The Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel in Muscat has reopened after four months of extensive renovations.

Given its scenic secluded bay location, backed by mountains and fronted by the azure waters of Oman's Indian Ocean coastline on the outskirts of Muscat, the hotel is already regarded as being among the world's finest.

''The refurbishment has raised the hotel's widely-acknowledged high standards with the injection of contemporary world-class design and hospitality expertise to create new benchmarks in aesthetics, accommodation, service and leisure activities in the Gulf market,'' said Issa Al Hajri, the hotel's general manager and regional vice president, operations, Six Continents Hotels, Oman.

''The hotel's 198 guest rooms, 44 suites and deluxe suites exude the richness of Arabian culture, art and history - particularly that of the area where the Al Bustan Palace is situated,'' he added.

A greater level of style begins with the grand lobby lounge, which becomes the hotel's meeting place when it reopens at the end of this month, with the emphasis on a greater level of comfort, elegance and practicality. Features include improved lighting, comfortable tables and chairs, with all tables having Internet connectivity.

Business guests will have access to a new and larger business centre.

"We spared nothing in terms of design and dŽcor creativity," said Al Hajri.