By Joseph Varghese
Staff Reporter
The iconic landmark of Qatar, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel , a prime property of Katara Hospitality, has been partially open and is all set for the official opening by mid December.
According to a hotel official, the hotel has undergone 360 renovations within 9 months but it is "1982 in 2014." She added that the hotel will be opened for the GCC conference at the beginning of December and will most probably have the opening before the National Day.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Sandra Leibrock, executive assistant manager, Sales and Marketing, Sheraton Doha said " The hotel has undergone complete renovation, but we have maintained everything as it was in 1982 when the hotel was opened .We have maintained same colours, furniture and design. It is 1982 in 2014 and is rediscovering a unique place at a unique location. "
She continued "The lobby has the same flowers, same colours, and the same marble that was used in 1982. It has been adorned with the world's biggest stand up light. Everything is new but the same material has been used for the renovation. It is a hotel with lots of history and memories for the local people with a lot of emotional attachment."
The official highlighted that the renovated Sheraton Doha looks the same old one or even more. " It remains the same and continues with the emotional attachment that all the nationals and the long time residents have got for the hotel. It is part of the history of the country. We have customers who were children and got married at the hotel and they come back with their children. They are coming back and back to us."
She emphasised "There is no change in the hotel. Everything remains the same but all the elements are revamped and renovated according to the original design without a single change."
The assistant manager stated that the hotel is partially open. "We are not running the hotel but we are open to visitors. Al Hubara is open for the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner."
The hotel will have 9 restaurants and 371 guest rooms. There will also be a new seafood restaurant.
The recreation area has been revamped a lot with a brand new pool providing a lot of greenery with more trees and grass emphasising the concept of integrating with nature.
An added attraction will be the facilities provided to the conference rooms. All the conference rooms have an outside area. They have been added with a terrace which gives the participants a chance to get into the open area. The wedding halls have been renovated with the original design, carpets and chandeliers.
On the technical part, all the rooms are renovated and all of them are up to date with state of the art facilities.
