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:

Great review as always! Love your extensive pictures
do you by any chance have an email address for this hotel?

I received one from [email protected]

I guess it due to having far better options in the country, from several hotel programs and not only Marriott. Everything else is brand new in the country

I kind of like it, for the old style charm and always have that picture in my mind, that that triangle thing was the ONLY thing standing there in the beginning, bevor the skyline came about

I was curious so we stayed 1 night this October. Upgraded to a junior 1 bedroom suite without asking. The red carpet and decor (gold handles, gold shower heads etc. looked old-fashioned and layout of the Junior Suite was strange, but then I found that this was the first 5-star hotel in Doha that was opened back in 1982. In 2014 it was restored to its original glory and this is the reason for the decor.
It looks like the hotel caters to a lot of locals who alos come for lunches, brunches, etc. and this is the reason for the prevalence of Arabic dishes for breakfast. Salmon Benedict mentioned by the Elevator Enthusiast was great but I would still slightly prefer one served by the Grand Hyatt Doha. The lounge in this Sheraton Grand also offered some tea service till 3 pm with offerings like sweets and beef Thai salad + soup - this would easily make you a lunch if you are not very picky. Food offerings for the evening were fine and some good variety.
We also enjoyed the beach and pool much more than in the Grand Hyatt Doha. We had no problem of finding shade, the views were spectacular, and the water temperature in the pool was just right to chill off in the 105F heat. Location is also very convenient with a short and cheap Uber ride.
I would definitely return even for a long layover in Doha if the price is right. I think this is a unique property because it shows you the Sheraton Grand brand in its original glory back 50 years ago (that has nothing to do with Sheratons nowadays in the USA). Of course, one can always stay in LeMeridien City Cemter Doha, that is new, modern, and looks like another new LeMeridien anywhere in the world. (and by the way salmon egg Benedict was not great there).

Thank you so much! Just booked it for our layover based on your review.

Edited to include review from April 2024:

Marriott Gold here. ElevatorEnthusiast's excellent review nailed it and largely reflected our experience as well.

We receive an upgrade from a city-view suite to a sea/resort view suite which was beautifully positioned to watch sunrise from our balcony over the pool and the beach. As it was the birthday of one of our party they sent up a complimentary chocolate and strawberry cake. We took a room service dinner and it was delicious as was the breakfast buffet the next morning. The sous chef came over to our 1970s disco crescent-shaped red banquet table and offered to hand-deliver goodies. The buffet was eclectic and included Southeast Asian noodles and buns, Indian fare, Arabic mezze, and western omelettes, potatoes and pastries.

Check-in was overly long and I was chagrined there were no separate Bonvoy desks for this task.

As a promo, the site hosted a "spin the wheel" game for Bonvoy members. We pulled the wheel and came away with free transport to the airport. A late-model BMW with a lovely driver. What a treat.

Couldn't fault the nostalgia of this property -- reminds me of the old Sheraton in NOLA with the interior elevators and the interior walkways. Got a kick out of the gold festooned bidet in our bathroom. The bedding was full of feather pillows and a fluffy duvet. Luxurious and still very much a 5 star hotel. Beach services were great and the area kept pristinely raked and cleaned.

We used 27,000 points for one night -- a total steal.