Standing tall with its metallic facade, Le Méridien Hyderabad couldn’t have had it better than this. It is right in the middle of the busy Gachibowli, situated on the main road for easy accessibility for travellers, yet cut off from the hustle-bustle, so you can enjoy moments of peace and privacy, away from the city’s humdrum. Once you enter the 13-floor property, you’re in for a rather relaxing weekend with modern amenities. Making its debut in the city, the Parisian brand is located across the globe including Istanbul, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Rome and French Polynesia.
Map it out
As we stepped inside for an exclusive property tour, we received a warm welcome from the staff. However, we were rather distracted by the incredible interiors. For instance, consider the multi-coloured ceiling sculpture — about one lakh diffused acrylic pieces are put together — the contours of the hilly levels (representing the Deccan Plateau) have been improvised in the art installation with breaks and folds of the metal jaal, woven intricately. The reflection from this bathes the lobby with colours. The stunning lac and acrylic birdri tiles (an intricate form of art and design work inlaid with gold and silver) adorn the walls. There’s also a topographic map of the city starting from the reception and continues till the end of the lobby. As you wait for the check-in process to be done, we suggest you spend your time spotting your favourite parts of Hyderabad on the map.
Soon, General Manager Rakesh Upadhyay ushered us in, saying, “Keeping up with the theme of design, philosophy and discovery, we promise stylish accommodations and authentic food at Le Méridien hotel. This being our first branch here, we are excited to offer our guests fresh concepts in service and food and beverage with personalised touches that aim to set new hospitality standards.”
Straight from the hearth
Before we get set with the property tour, we headed to Turquoise for lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to notice that the all-day diner is bustling with partons, less than two weeks since the launch of the hotel. “The response has been great, to be honest. We have reservations every day and we also hosted a party in the rooftop bar recently. Hyderabad has been welcoming,” says Rakesh, adding that each of the in-house restaurants is named after popular gems — like turquoise and jade. One end of the space overlooks the Gachibowli road with roof-to-floor glass windows, bringing in natural light. Done up in grey and white, the paintings that cover the wall towards the end add colour. The seating is placed in a way that offers privacy to each table.
Catering to modern European and Asian cuisines, Turquoise has a semi-open kitchen where you can watch chefs whip up some delicious dishes for you. Pasta, dim sums or kebabs — name it and you shall be served. The 155-seater offers both a-la-carte and buffet (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We start with a soothing mocktail made of strawberry and chia seeds, perfect to quench our thirst on a sunny afternoon. Soon, executive chef, Dolphy Lobo makes his way to the table with a plate full of hot kebabs. Served in metal containers with a burning coal in the bottom, we relish the tender Paneer Peshawari and spicy Seekh Kebab.
Considering Italian cuisine is the chef’s speciality, we’re not surprised when Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli is the dish we love the most. Cooked with roasted pepper, finely chopped spinach with cheesy ravioli makes for a great main course. For desserts, we pick a bowl of Payasam — creamy and sweet, this one is quite the hit!
Room with a view
Staying true to Méridien ethos, the plush hotel breathes a chic, contemporary yet casual style with an accent on comfort and luxury. There are 241 artistically designed rooms, which are modern with a touch of history, in six categories — Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, Club King, Club Twin, Deluxe Suite and Executive Suite. While none of the rooms have a balcony, all of them dwarf small buildings, giving you a breathtaking view of the city. Tastefully curated artworks and modern décor are what make the room make you feel like home. Adding local flavour, the bathrooms have a tiny rock painted in bright colours such as blue placed on the wall — an ode to the Deccan plateau that Hyderabad is a part of.
With an increasing number of corporate professionals opting for staycations within the city, Le Méridien stands out for its personalised experience bringing together luxury and detox in the heart of Hyderabad.
Price for rooms start at Rs.7,000 ++.
Pictures by Vinay Madapu.