The Leela Hyderabad has officially opened its doors to guests in Banjara Hills. The hotel’s design and architecture are deeply rooted in the local culture, showcasing the beauty of the Deccan region (DC: Ravi Teja)
Hyderabad: In the heart of Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, a new gem has emerged in the world of luxury hospitality. The Leela Hyderabad has officially opened its doors to guests. The hotel’s design and architecture are deeply rooted in the local culture, showcasing the beauty of the Deccan region.
As guests enter the hotel, they are greeted with a ceremonial welcome, complete with the fragrance of attar, synonymous with Hyderabad. The hotel uses two fragrances—Neroli and Vetiver, which are very calming and possess healing properties. The hotel's staff is dressed in elegant attire, adorned with intricate designs inspired by the local Ikat sarees.
The hotel’s interior design is a masterpiece, with each element carefully curated to reflect the local culture. The Leela Hyderabad boasts an impressive collection of art pieces, including works by renowned artists such as M.F. Husain. The hotel’s walls are adorned with stunning murals and paintings that showcase the beauty of Hyderabad's rich cultural heritage. The property also features a beautiful Shiv temple at its entrance brought all the way from Varanasi and a few pillars representing the famous Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. The hotel’s floors feature beautiful Kalamkari-styled carpets, adding to the overall ambiance of the space.
When it came to designing the Leela hotel they were deeply mindful of the surroundings and the rich cultural heritage of the Deccan region, says Deepthi Reddy, Managing Director of Pioneer Holiday Resorts Limited, “Our goal was to create a tribute to the state of Telangana and the city of Hyderabad, showcasing its unique charm and character,” she adds.
From the uniforms worn by the staff, inspired by the traditional Pochampally Ikat, to the art details that reflect the Persian Mughal influence, every element of the hotel has been carefully curated to celebrate the local culture. “We have also partnered with local artists to showcase their work and promote the rich artistic heritage of the region,” says Deepthi.
One of the hotel’s most striking features is the stunning chandelier, adorned with the Shamsa Medallion, a motif used in the travelling tents of royalty. The opulent chandelier features intricate gold carvings, believed to bring good fortune. At the entrance, orange plants symbolising prosperity add a thoughtful touch, showcasing the hotel’s attention to detail.
The hotel’s culinary experience is equally impressive, with a range of dining options available to guests. The all-day dining restaurant, Solcito, serves a range of international cuisine, while the signature Leela Library Bar offers the finest selection of single malt. The hotel also features a Chef Studio, a unique space where chefs can showcase their culinary skills through pop-up restaurants and cooking demonstrations.
The Leela Hyderabad is a true reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage, and its commitment to luxury and elegance is unparalleled. As Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, notes, “This hotel is a body of passion, extremely high-quality work, and good taste. It takes a combination of all of that, but then to put it together in a concise form, and something that is also executable, is really phenomenal.”
The hotel’s focus on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a range of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental footprint. From sourcing local ingredients to reducing energy consumption, the hotel is committed to minimising its impact on the environment.
The Leela Hyderabad aims to offer guests a unique experience. As Deepthi notes, “The Leela Hyderabad is a statement of our pride in the city’s past and our faith in its future. We are committed to showcasing the best of Hyderabad to our guests, and to providing them with an unforgettable experience."
Talking about what sets The Leela Hyderabad apart from the other luxe properties in the city, As Anuraag Bhatnagar notes, “The Leela Hyderabad is going to be exceptional. The kind of product, the aesthetics, the whole programming that has been envisioned here, the service design that has been rolled out in terms of experiences from the arrival rituals to evening ceremonies that we do, the entire F&B experience and programming, and everything is being handcrafted and curated.”
In terms of future expansion, Anuraag Bhatnagar notes, “We are going to go from 13 hotels to 20 hotels over the next three years. But right now. are excited to bring The Leela experience to this beautiful city.”
Throughout the hotel, you will find subtle nods to the city’s rich cultural heritage, including its famous Nazakat (elegance) and Tehzeeb (etiquette). From the intricate designs and patterns to the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, every aspect of The Leela hotel has been designed to provide a truly authentic and immersive experience of Hyderabad.
Our aim was not only to create a luxurious and comfortable space for our guests but also to provide a unique and immersive experience that showcases the unseen side of Hyderabad. While many people associate the city with its high-tech buildings, Charminar, and Biryani, we wanted to delve deeper and reveal the lesser-known aspects of Hyderabad's culture and history, sums up Deepthi.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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