks, served alongside suggested premium and local refreshments.
With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, Thomas van Opstal will lead the team at Sheraton Oman as general manager (GM), after previously holding successful GM positions at Sheraton properties in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore, Riyadh and Karachi. Sheraton Oman is poised to offer its guests an elevated modern experience nestled in its original location at the top of Ruwi—the financial and business hub of Muscat.
“Sheraton Oman has been an integral part of the Omani hospitality landscape for more than three decades,” said Opstal. “We are delighted to reopen our doors and welcome our guests back to enjoy our hospitality and world-class service in a fresh innovative ambience.”