The Sheraton Doha will close for two years for renovations, according to an article in the local press. The hotel is a Qatar icon -- it has been around for something like 30 years, and it was for a long time the tallest building, and the only place to get a drink, in downtown -- and is certainly dated. Although the rooms are comfortable, treatment of elites good, and service very solid overall. The outdoor common areas -- pool, beach, restaurant -- are really the worst aspects in my opinion, so I hope that the refresh covers those. Also the F&B is mediocre, with some rather tired concepts.

Interestingly, the article says that the hotel will be "rebranded" -- "but the operator will continue to be the same." The operator is Starwood; I guess that Westin is the most likely new brand. Luxury Collection doesn't seem a great fit for the site (though the Sheraton/Luxury Collection in Kuwait is a similar property), and I don't see the point of making it Le Meridien.

If it is re-branded, then maybe the good news is that we can look forward to a new Sheraton sometime down the line, perhaps in the Lusail district.