Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah

From the sunny glassed wall dining area in the morning to drinks and dinner on the deck at sunset, it is hard to beat this location! The beach is wide, clean and sandy. When I was there the surf was just barely enough for body surfing. Beautiful sunsets! If you don't like sand, then lounge by the pool which overlooks the sea or in a lounge chair in the green grass beside the beach-- or just sit on the multilevel deck and have a beer! I was there alone, but it would be a great romantic getaway! The staff were extremely helpful in arranging tours and were very knowledgeable about the area. Service was great in all the resturants and bars. For those interested in confluences (Google "degree confluence project"), there just happens to be one almost within walking distance! Highly recommended!!!

I just came back from Salalah,Oman (Sept. 2006)and had a blast.Before leaving I read the reviews for the Hilton Resort and was a bit scared to stay @ Hilton. But I am glad I did as I didn't find anything wrong with the location, or the local staff, or the breakfast. We even had dinner there and I swear the food was outstanding. The local staff was very very kind and helpful - just like all Omani's they were very friendly and cheerful. Me and my family had an amazing time there and would definately go back and stay at Hilton. The beach was clean + beautiful. Also, we had the view of the beach from our room so it added more glam to it. Drinking water was easily available / extra towels were always provided and cleanliness was just perfect!! Couldn't have asked for more.

We stayed here in February 2005 and I could not fault it. Usually we like to be on the go and are not known for vegging out - but this hotel is so relaxed and relaxing that unusually for us we spent most of our time here reading and soaking up the sun and the serenity. The beach is deserted and clean; we watched a sea eagle taking fish from the sea and camels wandering along the road. The hotel is isolated but it's easy to hire a vehicle and spend some time exploring. We felt totally safe and secure in Omam and although I would normally never revisit even the most successful holiday, I would go back to the Hilton at Salalah.

We stayed here in November 2005 (1-4). First of all the good things - The resort is in a great location, right on the beach front. They have a free shuttle from the airport. The pool is nice and the water slide is perfect for kids. The landscaping is nice with the coconut and Papaya trees all over the resort. The downside is that it is a bit isolated in terms of facilities other than the hotel - maybe that isn't a bad thing, but if you want to eat elsewhere or even buy water, you have to have a vehicle. Now the downside. We had a package (reservation made on their website) that included a few things including breakfast, massages, sparkling wine upon arrival, etc. They claimed to know nothing about the rate and argued with me. Luckily I had a print out - I recommend carrying it in triplicate. Throughout my stay I found myself on trial for the things that were agreed to in writing. The Internet access in the room didn't work. When I called the front desk to help me, one of the managers came to my room and told me that my laptop was defective and even if I was charged for the connection, it wasn't their fault. Luckily I wasn't and there wasn't anything wrong with my laptop. The breakfast spread is so-so at best and compared to other Hiltons - quite a disappointment. The fruit is all canned and tasted bland. The hash browns and other fried food tasted rancid, indicating recycled oil-or old oil. One morning the pool was closed beyond the regular cleaning (usually opens at 9). Everyone would tell us a different story of when it was to open. Finally under pressure, they opened at 1pm, even though I heard from the staff that the pH was at dangerous levels. The restaurant staff, especially the Filipinas did their best to be warm and friendly. It is undoubtedly the management that is responsible for this shoddy un-Hilton like service. Another reason is the requirement by law to hire incompetent locals at the front desk - who are good for nothing, inadequately trained - cannot add 2 plus 2 on a calculator if their life depended on it and cannot spell Customer Service. Everyday I found myself arguing with them over very basic things. If you have a choice, go elsewhere, if you don't, be well armed with information and the details on your reservation. Essentials to carry - Good Sunscreen (SPF30 or higher), bottled water & some snacks. If you are part of a tour group; then you may be okay, as your basic rights are guaranteed by your tour operator - if their representative is with you.