✈️ Follow the entire trip:
3 pit stops to F1 Abu Dhabi
- Trip Planning: 3 pit stops to F1 Abu Dhabi
- Ambassador Transit Lounge Singapore Changi Airport T2
- Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Manila Airport T1
- Japan Airlines Sky Suite II Manila to Tokyo
- Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge (Sky View) Tokyo Haneda Airport
- Japan Airlines Sky Suite (Apex) Tokyo to New Delhi
- Etihad A350 Business Class New Delhi to Abu Dhabi
- Aloft Abu Dhabi (Pool View Room)
- Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi (Capital Suite)
- Al Bustan Palace, The Ritz-Carlton Muscat (1 Bedroom Suite)
- W Muscat (Wow Suite)
- Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport
- Oman Air Apex Suite Business Class Muscat to Kuala Lumpur
| Nightly rate (incl. taxes/fees) | 40k free night cert + 3k points |
| Length of stay | 1 night |
| Date of stay | November 2022 |
| Membership level | Titanium Elite (Marriott Bonvoy) |
What benefits to expect when you stay at Al Bustan Palace, The Ritz-Carlton, Muscat as a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium or Platinum Elite member?
This mountainside hotel was originally built as a palace for Oman’s Sultan Qaboos in 1985 and was last renovated in 2006. It has a total of 250 rooms.
You will typically need 40,000 to 60,000 points per night for award stays and this is one of the best ways to use your Marriott Bonvoy 40k Free Night Certificate!
Related: 24 best hotels to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy 40k free night award for MAXIMUM value
Location
The hotel is located in the Al Bustan region, East of central Muscat.
- 25 mins drive to central Muscat
- 35 mins drive to Muscat International Airport (MCT)
- 5 hrs 15 mins drive to Dubai
Arrival
Upon arrival, we were assisted with our luggages before being greeted with the beautiful lobby attached with a giant chandelier in the middle.
As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member, I was upgraded to the 1 Bedroom Suite with Mountain View.
I also received a complimentary drink voucher as a welcome gift.
1 Bedroom Suite (Mountain View)
Room 713 is 80sqm/861sqft in size.
The design of the suite felt a little dated, but it was clean and well-maintained, with a spacious walk-in closet and a long balcony offering a great view of Al Hajar mountains.
Check out the video tour of this room on our Instagram page.
The welcome amenity is a unique design inspired by the T Model football used in the 1930 World Cup final. And it is made entirely of chocolate!
Internet speed
The WiFi speed was alright for normal internet surfing.
Breakfast
Although The Ritz-Carlton hotels are not required to provide complimentary breakfast to Platinum members and above, it still does, like other great hotels that I have stayed in under this brand. (I would not have stayed here if breakfast is chargeable!)
While the food quality was good, it was not particularly memorable given the hotel’s reputation and cash/points rate.
Other facilities
The swimming pool is large and surrounded by palm trees, providing a scenic view of the Gulf of Oman and easy beach access.
Ample lounge chairs and beds are also available.
Swimming pool
Beach
Gym and sports
Al Maha Jazz Lounge
As mentioned earlier, Platinum members and above get a complimentary drink voucher for 2 guests. It can be claimed at Al Maha Jazz Lounge.
Kids area
Others
My ratings
This is how I am rating my stay, after considering what I paid:
| Breakfast | 9/10 |
| Service | 10/10 |
| Location | 8/10 |
| Room furnishing | 8/10 |
| View (from the room) | 10/10 |
| Peace & quiet | 10/10 |
| Facilities | 10/10 |
| Elite member recognition | 10/10 |
| Value | 10/10 |
Bottom line
Al Bustan Palace is a luxurious property situated away from the city centre. I particularly enjoyed the mountain views and the stunning, picturesque long beach. Free stays like this makes having a hotel status truly worthwhile!