NEW CENTARA HOTEL BRINGS THAI HOSPITALITY TO MUSCAT
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s largest hotel operator, opened its first hotel in the Middle East in May. The Centara Muscat Hotel is a four-star, 152 room property located in the Ghala Heights business district, close to the convention centre, Royal Opera House Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – about midway between the airport and Muscat’s historical district. It is a modern building featuring three restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop pool and terrace with views out over the Gulf. Its banquet rooms, meeting facilities and central location are designed to attract business and leisure travellers, as well as local events.
Centara Muscat Hotel is the group’s fifth property outside Thailand and the first of three planned in the Middle East. The expansion has been welcomed by guests who appreciate the qualities of traditional Thai hospitality such as graceful service, good food, classy Asian design motifs, and Thai spa treatments. By following this formula, Centara Muscat is much more than “just another hotel”.
Food, accommodation options and a famous Thai spa
The hotel’s three restaurants cater to a range of tastes. Tiptara is an all-day dining destination where guests can enjoy expertlyprepared Thai dishes as well as an array of international choices. Akdeniz Turkish restaurant serves light meals, snacks and mezzes. Crispy grilled kebabs and tender fresh fish are seared on its traditional Ocakbasi grill and a choice of fine Arabic and international coffees are also available. The Roof offers a relaxed venue for barbeques and private events.
The hotel’s generously appointed rooms and suites feature large windows that frame the streets of Ghala. The 33sq m Deluxe rooms offer an option of king-sized or twin beds. Premium Club rooms come with Premium Class benefits, including access to the top-floor Premium Lounge where three meals are served daily. Business Club Suites offer comfortable living rooms and pre- mium benefits – ideal for couples, small families or business travellers who want more space to relax after a busy day.
Centara’s SPA Cenvaree has earned an excellent reputation in Thailand and the Muscat hotel’s branch shows why. The soothing environment is imbued with Thai culture and fragrances. The spa offers a variety of therapies and treatments from skilled therapists, plus unique herbal and traditional spa products.
The rooftop swimming pool is a perfect place to relax or take a dip. A children’s pool is next to it. The hotel’s fitness centre is fullyequipped for guests who wish to stay in shape.
Flexible venues for business conferences and events
The hotel’s 237sq m Banquet Hall is large enough to accommodate cocktail receptions of 280 people, or 220 seated theatre-style. It is complemented by a pre-function area. The hotel also offers three smaller venues. They include a boardroom which can be adjusted from 33 to 39sq m to fit a range of uses from business meetings to presentations and seminars. Each meeting room comes with modern audiovisual equipment and complimentary wireless internet access. Another conference room, along with the pleasant rooftop terrace, can accommodate up to 80 people – perfect for an evening event, with the Gulf of Oman as a glittering backdrop.
Ambitious future plans
Based on its success with Arab visitors to Thailand, Centara is serious about its expansion into the Gulf and optimistic about its future. The Muscat staff is welltrained and multilingual. They are supervised by experienced international hotel managers.
“Introducing Thai hospitality culture to Oman is an exciting opportunity,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO, Centara Hotels & Resorts. “We believe a thoughtfully-designed, modern facility in this ideal location will be a welcome addition to Muscat, and help spread awareness of Centara into the Gulf.” Centara is planning additional openings in Doha and Dubai in the next few years. For more information, go to www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cmo