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Reality Check ➔ HOTEL MILLENNIUM RESORT MUSSANAH, OMAN


THE HOTEL: A member of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, the new beachside Millennium Resort Mussanah, Oman, is a skilful blend of Arabian and Asian themes set on the Gulf of Oman. With 234 guest rooms and 74 furnished apartments designed for both business and leisure guests, it is a 45-minute drive from the Omani capital’s Muscat International Airport. THE CHECK-IN: Late-afternoon check-in was swift in the elegantly minimalist lobby. The card key to the Superior Sea View room, plus a user number for the internet, were handed over, and the luggage delivered while a member of the front office staff was still explaining the room’s facilities. THE ROOM: Stylishly furnished in neutral tones, overlooking the resort’s marina, the had a minibar, laptop safe, iron and ironing board, 37-inch TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The bathroom provided a variety of toiletries and ample towels. There was a spacious working area with a large desk, phone and internet access. The hotel also has suites and an apartment building with studio, one- and two-bedroom duplex living. THE BUSINESS: Meetings are catered to in the Mussanah Ballroom, for up to 262 delegates theatre-style, and three meetings rooms. The hotel has a business centre and


operates a shuttle bus service to Muscat. THE RESTAURANTS: There's all-day-dining at Mydan, which features an international buffet and live cooking from the Rotana grill cooking stations, while the Al Bahar is a themed a la carte restaurant, specialising in Middle Eastern and Far Eastern cuisine. The bars include The Deck and the Naseem Lounge. THE VERDICT: Opened in late 2010, the Millennium is a work in progress, with comprehensive leisure facilities to be added over the next few months. They will include a health club, gym, spa, infinity swimming pool,


tennis courts, and more food and beverage outlets. Even before these open, the hotel is a fully functioning base for the business traveller and a haven from the bustle of Muscat. THE DETAILS: Millennium Resort Mussanah, PO Box 82, Post Code 300, Sultanate of Oman. De luxe Garden View rooms start from OR57.9 (£92) per night; Superior Sea View rooms from OR 64.9 (£103); and executive suites from OR93.8 (£148). Rates include 17 per cent tax and breakfast. Tel: +00 968 268 71555; see: www.millenniumhotels.com. COLIN ELLSON


➔ TRAIN FIRST GREAT WESTERN, FIRST CLASS


THE TRAIN: The 13.21 First Great Western service from London Paddington to Charlbury, in the Cotswolds, travelling in First Class. THE CHECK-IN: Our tickets were checked in the First Class Lounge, then again on the train. THE LOUNGE: A fabulous facility for First Class travellers, alongside Platform 1 at Paddington. Contemporary décor offering a welcoming reception desk, groups of comfy black chairs around tables, a private eight- seater boardroom, wifi, a collection of reading material and snacks and refreshments. THE SEAT: The First Class carriage was in the front of this short, turbo train and seats were configured 2-2 and grouped in fours around a table. Comfortable chairs in dark blue with white linen headrests, matching dark blue walls and matching coloured tables set the scene for this premium carriage. There was an overhead luggage area plus a larger area at the end of the carriage for storage. THE JOURNEY: The old rolling stock for the outbound 1hr20min journey was in stark contrast to the return leg the next day in a modern, hi-speed train, which gave a vastly improved experience in terms of creature comforts (seat incline for one). On the outbound, we left a few minutes later than the 13.21 departure time and it was easy to work


at the table as it was a good size, though there was no wifi access. Disappointingly, it wasn’t until close to arrival time, at 14.15, that an apologetic chap arrived with complimentary tea, coffee, water and biscuits. We were rather formally waved goodbye to as we got off the train, which was at odds with the lack of service on board. THE VERDICT: A stress-free and carbon- friendly way of travelling, despite the widely different experiences between the outbound and inbound journeys, some of them outside the remit of the operating company. This


summer new double track – replacing the single – is being laid on this North Cotswold line, which will cut delays and improve performance. More frequent services and quicker journey times are promised. First Great Western is also “looking at introducing wifi on our services,” says a spokesperson. THE DETAILS: First Great Western operates up to 14 services every weekday between Paddington and Charlbury. First Class prices start from £73 (standard from £24.50). See www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. GILLIAN UPTON


FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM I 73


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