Sundus Rotana, Muscat

The Sundus Rotana, Muscat, has been designed to offer 215 quality rooms and facilities for business travellers and leisure guests. The client’s brief to GAJ was clear – to create an ambiance that echoes the country’s surrounding landscape, textiles and tradition. What was important for this project was the use of the different spaces – from the layout of the guest rooms to the natural flow of the lobby area. Throughout the process there was an ongoing fine-tuning to ensure the spaces were optimised in the best possible way for comfort and functionality.

The local Omani culture with its rich heritage and harmonious colour combinations served as inspiration for the design throughout and, because the hotel’s guest base is primarily business travellers it was important that the guest rooms were more than good looks, the emphasis had to be on comfort and quality.

GAJ’s approach was, first, to set the scene within the lobby area by providing a relaxed welcome for visitors and local residents with informal seating areas and accessible restaurants. At the heart of good hotel design is the guest and so it was important that all touch points, from the moment of arrival to the final departure, were considered. Colours and finishes of Sundus Rotana reflect the Omani landscape with timber slat walls and shots of natural colour amidst a muted neutral background.

There is a natural flow from the sleek reception area through to the all-day dining with oversized Oman landscapes adorning the walls. The all-day dining, Ginger, is light bright and airy with a wall of windows opening up the space by allowing the permeation of natural daylight. A permanent buffet counter creates a focal point and the shelves of Omani pots remind guests of their stunning location. Modern guest rooms use clean lines and a palette of natural colours to create a soothing ambience and the business lounge is a quiet refuge with practical seating arrangements and private work areas.

Teatro, Sundus Rotana’s signature restaurant, is theatrical and eclectic playing up its rich interiors with dark wooden tables, subdued lighting and dramatic touches of red. It is a restaurant that makes a bold statement and is expected to be a draw for the local community. The end result is a warm and welcoming hotel that is both convenient and inviting.