While most people check out the summer rates and check in at the Chedi, Shangrila,and Al Bustan over the next few months, I found a deal and a place that the most seasoned of expats and travel buffs likely haven't heard about and is definately worth experiencing. This summer, leave the Muscat heat and chill in cool beauty of the Jabal Shams mountain range with accomodation in a traditional Omani house for only 12 Omani rial a night, and that includes breakfast! Only 15 rial for a dinner, and a traditional Omani lunch is served daily, priced 3 rial per person. 
The bed and breakfast is based in Misfah Al Abriyan, a village with a 2000 year old history, 500 year old mud and rock hewn houses, a working and impressive falaj irrigation system, lush oasis greenery, an independent center of agriculture, seasonal handicrafts and traditional life, crowned with its own fort. I've blogged about it before. Worth seeing, but I didn't know one could stay there, as the Interior lacks hotels. If one stays in Misfah there is so much to do outside the hotel doors...
...Hiking, donkey caravan through the mountain to other traditional villages not on any road map, rock climbing, caving (for example, the very famous Hoota cave), camping, wadi swimming, shopping and buying local crafts specific to the region, such as the blankets woven on Jabal Shams, and of course, Omani food. Right by is also the historic red mud houses of Al Hamra with the tourist attraction museum of Safa House, and Bahla Castle and Souq (famous for its pottery) are just a short drive away, as well as the must-sees of Nizwa souq & fort and Jabrin Castle. You see why this hotel is so much more appealing to me than another weekend in Muscat?
Also, the hotel comes equipped with things that are hard to come by in the Interior unless you have friends living and working there: hotel rooms with showers equipped with fresh towels, soaps, and shampoo, and real toilets. With guess what? Toilet paper! Yay. I HATE the squatter ones, I don't care if they are traditional or not.
The hotel is family run and operated by a respected Misfah family (who speak good English and a few other languages) and hotel reservations, directions, and additional sightseeing itinerary (such as treks, climbing, and caving) can be booked attained by calling (968) 92800120.
I usually end up doing day treks and driving all the long road from Muscat to Nizwa to get to the interior so it would be more relaxing (and at that price) so see it all and pace myself.
What do you think? Interesting or no? For hotel bookings or directions in English or Arabic call (968) 92800120Anyone else have some hotel finds in Oman that you can't find on the net or government websites?
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