I’ve started this new year by drowning in work projects. It wasn’t planned but it seems like the first three months of this year are packed with things I need to get done. I’m not complaining at all since I love being busy but sometimes in the midst of all the madness, a day or two to cut off and unwind is essential. Thanks to the Novotel in Hyderabad, I did just that. Two days away from the city with complete rest and relaxation will do wonders to recharge your batteries and so much so that I didn’t want to go back home so soon.
Super easy access to the airport– While it’s every travelers wish to be located in the heart of a destination or city center as they call it, The Novotel is strategically located 5 or 7 minutes away from the airport. If you’re in the city for a work trip this is ideal to get in and out and there’s absolutely no chance of missing your flight because you’re stuck in the midst of Hyderabad traffic. The hotel has plenty to keep you occupied without having to set foot outside of it but should you wish to make a trip to the city that of course is possible as well. If you ask me, it’s a delightful change to be away and on the outskirts.
Greenery Everywhere – Another plus point of being away from the city means there is a lot of space and this property is sprawled out. With fine manicured lawns, two large tennis courts and idyllic pool there is greenery everywhere you turn. From the entrance to the gardens near the pool and of course the gorgeous view from my room. It’s a joy to not wake up to buildings and concrete and for a change the hills in the distance are a great wake up call.
The Spa – my greatest indulgence is a massage and on this trip I most certainly indulged at their Spa. While there are people who do not like to be touched or find the entire spa process unnecessary or pointless, I’m what you call a complete spa junkie. The longer the session the better. This time I opted for a Swedish Massage coupled with a body scrub and wrap. I’m told it’s one of their most popular services and rightly so. It takes a while but completely worth the wait. My masseuse was particularly good and managed to get rid of every knot in my body. The second highlight of this experience ( first one being the massage of course ) was this gorgeous ginger honey lemon tea they served me post my massage. It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever had and I’ve actually been having it at home everyday post my trip.
The Chef – I think one of the real gems at the Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel is their Executive chef. Chef Swaminandan is a soft spoken man with over 11 years of experience in the industry and a wealth of knowledge about food and various cuisines. He’s worked with big names in the food world from Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wearing and Atul Kochhar at his Michelin star restaurants as well as a stint at Noma in Copenhagen. If that doesn’t impress you enough he’s also appeared as a semi finalists at the Master Chef UK Professionals in 2011. Chef is in charge of all the food at the hotel including their 24 hour coffee shop called The Square , the bar and their exquisite signature India restaurant Haldi. I had a fabulous meal at Haldi but my most memorable was a special menu curated by Chef Swaminandan which included a ridiculously good lamb dish that became extremely popular on my instagram feed. If you do visit the hotel, make it a point to ask Chef for his personal recommendations or then live a little and let me curate a meal for you – something different and off the menu, trust me, you will be amazed!!
The Room – While hotel rooms are equipped to cater to your every need, in my opinion the real room experience lies solely on how comfortable the bed is. I can happily report mine was dreamy and despite having a desk and comfy arm chair in my room to sink into, I refuse to leave my bed. The joy of snuggling 🙂 The room has everything I could ask for, a super sized robe to lounge in, an iron and board so that my suitcase crushed clothes can look semi decent if not perfectly pressed, a mini bar with all the essentials and every toiletry possibly needed.
They do however have three room categories, the basic the premium and suite. While the basic is anything but basic, it has everything, the premium has all of it apart from a few furnishing changes, as well as an iPod docking station and a coffee machine! Quite a step up from the regular kettle and tea bags! It also includes a private pick up and drop to the airport ( the basic room also has an airport drop but it’s a shuttle bus ) as well as access to their premier lounge which has happy hours in the evening ( drinks on the house!) and you could even have your breakfast there to avoid the crowd and cackle in the morning in the main dining restaurant. What’s really interesting is that it’s not even a very high difference in the tariff between the basic and premier rooms.
Special tips – They do a wonderful High Tea if you enjoy that sort of things with a lovely spread of scones, salmon sandwiches, jam tarts and cucumber sandwiches along with tea and it’s a perfect way to spend the evening lazing by their gorgeous poolside.
If you’re a sports fan then this is an ideal hotel. Not only do they have a lot of facilities to enjoy be it the pool, the gym, the tennis courts or all the other sporting activities but right next to the hotel is a massive Decathlon store which houses every single product or accessory that a sportsman or a general active person might like or need. I didn’t expect myself to really spend much time there but it’s ideal because it’s also so close to the airport, its the perfect pitstop and might I add very reasonably priced. I’m told Thane has the same store but this was my first visit to such a store.
These are just a few more pictures from my stay at the hotel. I have a major problem with editing and can never decide how many pictures to include in a post so I always post the rest in the end!
Disclaimer : This was a sponsored trip. Thoughts and views are my own.
lovely photos! will keep them in mind when I’m in Hyderabad.
Thank you 🙂 🙂
The Tiny Taster stayed a coupla days at the Novotel
But, for more, she would definitely dwell
The spas and high teas
Sent her into ecstacies
She came back from the trip a rejuvenated belle!
I have fond memories of this hotel too. Till date I believe that it has the best breakfast spread!
Yes ! I completely agree, I really enjoyed their breakfast 🙂 Thank you so much for reading, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thanks for the share Roxy.. I’ve had some great times at Novotel – Pune. Had even written a review for their street food festival. I really liked what i saw when i visited them. As usual, you’ve penned beautifully. 🙂
Thank you so much Kainaaz 🙂 Next time you’re in Hyderabad you must visit, you’d really enjoy yourself:)