I had high expectations for The Chedi Muscat because I have previously stayed at both The Chedi Doha and The Chedi Andermatt several times, and in those properties the experience was always impeccable.
The hotel itself is undeniably beautiful. The architecture, gardens, pools and overall atmosphere are elegant and very photogenic. The long pool area is stunning and the property still has the refined aesthetic that made The Chedi brand famous.
The check-in experience was also very positive. The staff who assisted me were extremely kind, professional and welcoming. After I raised some concerns, the management was also quick to respond, apologetic and attentive. They even left chocolates and a bottle of red wine in the room as a kind gesture, which I appreciated very much.
However, there were also several disappointing aspects which I did not expect from a hotel of this level.
Before arriving, I specifically emailed the hotel to ask whether all facilities and restaurants were fully operational. I was clearly told that everything was open. However, once I arrived, I discovered that the famous Beach Restaurant was actually closed for renovation. This was disappointing because I had asked in advance precisely to avoid surprises like this. At a luxury hotel, transparency is extremely important.
The room itself was comfortable but felt slightly dated compared to the newer and more polished feel of other Chedi properties. I also found a couple of hairs on the floor upon arrival. It was not a huge issue, but it is still not something you expect from a luxury hotel with such a strong reputation.
Another major disappointment was the lack of enforcement of hotel rules. The long pool is supposed to be adults only, but during my stay there were children diving and making noise in the pool area. The lifeguards approached them but did not seem confident enough to actually enforce the rules. In the end, I personally had to ask the lifeguard to intervene more firmly.
This was frustrating because one of the reasons many guests choose The Chedi is precisely for the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. If adults-only areas are not properly controlled, then the entire purpose is lost.
Overall, The Chedi Muscat is still a beautiful hotel with excellent staff and great potential, but compared to The Chedi Doha and Andermatt it felt less polished, less organized and less strict in maintaining the luxury experience. I would still recommend it for the beauty of the property, but I hope management improves transparency, room preparation and rule enforcement because at this price point guests expect much more.
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