Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Fabulous place to visit! My first time in Oman and a great place to begin your trip! The grounds are beautiful and impeccably maintained. Yesterday I found the gratitude tree and labyrinth. The rooms are beautifully decorated and comfortable. Everyone is so kind and helpful! Today at brunch Aaron was exceptionally kind!

I recently stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace and while the property itself is breathtaking the service was shockingly inconsistent. Check-in was flawless. The front desk team was warm professional and truly set the stage for what I expected to be an exceptional stay. Unfortunately that level of hospitality disappeared as soon as I stepped into Blu the hotel's Greek restaurant. What unfolded at dinner was nothing short of embarrassing. We were greeted seated and even served water only to then be informed that we had to move. Why? Because the table we were given was apparently reserved for someone more important. It was not a misunderstanding. It was not a simple mix-up. We were quite literally asked to give up our seats for a more valued guest. Rather than stay and endure such an uncomfortable experience we got up to leave. That is when the situation became even more ridiculous. Once the staff at Blu realized what had happened they chased after us through the hotel gardens in an attempt to salvage the situation. It was not discreet. Other guests looked on confused as to why a family was being pursued by hotel staff through the property. It was a humiliating and surreal experience that should never happen at a Ritz-Carlton. By that point the damage was done. We continued on to The Pavilion where the service was average at best but the real disappointment was the massive cost for below average food. It was nowhere near the quality expected at a luxury resort and certainly not worth the price. For a brand that prides itself on luxury hospitality this was a staggering failure. A hotel of this caliber should not just impress upon arrival it should deliver excellence at every touchpoint. Sadly that was not the case. I truly hope the management re-evaluates how they treat their guests because no one should ever feel like they are less welcome than someone else.

The Al Bustan Palace hotel is exactly what it 'says on the tin' - a palace - with an entrance lobby that is worthy of being a tourist sight in its own regard. The impression was one of jaw-dropping grandeur, cathedralesque in its size and height with a chandelier that defied description. The grounds were meticulously maintained akin to any royal park, with manicured, pristine, green lawns punctuated by borders of flowers overlooked by the majestic palm trees, while the staff provided first-class service and attention, being exceptionally friendly and seeking to please. The main swimming pool, as viewed from the main restaurant and our room, extended seamlessly into the ocean with the array of fountains periodically disturbing the tranquility of the water. The benches on the lawns and surrounding the pool area were ‘serviced’ by a mini army of towel troops, whose desire was to ensure that the benches were made to the same exacting standards as that of the room attendants, exercising their bed making skills with towels rather than bed linen. Any resident ‘threatening’ to move a bench or open/close a parasol was speedily but pleasantly nudged aside as the towel army took control so as not to diminish the aesthetic effect of the towel display across the grounds of the hotel. We dined in three restaurants - Blu, Pavillion and mainly in Al Khiran - all of which were of very high quality, supplemented by first-class service. Al Khiran is a buffet restaurant with a different theme each evening. The range, variety and volume of food displayed was a culinary photographer's paradise. A memorable stay at an excellent, high quality hotel. A mdmorable stay

Our experience at this hotel was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and professionalism. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the facilities are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for my family and me. A special mention goes to Ali from the all-day dining restaurant, who provided outstanding service. He anticipated our needs effortlessly and, along with his team, made every dining experience memorable. Equally commendable is Elif from guest relations, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was seamless and enjoyable. The dedication of the staff and the hotel’s commitment to excellence in hospitality made our visit remarkable. We truly appreciate the exceptional service. Thank you for making our stay so special!

The check in was smooth, thanks to the reception for late check out , really appreciated. However, when I went to dine in pavilion, the waiter was too rude and should be behaved. She threatened me that she will call the security while I spoke to here for 2 min and pulled my chair.