If you’re planning a trip to Muscat and considering redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy points at Sheraton Oman Hotel, this detailed review will help you decide whether it’s worth it.
I recently stayed 2 nights at Sheraton Oman using 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, expecting a comfortable elite experience as a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member. Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of the most ordinary Marriott stays I’ve had in recent years.
Here’s my honest, detailed experience.
Booking Sheraton Oman with Marriott Bonvoy Points
I redeemed 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for 2 nights, which averages to about 19,500 points per night.
- A room upgrade (subject to availability)
- Complimentary breakfast (as goodwill)
- A higher floor room
- Elite recognition
In most Marriott properties I’ve stayed at over the past few years, Gold Elite benefits were at least partially honored. However, Sheraton Oman was different.
Pre-Arrival Experience: Email & App Chat Issues
A few days before check-in, I received an email from the Guest Relations Manager.
I replied requesting:
- Complimentary breakfast
- A room upgrade
- Higher floor allocation
To my surprise, the email bounced back. The hotel’s email system only accepts internal organization email IDs — not replies from guests. That was quite disappointing.
Since Marriott Bonvoy chat opens 2 days before check-in, I waited and sent my requests through the Bonvoy app instead.
Again — none of the requests were accepted.
❌ No room upgrade
❌ No complimentary breakfast
❌ No higher floor allocation
Even after reading multiple Google reviews mentioning similar issues, I was still hoping my experience would be different. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.
First Impressions of Sheraton Oman
The hotel is one of the older luxury properties in Muscat, and that is evident from the moment you enter.
The room was:
- Spacious
- Clean
- But clearly outdated
The switches looked old, and the overall decor felt dated. The biggest inconvenience was the bathroom:
- No separate shower cubicle
- Only a bathtub with shower
- Quite uncomfortable for daily use
For a Sheraton-branded property, especially in the Middle East, I expected a more modern experience.
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In-Room Amenity Incident
After returning in the evening and sleeping post 10 PM, something unusual happened.
The staff came to deliver the in-room amenity (a dessert) after 10 PM.
I was already asleep and didn’t hear the knock. The staff member entered the room thinking no one was inside. When I suddenly woke up, he got startled. I asked him to keep it on the table, and he quickly left.
While I appreciate the gesture of providing an amenity, the timing and room entry were uncomfortable. Ideally, amenities should be delivered earlier in the evening or confirmed with the guest.
Location Advantage – The Only Major Positive
If there’s one strong reason to consider Sheraton Oman, it’s the location.
The hotel is very close to Ruwi Bus Stop, which connects you to most parts of Muscat.
For budget travelers or those exploring Muscat using public transport, this location is highly convenient.
I spent most of my time exploring Muscat and barely stayed in the hotel — which says a lot about the overall experience.
Early Check-Out Experience
Since I had an early morning flight, I decided to check out around 10 PM the previous night.
The reception staff asked for the reason, and I informed them about my early departure. The process was smooth, but overall there was nothing memorable about the stay.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status Benefits
Staying at Sheraton Oman as Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite member had no benefits as such which made this stay a ordinary one:
1. Complimentary Room Upgrade
Complimentary room upgrade is subject to availability, I was not upgraded to next category room, not even a higher floor room was assigned.
2. Early Check-in & Late Check-out Options
Gold members enjoy priority for early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability. I dint use any of them.
3. Priority Welcome & In-Room Amenity
Expect a warm, personalized welcome at check-in with a dedicated check-in desk for elite members.
A thoughtful welcome amenity is also placed in your room — a subtle but appreciated gesture but given very late at night after 10 pm.
4. Member Rate Discounts
As a Gold member, you get access to exclusive discounted rates not available to general bookings.
5. Bonus Reward Points
Earn 500 bonus points on each stay.
Is Sheraton Oman Worth Redeeming 39,000 Points?
Short answer: No.
This was one of the most ordinary Marriott stays I’ve had.
For 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, I would expect:
- Modern rooms
- Better elite recognition
- Updated bathrooms
- A more premium feel
The property urgently needs renovation. Compared to other Marriott options in Muscat, this redemption did not offer good value.
Final Verdict: Should You Book Sheraton Oman?
Pros:
✔ Excellent location near Ruwi Bus Stop
✔ Spacious rooms
Cons:
❌ No meaningful elite recognition
❌ Outdated rooms & bathrooms
❌ Poor pre-arrival communication
❌ Late-night amenity delivery issue
❌ Not worth 39,000 Marriott points
If you're planning a luxury or elite-benefit-focused stay in Muscat, I would recommend exploring other Marriott properties instead.
For points travelers, this redemption is not good value.
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