Al Bustan Inn

The breakfast was really good, and the staff were welcoming and comforting. They helped us figure out places to see and eat around Nizwa. There’s private parking, and almost everything is within a five-minute walk. The lanes leading to the stay are a little narrow, so take extra care if you’re driving a bigger car. The washroom was cramped, and a shower curtain or partition would help separate the wet and dry areas.

The garden and pool are nicely done, but the rest of the place feels neglected and a bit lacking in charm. My room was small and cramped, and it wasn’t perfectly clean. There was no proper divider or curtain in the shower, so the whole bathroom got wet. That’s not unusual for the region, but it was still inconvenient. The breakfast selection was okay, though the breakfast room’s decor felt odd and it wasn’t very cozy. The hotel is well located and has parking, which is a definite plus. The drive through the old town is narrow but manageable. It was fine for one night, but I wouldn’t stay again or really recommend it.

The location is the only real plus, and there are other options for that. For what they charge, the room size and facilities are dismal. There was no space to move around, and I couldn’t fully open even one suitcase. The wardrobe had no hangers, there were no hooks for clothes, and there was no electric kettle. Breakfast was the same every day.

We got upgraded to a better room right away, and the hotel was super cool. The pool had a really good traditional style, very different from what you’re usually used to. The city’s architecture was also the coolest, traditional and not fake at all. It felt completely authentic.