Stayed 4 nights in October 2007 for vacation. Rooms are very dated, especially the bathroom with cracked grouting around the tub, old style, nearly non functioning hair dryer,(request another from the front desk) and a medicine style cabinet. Our "mountain view" room was over A/C units and concrete slabs and the balcony had pealing paint. Brought our concerns to the front desk and was told "It's an old hotel, nearly 30 years...due to be closed and redone next year." Asked to have the manager on duty contact us; he never did. Learned that the hotel will be closed in 2008, but since two other major hotels are currently being redone, the Intercon remained open. Other than the front desk, staff was helpful. Grounds also appear tired and dated, especially around the swimming pool where they were replacing the astro turf, thus closing a large portion of the pool area for two days. Yes, the Intercon is on the beach, but there are no facilities ie., chairs, etc on the beach, thus no one uses it and women will feel uncomfortable there, as it's a public area. Food was good and the Pub was very lively (liquor is only served in large hotels and some restaurants) . There is a small shopping mall next door to the hotel with 3 coffee shops, two small restaurants (no alcohol) and a drycleaner (the hotel drycleaner is very expensive) and several retail shops. Nothing else is close by, taxis are necessary to go into Muscat center and the historical area by the souq. Did book via the hotel a "sunset cruise" which turned out to be just my husband and I on a small boat, touring the coast line; very enjoyable, except our driver from the tour company (hotel) was an hour late picking us up. Would also recommend a 1/2 hour stop at the Grand Mosque on your way to the airport; it's open to visitors between 8-11 am. The Intercon needs a facelift, so if you are expecting their usual 5 star property, I won't recommend it now, check back in 2009!

I only had an overnight stop in Muscat for business. The hotel seemed more geared to vacation travel than business travel and I felt out of place in the breakfast room next to all the people wearing swimwear. For business though, the Internet worked and check-in was seamless, and Priority points were earned.

I could not get the heat to go above 22C in the room. It was cold and I was cold. I'm staying here again in March and I hope it's warmer. I've been told the pool facilities are nice but I don't have the time to check them out. The rooms are clean and quiet and at the end of a long work day, that's always a good thing.

We've just stayed here for six nights having escaped from the first major snow of a London winter. My wife & I needed a vacation with winter sun. Muscat provided exactly the right weather (27/18), sunshine all day and a fantastic beach (Al Qurum). The hotel is right on the beach, and also head great gardens all around with two good pools.

We ate in all the inhouse restaurants and were not dissappointed.

Hotel was first five star hotel in Oman, and its 1970's design is pretty obvious. Tired rooms, swimming pool with astro turf around it, plastic pink sofa outside room...definitely a hotel with no taste, but fine if you're transiting to somewhere else in Oman and don't want to pay the price of Chedi or Shangri La. Definitely crying out for a refurb. Best thing about Oman is hiring a 4WD and dirivng through the stunning mountains and sand dunes. Muscat is good for a day's visit.