I enjoy travelling for work; the excitement of new business is almost always complemented beautifully with gorgeous new properties to discover. Over Christmas, I zipped over to Hyderabad and was eager to visit the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, looked after ably by my good friend and general manager Manish Dayya who moved there from Goa.
Having arrived over Christmas, the air was festive and the ambience magical despite the Novotel Hyderabad being primarily a business hotel. In fact, it is one of the most ideally located business hotels in the city. Hyderabad International Convention Centre – one of
Asia’s largest convention centres – lies just adjacent and is connected internally, making Novotel Hyderabad the first choice for the jet set community.
But business is not all you see. Spread over 15 acres, Novotel Hyderabad combines affordable luxury with thrilling entertainment, delicious food, relaxation and wellness in one exquisite package. First-class facilities and a dynamic team ensure that everything from meetings and conferences to seminars and events run without a hitch.
Many of its 288 rooms and suites overlook the azure free form pool bordered by well-manicured lawns and a stunning outdoor restaurant. I took in the splendid views from my peaceful room, before heading to Food Exchange for brunch, a Sunday special at the hotel. A live band kept the mood upbeat as guests walked down aisles of fresh salads and sushi, classic Indian dishes, global food and a tantalising dessert spread.
With the festive season in full swing, I took a generous helping of traditional Christmas roast turkey with all the trimmings. Teamed with unending mimosas and the glorious 
sunshine of a clear south Indian winter, it was a far cry from the biting cold of Christmas back home in Ireland.
A short walk around the property reveals the reason behind its popularity. Sprawling spaces, state-of-the-art technology and round-the-clock customer service make it an absolute winner when it comes to meetings and events.
Through innovative use of space, its indoor meeting venue Granite spans 104.6 square metres. This is divided into three distinct spaces ideal for board meetings, which can be merged in several different combinations for the perfect space.
The Ballroom is spread over 235 square metres and works well for pre-wedding events, large meetings, exclusive launches and intimate cocktail parties.
Just adjacent, the Hyderabad International Convention Centre managed by Novotel umbrella group AccorHotels draws visitors and clients from around the world. Spanning more than 6,000 square metres, the pillar-less hall can accommodate more than 10,000 guests, featuring 37 breakout rooms over three levels. These include specialised meeting rooms, speaker preparatory rooms, board rooms, VIP lounges, translation booths and more.
Even the reception area can hold up to 500 guests and it boasts 16 terminals for registration. The main hall itself can be partitioned into six smaller halls. It is heartening to note that this centre has contributed so much to positioning Hyderabad among the top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) venues in India.
After my string of meetings, I headed back to La Cantina by the pool for my fix of Pan Asian and Mexican fare. The extensive menu tempts both the eyes and stomach with classics including enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, chimichangas, fajitas, chicken adobado and baked fish in Veracruz sauce. Accompanied by cocktails, tequilas and other spirits from the well-stocked bar, many an hour can pass you by.
I was happy to end my meal at La Cantina with a selection of its most popular desserts – tres leches, a dense Spanish sponge soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed and heavy cream), and banana dulce de leche wraps.
Sadly, my time at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre was coming to a close, but as I bid farewell to the now familiar staff in my chauffeured airport transfer, I truly appreciated the thoughtful service and facilities throughout my stay.
For More Details: http://www.novotelhyderabad.com
Sinéad McManus 