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A constant main-stay that I find in bar-room conversation is the ever-popular question: "When is the Sheraton ever going to open again?".
And the answer is, November 18th. Albeit a partial opening, but I have confirmed reports that short of a total disaster, the hotel will have a partial opening. The reasons for the delays in the hotel renovation are enough to write a few text books on how not to carry-out a renovation project. The original project was supposed to be just a fresh coat of paint and some new furniture. The final project will entail:
- Newly refurbished suites (they've fixed that smell problem!). A nice extra is each suite will have a flat panel TV (par for the course these days) and a PS3 to play with.
- A new ballroom (to seat a few hundred people)
- New Business Centre
- New restaurants and bars (the night club is no more)
- A new Spa and Gym (which has replaced the night club)
- New external swimming pool, and a new pool bar
- New tennis courts
There is a rumour I've heard a few times about the Chinese takeaway, I mean, night club that used to be in the basement of the Sheraton. When it was indicated that there was to be no more nightclub at the hotel, the "pimp" for all these hard working Chinese horizontal refreshment providers was, shall we say, put out? His primary place of business was being closed. So the rumour goes, this unhappy turn of events so irked said "pimp" that his considerable Wasta muscles were flexed and the owners of The Sheraton building here in Oman were required to open a new bar (place of business) for the ladies of the night somewhere in Muscat.
Is it true? Probably not. But I wouldn't be surprised if there were elements of truth to it....
Anyway, The Sheraton will be opening in November, for HM's birthday. Even if the hotel isnt fully finshed.
The Sheraton
Reviewed by Sythe
on
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rating:
Reviewed by Sythe
on
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rating:
Sythe,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Omani bloggosphere - finally!!! - and I love the blog already.
The Chinese takeaway was a bit of a landmark, until they moved into the car park outside and were sooo obvious Muscati commented how he couldn't believe the cops didn't bust them. They were then moved along... Good to know they will be back.
Dragon
Second to UD's congratulations and welcome. Always good to have another source of news!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Sheraton - everytime one passes, it looks worse, but it would be nice to have it back - seafood night!
UD - I know, I know... it was about time I started blogging - thanks for the welcome... now be a good dragon and link to me on your blog ;)
ReplyDeleteMuscato - it's a privilege to have you reading... I've always found your blog a great little respite from the daily grind... As for the Sheraton, it'll start looking better soon, I promise.... ;) Oh, and it'll feature a new restaurant or three for you to try.
For me, November deadline looks impossible -- at least the way work has been progressing all these years/months.
ReplyDeleteKC - It's entirely possible - the tower is effectively complete, its just ground floor works that need to be done. It wont be 100% open for sure, but it's achievable.
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask if the hookers would be back, and it looks like there is a high chance. Think we'll give the grand re-opening a miss!
ReplyDeleteJamilla Camel - Sorry I dont follow you? There is absolutely no chance of the hookers being back at The Sheraton - The owners have gotten rid of the night club that they used to hang out at.
ReplyDeleteI was just going through some of your earliest blogs and found this one on the sheraton!! that was written in 2009. now half of year 2012 is nearly over and sheraton still remains closed. wonder when will this ever get to open!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it'll ever open, owners need more money to finish it.
ReplyDeleteWay too late.. but last i heard, Sheraton is sold to the lulu group. I might be wrong but would actually want to know what is happening with the tallest hotel in Muscat.
ReplyDelete