The Best Hotels to Book in Hyderabad, India

A landmark Taj Group triumph, this honeycomb-style five-star hotel sits in lush frangipani-scented gardens bordering upmarket Banjara Hills. Stylish neutrals bathe the contemporary rooms, but the showstopper is the sweeping turquoise-tiled pool with hot tubs. Explore fashionable west Hyderabad, with its art gallery scene, before dinner at renowned, candle-lit Firdaus – where live ghazals (Urdu songs) accompany elegant Hyderabadi delicacies, such as khatti dal (curry), haleem (stew) or nalli gosht (slow-cooked lamb shank). Hyderabad’s Old City, home to the 16th-century Charminar and the Chowmahalla Palace, is 7km (4mi) away. Other big-hitter sights, such as Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, are easily reached by taxi.

On the shores of Durgam Cheruvu Lake, the sustainably focused ITC Kohenur takes inspiration from Hyderabad’s jewel-making history and boulder-strewn landscape. It makes a sleekly contemporary base for exploring HITEC City and the affluent shopping, dining and drinking scenes of Jubilee Hills. The impressive gastronomy ranges from cocktails at the tile-adorned Peacock Bar to reimagined aristocratic Hyderabadi and Awadhi recipes at chandelier-clad Dum Pukht Begum’s (try the spiced kebabs and the Hyderabad speciality, biryani). Then, retreat to the lake-view infinity pool, urban-polished rooms or three-tiered spa, where dreamy Ayurvedic treatments await.

Hot-pink lotus murals make a splash in the moodily lit, contemporary rooms at the five-star Westin, where perks include a palm-fringed pool and Ayurvedic massages and organic-herb body scrubs at the Heavenly Spa. Upper-category rooms have freestanding baths and sunny terraces. It’s in the city’s west – ideal for visiting galleries, boutiques, brewpubs and upscale restaurants in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills. The hotel’s prize-winning Kangan restaurant spotlights Peshwari flavours (slow-cooked dal, spiced paneer tikka), while, up on the rooftop, there’s the breezy Mediterranean-inspired cocktail bar Casbah.

Original artwork, ikat textiles and elegant Bidri antiques grace this eco-minded five star, named for an ancient South Indian dynasty and now something of a foodie destination. Regional deliciousness from across southern India awaits at Chennai-born Dakshin, from Tamil-style all-vegetarian thali platters to delicate banana-stuffed dosas, while Kebabs & Kurries delivers clay-oven creations and fiery grilled meats. There are eucalyptus-infused massages in the calming spa and glamorous, light-flooded rooms for switching off. The location is a leafy area, 10km (6mi) north of Hyderabad’s Old City, with Hussain Sagar Lake and trendy Banjara Hills in reach.

Taj Falaknuma gleams with venetian chandeliers, marble staircases and stunning collections of crystal pieces. Formerly the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad, it is now leased to the Taj Group and enjoys a privileged location at 2000ft (610m) above Hyderabad. There’s a large collection of rooms available – from Historical Suites, which are styled in an Edwardian look, to the Grand Royal Suites, which have panoramic views of the city, giving a whole new meaning to “room with a view”.

Housed in the Sagar Mahal, a guesthouse built by the last Nizam of Hyderabad in 1917, this magnificent resort overlooks the lovely Osman Sagar Lake. There’s a large variety of villas you can book, each with unique amenities. Some have private lawns, and the Pool Villa gives you access to a private swimming pool as well as a butler for the ultimate experience in luxury service. The famous spa also has an extensive list of treatments, including flower body polishes, Thai massages and an exclusive signature massage.

Set in the heart of the financial district of Gachibowli, Lemon Tree Hotel is strategically located adjacent to BSE Limited (formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange) and in close proximity to prominent software companies in the area. Due to the distance from the city, the traffic is considerably quieter, and there’s a lot more greenery. The hotel has a bright and inviting 24/7 multi-cuisine coffee shop, Citrus Cafe, which offers an eclectic all-day dining menu including Indian, European, American and Pan-Asian cuisines. There are also a spa and swimming pool to use at your leisure, and rooms are elegantly upholstered in warm tones.

With indulgent, stylish chambers, Vivanta by Taj is sure to satisfy all your needs for a comfortable stay. Large, well-equipped rooms include surround-sound home theatre systems. The restaurants here will be among the highlights of your stay: with Italian, Mediterranean, Cajun and Indian cuisines, there’s sure to be something to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds.

With a lush 6 acres (2ha) of land for the elite hotel, the Taj Deccan offers a calm and relaxing stay at its location on the upscale Banjara Hills. There are three kinds of rooms: Superior Rooms, Residency Rooms (which also include complimentary breakfast, cocktail hours and the lounge) and Suites (which have a bedroom and a sitting room). The hotel’s facilities include a beauty parlour and a florist.