The Leela Makes Grand Debut in Hyderabad with New Luxury Hotel in Banjara Hills

The Leela Makes Grand Debut in Hyderabad with New Luxury Hotel in Banjara Hills

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 2, 2024

The Leela has officially marked its debut in Hyderabad with the opening of The Leela Hyderabad in the prestigious Banjara Hills neighborhood. This 156-room hotel offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and the rich cultural heritage of the Deccan Plateau. Known for its historical association with opulence, Banjara Hills sets the stage for the hotel to deliver an experience steeped in both tradition and contemporary comfort.

The Leela Hyderabad integrates bespoke design and intricate craftsmanship that reflects the region’s storied past. The hotel is set on a sprawling 2.5-acre property and features curated art pieces that honor the cultural legacy of Hyderabad. The design includes Warangal temple-inspired pillars, gilded ceilings, hand-painted murals, and chandeliers that pay tribute to the city’s artistic heritage.

Located in a city renowned for its cultural richness and growing prominence as a hub for innovation, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is designed to embody the city’s progressive spirit while retaining its connection to the grandeur of Deccan heritage.

Deepthi Reddy, Managing Director of Pioneer Holiday and Resorts Limited, commented, “The Leela Hyderabad reimagines luxury, combining design and heritage while embracing the progressive spirit of the city. It is a tribute to the grandeur of Deccan and a reinvention of Banjara Hills as a prime destination.”

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Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela, further emphasized the hotel’s strategic significance, stating, “The Leela Hyderabad is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our footprint in key markets. The city’s rich cultural history and its role as a global innovation hub make it an ideal location for us.”

The hotel also offers several dining options, including specialty restaurants that highlight both international and local flavors. Its wellness center spans 1,900 sq. m. and includes a spa, fitness facilities, and a serene pool area designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

With over 930 sq. m. of event space, including a terrace courtyard, The Leela Hyderabad is perfectly positioned as a venue for corporate meetings, social events, and weddings.

Incorporating elements that celebrate Hyderabad’s cultural legacy, the hotel promises an unforgettable experience for its guests, offering a mix of luxury, heritage, and world-class service.


Sterling Kodai Valley Unveils New Cycle-Themed Suites Inspired by Slow Travel

Sterling Kodai Valley Unveils New Cycle-Themed Suites Inspired by Slow Travel

By Hariharan U

Published on November 26, 2025

Sterling Kodai Valley has rolled out its new cycle-themed suites, adding a refreshing twist to how guests experience the hill station. Known for creating stays that reflect the soul of a destination, Sterling has once again built something that feels both playful and deeply connected to the outdoorsy charm of Kodaikanal.

Slow travel has become one of the biggest trends in global tourism, with more travellers now choosing unhurried holidays over packed schedules. Studies show that Indian leisure travellers increasingly prefer relaxed plans, while global research highlights a growing shift towards nature-based experiences. Cycling, easy walking trails and immersive outdoor time are now top picks for many holidaymakers and Kodaikanal fits right in with its cool air, lakeside paths and gentle forest routes.

This spirit of slow exploration shapes the new suites. Full-sized bicycles placed as art pieces, wheel-themed décor and tricycle-inspired amenity baskets bring a fun, nostalgic feel to every part of the room. The spaces are warm, imaginative and rooted in the vibe of the hills, giving guests a stay that feels far more personal than a regular resort room. Many visitors say the theme instantly connects them to the experience of Kodai, even before they step outside.

Speaking about the launch, Harinath M, SVP – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “At Sterling, we focus on creating stays that help guests connect with a destination in authentic and memorable ways. Kodaikanal has a timeless appeal because of its calm setting, cool air and the sense of exploration it inspires. Our cycle-themed suites celebrate this spirit, mirroring the natural rhythm of Kodai, where guests often pick up bicycle rentals and ride around the lake or explore quieter forest trails at their own pace. We want them to return home with memories not just of what they saw, but of how deeply they felt part of the hills.”

Along with the theme, the rooms maintain the comforts guests look for during a hill-station getaway, spacious layouts, soft bedding and valley-facing sit-outs that make unwinding easy. Guests can also enjoy a spa, all-day dining, indoor games and a dedicated Discovery Central designed for children.

To keep the sense of exploration alive outside the rooms, the resort has added new experiences to its Discoveries and Experiences programme. These include a night jeep ride through quiet trails, an off-road trip to Puliyur Kombai and guided treks covering shola forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Evenings often turn cosy with bonfires and outdoor dinners. The resort has also introduced “Crispy Tales at Kodai,” where guests handpick vegetables, learn Murukku making and cook with the chef making meals more fun and hands-on.

These curated experiences reflect what travellers love about Kodaikanal pine forests, blooming parks, lake-side rides and postcard-perfect viewpoints. With its cycle-themed suites, Sterling Kodai Valley brings all of this into the stay itself, ensuring that the mood of Kodaikanal carries through every part of the holiday.

For more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com


Hotel Broadway Marks 70 Years, Chor Bizarre Celebrates 35 Years as the Iconic Delhi Landmark Reopens

Hotel Broadway Marks 70 Years, Chor Bizarre Celebrates 35 Years as the Iconic Delhi Landmark Reopens

By Hariharan U

Published on November 25, 2025

Hotel Broadway, one of Delhi’s most loved heritage hotels, has completed 70 years and reopened as part of the Alivaa Collection. The property, which first came up in 1956, has been refreshed with a new look while keeping its old-world charm intact. For three generations, the hotel has been a warm and familiar stay for guests, and the relaunch aims to carry that legacy forward.

Just minutes away from Connaught Place and Old Delhi, the hotel sits in a sweet spot that connects guests to both the historic and modern sides of the city. The newly done-up rooms feature Indian art and photography, with a few spaces styled by artist Catherine Levy, known for her playful take on Indian pop and kitsch culture. The serene courtyard adds a cosy place for guests to relax with tea, cool drinks, or a quiet read. The hotel also continues to house the legendary Chor Bizarre, a restaurant that has been a favourite for 35 years.

The story of Hotel Broadway began when Mr. Tirath Ram Amla bought the land thinking he could build a winter home but ended up constructing a full hotel after discovering the terms. He entrusted architect A. P. Kanvinde, who had just returned from Harvard, to design the building. When the Art Deco–inspired hotel opened, it introduced several firsts for Delhi, including what was considered one of the earliest lifts in the city. Rooms with bed and breakfast were priced at Rs 15 for singles and Rs 42 for doubles rates that now feel like a slice of history.

Reflecting on the milestone moment, Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman of Old World Hospitality, shared, “Reopening Hotel Broadway on its 70th anniversary is deeply special for us. My grandfather Mr. Tirath Ram Amla built it with great love in 1956, and my mother Mrs. Vijay Lakshmii Khattar operated it with great care till 2020. When I came back from the US in 1986, this was my first job and after renovating the hotel, my wife Rashmi and I opened our first restaurant, Chor Bizarre here in 1990. Therefore, the emotional connect for all of us at Old World Hospitality is immense. We are excited to now be a part of Alivaa Hotels’ terrific sales and marketing network which shall breathe new life into this iconic property.”

Sharing his vision for the road ahead, Vikramjit Singh, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, said,
Our vision for this hotel is to show case the culture, history and its timeless elegance to the world. Every room, every space carries the spirit of the era gone by, now re-imagined for today’s traveller to experience and cherish. This is just a start of our relationship with the legendary Rohit Khattar. Together, we plan to take his culinary expertise to our future hotels as well.”

The hotel is close to major Metro stations, railway hubs, and around 21 km from the airport, making it easy to move around the city. Popular spots such as Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Janpath, and Hauz Khas are all within convenient reach.

Rooms range from compact Superior Singles to larger Superior Doubles and Deluxe Rooms. All rooms come with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee setups, WiFi, and international sockets. Services include 24x7 reception, valet parking, luggage storage, room service, and various on-request facilities.

Chor Bizarre continues to be one of the biggest draws. Known for its quirky “thieves’ market” theme, it has been serving regional Indian cuisine, especially Kashmiri dishes, for over 35 years and remains a standout name in India’s dining scene.

About Old World Hospitality

Old World Hospitality began with Chor Bizarre in 1990 and has since developed several well-loved restaurant brands such as Indian Accent, Comorin, All American Diner, Oriental Octopus, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, Past Times, and Eatopia. Many of these concepts have moved into EHV International, where they continue to expand across cities.

About Alivaa Hotels & Resorts

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts is an upscale brand backed by Ananta Capital, currently operating 25+ hotels across India. The company aims to reach 100 hotels under three brands Alivaa, Hoften, and Xenious—each designed for different types of travellers. This partnership strengthens Alivaa’s growing presence in the hospitality space.


Wyndham Rewards Partners with Beverly D'Angelo to Offer Members a Festive Status Upgrade

Wyndham Rewards Partners with Beverly D'Angelo to Offer Members a Festive Status Upgrade

By Hariharan U

Published on November 25, 2025

Wyndham Rewards has joined hands with Beverly D'Angelo loved worldwide for her iconic role as Ellen Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation—to bring members a special holiday surprise. This season, members can enjoy a complimentary one-level status upgrade, giving them better perks and a smoother travel experience.

Members can request their upgrade through WyndhamRewards.com/Upgrade, unlocking benefits like early check-in, late checkout, preferred rooms and even suite upgrades depending on their new tier. It’s a simple way to make holiday travel a bit more relaxed, especially for those planning trips to visit family and friends. For those already at Diamond level, registering unlocks 5x the points on qualified stays—the biggest bonus of the year.

Sharing the holiday spirit, Beverly D'Angelo said, "The holidays are full of joy, cheer and, let's be honest, a little chaos. Everyone's merry, everyone's messy and somehow, someone always ends up sleeping on the couch. That's where Wyndham Rewards comes in. With more than 20 brands and thousands of hotels, it's the simple way to stay close to family, without being too close. A real bed, extra perks and a little breathing room? Now that's how you brighten the season without tripping a breaker."

The program has four membership tiers Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond with each level offering additional benefits. With this festive upgrade, every member can enjoy at least Gold-level perks during the season.

Blue members get a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay along with free Wi-Fi and rollover nights. Gold members enjoy all Blue benefits plus preferred rooms, late checkout and a dedicated services line, along with 10% more points. Platinum members unlock early check-in and car rental upgrades at participating locations, earning 15% more points. Diamond members receive suite upgrades, a welcome amenity and 20% more points on every stay.

Mike Shiwdwin, GVP, Loyalty and Guest Engagement at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, "We all know what travel looks like this time of year, crowded airports, packed cars and family gatherings that always seem to grow by a few unexpected guests. Wyndham is here to help. Whether it's one night at a Days Inn, a long weekend at a La Quinta, or an all-out, well-deserved splurge at a beautiful Wyndham Grand, this upgrade is our way of reminding travelers that with Wyndham Rewards, every stay shines a little brighter."

The offer is open to Blue, Gold and Platinum members across the world. Anyone who isn’t enrolled can sign up for free and claim the upgrade immediately. Blue members move to Gold, Gold to Platinum, and Platinum to Diamond. Perks apply instantly, except for Caesars Rewards status match benefits which are excluded. Members availing this upgrade cannot register for the 5x points promotion.

Wyndham Rewards, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is known as one of the most generous hotel loyalty programs. With millions of members and thousands of hotels, vacation clubs and rentals worldwide, members enjoy a guaranteed 1,000 points per qualified stay and can redeem free nights starting at just 7,500 points.

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