Hostel Erfan, Muscat — Hotel in Muscat

1️⃣ Overall Review – My Experience at Hostel Erfan, Muscat

This review reflects only my personal experience during my stay from 18 July to 8 August 2025. It is shared in good faith, in line with Google Maps policies, to inform other travelers.

In my experience, the atmosphere at this property did not reflect the welcoming spirit of Omani hospitality I expected. From the first day, I noticed a persistent tone of bias in how guests were treated by one of the owners — including judgmental looks and noticeably different levels of warmth toward people of different nationalities. At times, it even appeared that guests were separated into rooms or floors in ways that seemed linked to their background.

While the building was clean and the house rules clearly posted, the interpersonal environment created by management — particularly this owner — made my stay feel tense and, at times, unwelcome. This was disappointing because Oman is widely known for generosity, tolerance, and respectful treatment of visitors — values that were a major reason I chose to visit.

2️⃣ My Detailed Experience – From Day 1 to the Final Night

I fully complied with every house rule — wearing slippers inside, respecting quiet hours, keeping my bedroom door closed, and using the kitchen only during permitted hours. Despite this, interactions with one of the owners often felt cold and distant, and that tone persisted throughout my stay.

On my final night (8 August 2025, around 8:00 PM), I went to the kitchen to make coffee. I used a white ceramic spoon, cleaned it thoroughly with hot boiled water, and returned it to its place. Shortly afterward, the same owner confronted me, accusing me of not cleaning a completely different metal spoon I had never used.

I explained politely that I had only used the ceramic spoon and even showed it to him, clean and ready for the next person. My explanation was dismissed. After asking where I was from and hearing that I am Yemeni, the owner made remarks such as: • “Maybe it’s your culture” • “Your tradition” • “You do this at home”

I found these comments personally offensive and felt they reflected a bias toward my nationality. When I said the interaction was disrespectful and that I would appreciate an apology, he replied: “Who are you to tell me to say sorry? Get out of my face.” Later that night, a staff member came to my room with the same message and insisted I leave immediately, even though I had paid for the night and had planned to check out the next morning.

3️⃣ Summary

This final confrontation capped three weeks of subtle but ongoing tension and moments where I felt treated differently because of my nationality. While the building is clean, in my opinion, the environment — as shaped by one of the owners — did not match the warmth and inclusivity that Oman is respected for...

I had a very disappointing stay at this hostel. The hygiene and maintenance were far below acceptable standards, making it one of the worst accommodations I’ve ever experienced.

The rooms were extremely dirty, with dust and stains everywhere. The bedding looked old and unwashed, and the smell in the room was unbearable. It was obvious that the place had not been cleaned properly in a long time.

To make things worse, there were insects all over the hostel. I saw cockroaches in the bathroom and even in my room. It was horrifying and completely unacceptable for any accommodation to have such poor pest control.

The overall environment felt neglected and uncomfortable. This hostel is in desperate need of thorough cleaning and pest management. I would not recommend this place to anyone unless major...

I just made a reservation at this hostel for tomorrow night, via Hostel World. I then contacted the owner by his WhatsApp number to let him know I made the reservation. He told me that I must cancel the reservation! And they can't take any guests! That's soooooo bad! I paid a deposit! and since there's no cancelation policy, they might charge me for the rest of the money! IT's like a scam! Now I have to spend my time and energy contacting Hostel World to report them, try to get a refund...and then spend more time and energy looking for a different place to stay tomorrow. VERY stressful! This owner has reallly BAD business practices and doesn't seem to know how to manage his...