My recent trip to Hyderabad was an enjoyable one thanks to a fabulous stay at the Novotel Hyderabad. Known for its beautiful pearls, Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Telangana. Once known for its beauty and affluence, this city has now become a hub of trade and commerce and an international centre for information technology (IT).
Pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, and textiles are among the items widely manufactured in Hyderabad. Service activities have expanded dramatically, especially those associated with IT, contributing the major share of the city’s economy.
Tourism in the city has also grown in significance with a substantial share from the MICE travel. With a prominent presence in MICE market and ease of hosting the events, the city is known as MICE capital in the country. Hyderabad has also long been associated with the production of Telugu-language films, which gave rise to its nickname Tollywood.
On arrival we were accorded a grand welcome by the General Manager Manish Dayya in the form of a traditional Indian aarti, flowers and local sweets and I was delighted to see my photograph displayed in the hotel’s lobby. As we entered the Executive Suite, we were pleased to see unique welcome amenities presented by the hotel. Our suite was vast and elegant with a separate bedroom and living area.
Opened in 2006, the 15 acre complex comprises of a 5-star hotel- Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and the only purpose-built convention centre in India- Hyderabad International Convention Centre. With 288 rooms and suites, the recently refurbished hotel features four varied dining outlets to please every palate, recreational facilities and landscaped lawns and gardens. Equipped with meeting rooms, a business centre, outdoor swimming pool, full service spa and salon and a fitness centre, the hotel is internally connected to the convention centre.
Managed by AccorHotels, Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) is a world class venue with a pillar-less hall spanning over 65,000 sq. ft. Based on requirements, the main hall can be partitioned into 6 smaller halls. The hall can seat up to 6,500 guests at once and has even hosted events for more than 10,000 guests. It has 37 breakout rooms spread over 3 levels, which include specialized meeting rooms, speaker preparatory rooms, boardrooms, VIP lounges, translation booths and more.
A reception area with a capacity of up to 500 guests and 16 terminals for registrations is located on the ground level. Over its decade of operations, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC has played a significant role in positioning Hyderabad on the world map for MICE. In India, Hyderabad is ranked among the top four MICE cities by number of events hosted.
Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre, said “Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is a unique establishment, being the only 5-star hotel in India, interconnected with a purpose built convention centre, Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
Not only is HICC the largest MICE venue in India, but the ease of organizing any event at HICC is one of the key factors for associations, and businesses to choose us. This year we launched our vibrant new All Day Dining restaurant – Food Exchange that presents a contemporary and lively dining space amidst the picturesque setting of the hotel.”
The hotel has recently revamped all 288 rooms and public areas and has launched the new multi cuisine restaurant- ‘Food Exchange’, a contemporary social hub with flexible seating including the open air seating overlooking the pool. ‘The Bar’ at the hotel also has a completely new look with chic and vibrant interior and refreshed menu offerings.
The refurbished complex is a one stop destination for modern day travellers, ones looking for a contemporary stay in the heart of Hyderabad’s IT hub yet surrounded by acres of greens offering a resort like experience.
We spent a lot of time relaxing in the O2 Spa and Salon where expert therapists ensured we had a super time.
Located on the lobby level of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, O2 Spa offers various luxurious signature treatments to choose from.
O2 Spa is one of India’s most reputed spas and we tried the aromatherapy, the head massage and deep tissue massages along with the anti ageing facial. The Salon therapists were very efficient and ensured we had a super time pampering ourselves during the hair spa, hair cut and colouring sessions along with the pedicure and manicure sessions. Definitely a must visit when in this hotel!
Food Exchange is a contemporary, casual and multi-cuisine restaurant that serves food from all over the world. The restaurant is widely known for its innovative and modern reinterpretation of popular dishes and beverages. My interactions with Chef Eqbal were interesting and the friendly chef dished up a variety of foods for me during my visit.
Among the best restaurants in Hitech City, Hyderabad, Food Exchange is designed to be a Social Hub with flexible seating options. A scenic poolside and beautifully landscaped lawns form the backdrop of the restaurant. The restaurant is a must-try for its signature dishes and beverages such as Guntur Style Chicken Pizza, Lamb Kheema Pav, Roghni Seekh, Bangkok Margarita, Chocopresso and authentic Filter Coffee.
Dinner was at La Cantina where talented chefs dish up authentic Pan Asian cuisine in a fun themed setting.
This unique restaurant serves a selection of Pan Asian delights, including classics like Vietnamese Pho Ga, Satay Prik Gai and Chilli Garlic Lobster. Delicious renditions of Lamb Bulgogi or Nam Phrik Tiger Prawns are rounded off with all-time favourite desserts, Coconut Tres Leches or Black Rice Pudding.
Indoor dining is set against Aztec-inspired décor, or one can dine under the stars beside the scenic pool and lawns – for a truly stellar dining experience. We spent an evening at The Bar which has cosy armchairs and soft lighting and live acoustic music. This venue has an extensive list of cocktails, whiskies, spirits and beers to choose from and is a great place to unwind with colleagues and friends after a demanding day of business meetings and conferences. The Bar features a live band performing classics and new hits late into the night.
Along the corridor that connects the hotel to the convention centre sits Le Café, a European sidewalk themed deli that serves baked delights and desserts. This cute little place is perfect for a cup of tea or coffee as it has a large selection of coffees and sandwiches, baked goodies alongside customised multi-tiered cakes for all occasions. Gourmet sandwiches (including bagels) are made to order along with the smoothies and slushies.
While leaving, the General Manager Manish Dayya was gracious enough to offer us beautiful gifts such as pearl jewellery sets and other local items as souvenirs. A stay at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is a pleasant experience owing to the variety of options for foodies, the beautifully decorated suites and rooms, an expansive poolside and O2 spa which is equipped with efficient therapists. Worth several visits whether for business or pleasure while in Hyderabad!
Address: Novotel and HICC Complex, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India
Phone: +91 40 6682 4422
Website: novotelhyderabad.com
