The 2,580 capacity underground car park in front of the Sheraton Doha has had a soft opening, sources told Gulf Times.

The four-level facility is expected to provide some relief to the parking woes in the busy West Bay area, especially to those who visit the new seven-hectare public garden, directly above the underground parking.

Though parking ticket machines have been installed at every level, parking will be free until further notice from the management.

The underground parking welcomed a large number of visitors last Friday, mostly families who relaxed in the public garden.

The toilets and prayer rooms on each level are open, as well as dedicated wash rooms and toilets for differently-abled people.

The second level is the largest of the four, which can accommodate more than 1,000 vehicles. The three other levels can take between 350 and 500. It is learnt that the management has dedicated one level for vehicles of hotel employees and guests.

Besides the entrance and exit points going to the Sheraton Doha, visitors travelling to West Bay can easily access the car park from the Corniche Road.

“We want to avoid traffic congestion as motorists enter and leave the car park,” another source said while explaining that the facility is also equipped with many safety and security features such as cctv cameras, state-of-the-art fire safety system, and easily accessible staircases and elevators, among others.

There are enough signages and directions to help visitors track their way in and out of the parking area without getting lost. From the Sheraton Doha underground car park, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre can be accessed.

Food outlets and cafés are still undergoing finishing touches and preparations and may not open soon, according to the source.

Meanwhile, the Sheraton Park has been attracting a large number of visitors since it opened early this year. It features a number of attractions such as water fountains, “Wadi and Discovery Area,” children’s play area, event and fitness zones, tidal pool, rubber tracks for walking, and a medical room, among others. A few metres away from the new Sheraton Park is the popular old public park beside the Corniche.