The Sheraton Doha will not begin a refurbishment until at least the end of 2014, during which it will close in parts, a spokeswoman at Katara Hospitality has told Doha News. 

The information ends confusion over the iconic building’s future, which was sparked in March, when Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO of Katara Hospitality, told Al Sharq that the hotel group was planning to spend up to $192.2 million rejuvenating the 31-year-old Sheraton.

Work on the hotel will be carried out in three phases. During that time, parts of the building will be closed, but other pieces will remain open, said the spokeswoman, whose company owns the Sheraton.

The entire renovation project is projected to take two years to complete.

Phases

The first part of the hotel to close will be the main building, including all bedrooms, lobby, restaurants and bars. 

Once this phase has been completed, attention will be turned to the Sheraton’s popular Convention Centre. Work is not expected to begin on this stage until the much-delayed Doha Convention Center and Tower opposite the hotel is complete.

The third and final part of the renovation work will focus on the hotel’s recreational facilities.

Plans for the entire renovation are at the “very early stages” and no contractor has yet been appointed to carry out the work, the spokeswoman said.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Jungle_boy