Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah by IHG — Hotel in Dhofar Governorate

Mixed experience at Crowne Plaza Salalah. ||We visited during Ramadan so expected some limitations but didn’t really feel very limited in any way, although we are not big drinkers so didn’t mind the lack of alcohol during the day around the pool/beach.||Beach is excellent. Wide and long with white sand, plenty of loungers and shade. We were able to swim , water was warm, a little choppy but clean and pleasant, no rocks etc. ||Ocean Blu restaurant very nice. On the beach with lovely views and the restaurant staff are all very good and friendly. Joseph at breakfast was particularly good. Breakfast options are plentiful , with a variety of western, Arabic, and Indian cuisines, also vegetarian/vegan option. Buffet dinner also good, as I mentioned, we visited during Ramadan and they offered an iftar buffet , with many traditional Omani foods. ||We booked an excursion through the on site travel agency, (Hallasalalah) who were very good and we really enjoyed our desert safari.||There is a pub, we didn’t try it as not our style , looked like a ‘proper’ English pub! But it seemed popular. Drinking alcohol outside was not allowed due to Ramadan.||However…||Check in was a bit impersonal and rushed. We didn’t feel particularly welcomed and the information given to us regarding restaurant opening times was all a bit confusing. We also got the impression our questions annoyed the lady who checked us in.||The other reviews are right; this hotel is so dated! The decor both exterior and interior feels like you’ve gone back to the 1980’s! Rooms are clean, housekeeping are great, but rooms are very shabby, and power points are in inconvenient places to charge up phones etc overnight. Obviously not a USB connection in sight. We had a twin room but only one bathrobe?! The shower was ok, water pressure and temperature good. But there’s a shower curtain rather than screen. Also the water didn’t drain, so you ended up showering ankle deep.||Pool area also looks like it could use some maintenance. Broken paving stones, some trash lying around the bin area.|Beach towels and sun loungers have seen better days.||Wifi is patchy.||Gym and Spa area very good, we believe that’s fairly new.||Getting taxis outside is tricky! We wanted to|book otaxis as they are generally cheaper and the app is good. However they can’t pick up directly from hotels in Oman, so you have walk a little outside the hotel. But the taxi stand across the road are super pushy, descend on you immediately, tell you you can’t use Otaxi etc etc. They quote higher prices as well. They just added stress on to our trips outside the hotel! ||Overall we enjoyed our stay but don’t believe this hotel is deserving of 5 stars , more like a 3 star imo. This hotel needs a serious upgrade and don’t think it justifies the prices they charge for the rooms. We might return to Salalah but don’t think we would come back to this hotel unless they...

"Disappointing Stay at Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah: Poor Service, Maintenance Issues, and Unresponsive Management"

As an IHG member, I had high expectations for my stay at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, but sadly, my experience was far from satisfying. The level of service and the condition of the villa facilities were completely unacceptable for a resort of this caliber.

The villa I stayed in was outdated and in desperate need of maintenance. From the moment I checked in, there were numerous issues. Every time one problem was addressed, two more seemed to arise. The engineering team was careless and unprofessional— their fixes were temporary at best, and I spent far too much time chasing them to resolve issues during my stay. This is not the seamless, relaxing experience I expect as a loyal IHG member.

On top of that, basic amenities were missing in all the bathrooms, which is truly shocking. I had to repeatedly request essentials that should have been provided by default, which made the whole experience frustrating.

The outdoor garden area surrounding the villa was also in terrible condition. Rubbish was visible here and there, and it was evident that the staff do not maintain the area properly. The lack of attention to detail in both the villa and the surroundings was appalling.

The management and team at the resort seemed particularly relaxed and indifferent to customer feedback. On several occasions, when I brought these issues to their attention, they failed to take any substantial action. Their response was lackluster, sometimes even dismissive, which only added to my frustration.

To make matters worse, I discovered after reviewing my bill that I had been charged for dinners— every single day— that I NEVER had. This totaled a whopping $300! If I hadn't gone through my bill carefully, I would have been unfairly charged for something I did not consume. Mistakes like these are unacceptable, and IHG members or not, guests should never have to deal with billing discrepancies of this magnitude.

As a loyal IHG member, I am deeply disappointed that my concerns were not taken seriously, nor was I made to feel valued as a guest. For the price I paid and my loyalty to the IHG brand, the level of service, maintenance, and care provided was far below expectations.

I cannot recommend this resort to anyone unless major improvements are made...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Crowne Plaza Salalah, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly and professional staff, who ensured that every aspect of my stay was seamless.

The location is simply stunning—nestled along the pristine shores of the Arabian Sea, the hotel offers breathtaking views, lush gardens, and a tranquil ambiance that makes for the perfect getaway. The rooms are spacious, elegantly designed, and well-equipped with modern amenities, ensuring both comfort and luxury. The housekeeping team does a fantastic job of keeping everything spotless.

The dining options at Crowne Plaza Salalah are truly exceptional. Whether indulging in the fresh seafood at Dolphin Restaurant, savoring international cuisine at Darbat Restaurant, or enjoying a relaxing drink at the Pool Bar, every meal was a delight. The quality of food, service, and variety exceeded my expectations. Due to Ramadan, not much was open, but the hotel staff went out of their way to cater to us as much as possible, ensuring we had everything we needed.

One of the highlights of my stay was the resort-style facilities. The private beach is pristine and perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. The swimming pools are well-maintained, and the lush gardens add to the serene atmosphere. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-equipped gym, and those seeking relaxation can unwind at the spa.

Beyond the hotel, Salalah itself is a hidden gem—from the breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery of Wadi Darbat to the historical charm of Al Baleed Archaeological Park. The hotel’s concierge service was extremely helpful in arranging excursions.

A special mention to the exceptional staff and management. On our last day, our phone was accidentally picked up when the towels were being collected by the pool team. The managers spent hours searching with us, showing incredible dedication and professionalism. Eventually, the phone was found inside a towel trolley heading to the laundry—a true testament to their commitment to guest satisfaction.

Overall, my experience at Crowne Plaza Salalah was nothing short of exceptional. It is a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and hospitality. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Salalah, whether for...