Oman’s Al Bustan Palace, though remaining open throughout 2017 will have restricted room bookings for 7 months. There will be limited number of rooms available from 1st March – 30th November 2017 and no room bookings at all between 1st May 30th September 2017.

This Oman government owned hotel last had a major refurbishment that finished in 2008 and included not only bedrooms but restaurants, a complete redecoration of the lobby with its famous atriuma and major landscaping project in the grounds.

Later that year the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) has its Heads of State meeting at Al Bustan 29-30 December which itself had opened in 1985 to host the rulers of the GCC. Since then the hotel has changed management to Ritz-Carlton and a number of other luxury hotels have opened in Oman creating a very active competition. Clearly, the government and management wish Al Bustan to remain a force in the luxury hotel market.

Will the hotel open fully for Christmas 2017, or will it keep upgrading into 2018, time will tell.