The Best Hotels to Book in Hyderabad, India
Home to outstanding Islamic architecture, the vibrant capital of India’s lesser-known Telangana state is a joy to explore. Most of the smartest stays here are dotted around the city’s western reaches, near Jubilee Hills, HITEC City and Banjara Hills – all perfectly placed for diving into Hyderabad’s arty and tech-forward scenes. There are easy transport links to the Old City’s historical riches, too. From glittering Nizam palaces to design-forward five stars, here’s our pick of the best hotels in Hyderabad – now bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Taj Krishna
Hotel
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.
2. ITC Kohenur
Hotel
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.
3. The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
Hotel
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.
5. Taj Falaknuma
Hotel
6. Golkonda Resorts and Spa
Resort, Independent Hotel, Hotel, Villa
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.
7. Lemon Tree Hotel, Gachibowli
Chain Hotel, Hotel
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.
8. Vivanta by Taj Begumpet
Hotel
9. Taj Deccan
Chain Hotel, Hotel
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.
Pratyusha Prakash contributed additional reporting to this article.
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