SAMA Al Areesh Desert Camp — Hotel in Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate

This place is easy to find and to reach, even if you only have 2WD and no GPS. The camp is not pretty in the day light, but very charming and feels 100% authentic. It is placed right on the edge of the sand dunes and you can easily walk up the dunes from here and feel the awe of the place. It is written that the accommodation is in tents, but most of the accommodation is in small huts/cabins with beds. No air condition, but fans if you need (we slept without a fan in April, no problem). You'll have your own bathroom right next to the cabin. The dinner is good, but the breakfast is no thrill. However, you come here for the view and the experience. ||||To see the sunset here is one of the things you just have to do in Oman, together with the 4WD drive in the dunes. Be aware that this drive is not a "relaxing drive" to enjoy the dunes; it's an adrenaline kicking thrill that matches most of the roller coasters I've taken. It didn't feel safe at all as two of the safety belt in the car didn't work (they should make sure that the belts work) and to be frank, you really really feel that you need safety belt, helmet and all type of protection that you can find! We went with our kids, and they of course didn't think twice about the safety, they were just beside themselves with excitement. My oldest son is absolutely sure that the worlds best driver is to be found right here! Take the drive, but not if you have a weak heart! After the drive you'll be left at the top of the dunes for watching the sunset.||||The camp work with the local Bedu for camel riding, dunes driving and selling of crafts. The local beduins are allowed to sell their crafts at the entrance about 300 meters away from the camp, maybe because they shouldn't be too pushy. However, we were reminded three times by one of the guys working there that the ladies were here to sell their crafts to us; quite so pushy... Pushy or not, I think the experience would be even nicer if the ladies would be allowed closer and to be a natural part of the camp instead. The crafts are quite expensive and it would be nice to see how they produce them and to be able to...

The hotel is at a perfect location for people who are new to either sand dunes or just to the country. You can see the hotel from the main road that passes through that area, yet it’s perfectly situated at the beginning of the sand dunes with the dunes as a backdrop for the hotel. The property is a perfect spot for families who want to go away for a weekend break from the city life. The no wifi rule at the property was definitely a bonus for busy souls or just people who want a good break from technology. The honeymoon room that they have at the property was an amazing idea for couples who want some privacy, they have a little open completely closed fenced area just for them. There’s this little sand dune right behind the hotel which is the perfect height to climb and sit on for sunsets and sunrise. Dune bashing is just behind the property so that’s not an issue at all. Small, comfy and just right is how I’d describe the rooms, they were extremely kind enough to accommodate our need of adding an extra bed in one of our rooms for my grandmother. The common area had bean bags which was super cool to sit at with family and friends. The staff at the property was super friendly and made sure all of our needs were met, we were provided with a wide and decent array of food for breakfast and dinner which were all absolutely delicious. Overall from the staff to room amenities, I think it’s a stay that was worth...

The location boasts a number of positive features that contribute to a pleasant stay. The staff provides attentive service, ensuring that guests receive the highest level of customer care. The food is of exceptional quality, with a variety of delicious options available to suit various tastes. The rooms are spacious, providing guests with ample space to relax and unwind. Additionally, the location itself is situated in a scenic area, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

However, there are some areas for improvement. The air conditioning system appears to be faulty, which caused discomfort and interrupted sleep for one guest. Furthermore, there is limited wifi coverage throughout the location, which can be an inconvenience for those who need to stay connected. There is also no TV available, which may disappoint some guests who were hoping for some in-room entertainment. Additionally, reaching the location can be challenging for those without a 4x4 car, as they would need to walk uphill for a kilometer. Finally, there are no activities or entertainment options available, which may detract from the overall guest experience.

Overall, while the location has many positive aspects, there are also some areas that could be improved to provide a more well-rounded and comfortable...