Reviews of Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah in Oman by Tots Too guests.
Review by AP, guest in February 2011: "All was fine. The hotel, rooms, staff etc was excellent. I would recommend to anyone with young children.
The only slight negative was the transportation to and from the airport. There were no child seats, no problem, my two were ok in seat belts, but both the drivers we had drove far too fast and right on the bumper of the car in front. Made for a most unpleasant journey both ways. Maybe just the way they drive out there but may be worth mentioning to your contact out there. [Please note, we are addressing this issue - tots too]
Many thanks for organizing our holiday and we look forward to booking with you again later in the year."
Review by ST, guest in February 2011:
"We had a wonderful time and would heartily recommend the whole resort. It was truly lovely and the food was amazing. Far exceeded our expectations (and they catered magnificently for N’s allergies – the same lovely chef basically cooked to order for her and was so nice about it).
The rooms were fine – slightly on the small side – but we spent very little time there. Spa was top class.
Where they let themselves down was on the whole pre-booking thing you went to so much trouble on. When I arrived I asked for a printout of what we had prearranged and they looked at me like I was mad. Long story short – they had prearranged the babysitting and the early access to the room (for which, thanks). Everything else we had to start from scratch on – and the tennis lessons never materialized. We were also told at the very last minute that the dolphin watching, L couldn’t go on it – so we got her a babysitter at 11th hour. There is a 4yr min age limit. I am used to pre-organising stuff before I stay at 5 star hotels – but they just don’t seem to get it. The problem lies I think with the concierge’s standard of English – which is lower than one would expect.
All sounds negative – but I fact the service and people there were so lovely that all this was overlooked. Little things like a constant flow of free water, little ice coolers when you sit down on a sun lounger – and the fact that they truly loved kids, was super. The babysitting was carried out by staff members and so was just “fine” – Kids club just OK too. But great splashpad water place in the Al Waha gardens – and there is a soft play centre which is about 5 mins away that is part of hotel and you have to pay for. The Lazy River that you go down between Al Waha and Bandar was a great highlight for all of us too.
You should also know that kids eat free in all the buffet restaurants – which makes a big difference to your F&B bill at the end. So all that stuff about us paying X to have one kid eat free was kind of nonsense from them.
Kids got to see some newly hatched turtles – which was a real highlight, as was the dolphin trip – we saw loads.
Zahara Tours were fine for transfer – but he had no car seat for L on way back which was naughty. He said other driver had got it first. Oman Air – a bit grim to be honest. The service on the night flight in particular was soooooo slow.
Only other thing – resort was dry for 2 or 3 nights (due to Prophet’s birthday) – not a big deal but hotel gave out letters in rooms but we didn’t get one. We managed to move our posh night out to the next night to ensure we could get a glass of wine.
Anyway – it was a great recommendation from you. So thanks for sorting it all out. We will definitely go back – its was perfect weather for kids and us – and although the journey was long we felt it was worth it even for the seven nights.
We were delighted with the service provided by yourselves – and most pleased to find you passed on a significant discount to us after we had booked. The early access to the rooms was a blessed relief also!"
Review by MS, guest in October 2010: "We had a fantastic time! The rooms /accommodation was perfect for us - we had a ground floor family room overlooking the lazy river and sea. It was definately worth doing the half board option - the restaurant's food was excellent and they had a child friendly food for the children. We got a babysitter in three times - they sent the same person each time. My children LOVED the lazy river, childrens pool and kids club. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and embraced the children.
All in all a great holiday - we are thinking of going again next year! Would highly recommend this resort for a family holiday."
Review by RS, guest in March 2010: "Unfortunately we're back indeed. I could have stayed for another month tbh. It was absolutely fabulous and I would recommend this hotel to anyone. I must add, though, that we ended up not in the Al Bandar but in the Al Husn instead as we were upgraded right upon arrival into the 6 star place. Funny enough we actually even looked at Al Husn a while back, didn't we. We ended up booking the Bandar as we were afraid that the Husn would be a bit too stuffy for us but that turned out to be completely untrue. The hotel is beautiful and the staff is exceptionally good. Nothing is too much for them and they always have a smile on their face. Additional bonus of the Husn is the private beach area and the separate pool which can only be used by Husn guests. We found the whole hotel complex to be very nice and have also eaten in the restaurants of the other hotels. Food is very good in all restaurants we've eaten at and prices are, while not cheap, not excessive at all.
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