For such a historic hotel, I'm a bit surprised at the lack of reports on this thread - well, I guess folks weren't posting back in the 80s! I guess that makes my review THAT much more valuable - lol - delusions of grandeur, for sure. Overall, the Sheraton oozes "old luxury" - it's not perfect, but it is iconic. Here are my pros, cons, and photos:

Pros:

• Without asking and after the check-in agent disappeared in the back office for 3 minutes, I was told I was being upgraded to a Diplomatic Suite - my room type in app had only been moved before check-in to a Sea View Deluxe King - nice to not have to ask
• Had to ask to go the lounge, but I was sent to the lounge to wait "an hour" for my suite - about 10 minutes later, the Club Lounge attendant walked up to my table and handed me my keys
• Diplomatic Suite faces the pool and sea and is on the top guest floor (11) and definitely has an old-style decor - I loved all of the artwork featuring Qatari culture (boats, camels, deserts, oh my!)
• The multi-floor-tall bedroom ceiling was something
• The living room furniture, especially the couch, was very comfortable and great for lounging
• Two balconies with two chairs each
• The bed was quite comfortable - plush covers, plush mattress, and plush pillows
• Shower pressure (only the rainfall head) was quite nice
• Nice-smelling orange Hermes toiletries (definitely not a brand standard)
• Welcome gift was lots of fruit, dates, nuts, and some Arabic sweets and was waiting in my room when I arrived
• Beautiful interior atrium with large rooster statue, beautiful scenic elevators, and nice piano music - note the cigar lounge does ooze a bit in the atrium - adds to the "old money" vibe
• Club lounge (opened in the afternoon and in the evening from 6-8 for evening service) was nice
  • Tasty cappuccino in the afternoon
  • Tasty food in the evening that made up my dinner - pasta, fish fingers, avocado toast, cheese and crackers, chocolate cake, red velvet cake
  • Friendly and prompt service
• Breakfast (only served in restaurant) had a good taste (some issues listed in the cons)
  • Buffet + made-to-order options
  • Really tasty salmon benedict
  • A chef walked around delivering hot pastries like a cheese danish
  • Nice pancakes
  • Huge selection of pastries
  • Gelato cart
• Service was friendly (though had some oddities - listed in the cons)

Cons:

• No Internet TV OS
• Noise isolation from the outside was poor - could definitely hear the pool/beach music and construction going on at the Beach Club
• Presence of balconies led to some interior insects - noticed a few flying around
• Bedroom had light seep in from window coverings by the ceiling, so it gets light in the bedroom when the sun rises, even with the drapes closed
• Late checkout wasn't offered, and I forgot to ask - I decided in the morning to just leave at Noon, and lo and behold, the phone was ringing at 11:47 PM
• Breakfast service was chaotic - I was sat at a table, went to the buffet and someone was sitting at my table when I came back - it threw the staff off when I asked for a replacement table - someone else then tried to come sit with me at my new table (not sure if this is a cultural difference I'm unaware of)
• Breakfast offerings had lots of sweets but not much on the buffet for Western savory choices (no hashbrowns, etc.)
• Service interesting - check-in associate disappeared for 3 minutes without explaining why, but at least, they came back to tell me of a suite upgrade - check-out was friendly, but the associate had to call multiple people over for passwords and questions (might have been an internship or something) - they were friendly, though
• Qatari hotels seem to have two AC settings - on or off - there doesn't seem to be heat - this has been my experience at the JW, Sheraton, and W

Overall, I would return to the property - it's very interesting and comfortable. However, just know that it won't be a perfect experience.

Photos: