Why Novotel Hyderabad Became Our Family's Favourite Weekend Escape

Image: Novotel

We had been promising the kids a proper family weekend for months. You know how it goes—between school schedules, work deadlines, and the general chaos of daily life, quality time together keeps getting pushed to “next weekend.” When we finally blocked our calendars, we wanted somewhere close enough that we wouldn’t spend half the trip in traffic, but far enough from home that it actually felt like a getaway. That’s when a friend mentioned Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, and honestly, it exceeded every expectation.

That Rare Resort Feeling Without the Long Drive

The moment we drove through the gates, something shifted. The kids stopped fighting over the iPad, my husband looked up from his phone, and I felt my shoulders drop for the first time in weeks. There’s something about the sprawling lawns, the tall trees, and the sheer openness of the property that makes you forget you’re minutes from HITEC City. It genuinely feels like you’ve escaped to a resort—minus the five-hour drive and cranky children in the backseat.

Our seven-year-old immediately spotted the jogging tracks winding through the gardens. “Can we explore?” And just like that, we’d rented cycles for the whole family—yes, they have kid-sized ones too—and spent an hour just riding around, discovering little corners of greenery we didn’t expect. No screens, no complaints, just the four of us pedalling and laughing. When was the last time that happened at home?

Finally, a Room Where Everyone Fits

If you’ve ever tried squeezing a family into a standard hotel room, you know the drill. Someone’s sleeping on a rollaway bed shoved against the bathroom door, suitcases live on every surface, and by day two, everyone’s irritable. We booked the Junior Suite this time, and the difference was immediate. The kids had space to spread out their colouring books without us tripping over them. There was an actual living area where my husband could catch up on emails while I read and the children watched cartoons at a reasonable volume. The Superior and Executive Suites are even larger if you’re travelling with extended family or teenagers who need their own space—something we’re already considering for our next visit with the grandparents.

The Pool That Made Us Heroes

Let’s be honest—for kids, a hotel is only as good as its pool. And this one? It’s the largest hotel pool in Hyderabad, which meant our two spent hours doing cannonballs, racing each other, and inventing elaborate underwater games while we lounged nearby with cold drinks. No fighting for space with other families, no “be careful, it’s too crowded.” Just pure, uninterrupted pool time. We finally dragged them out when their fingers turned pruney and they were too hungry to protest.

Sunday Brunch: The Meal That Became an Event

Someone had told us about the Sunday brunch, but we weren’t prepared for how much the kids would love it. It wasn’t just the unlimited food—though watching my son attempt his fourth waffle was entertaining—it was the whole experience. They had a dedicated kids’ corner with activities, so we actually got to eat our meal warm while still being able to see them. There was live entertainment that kept everyone engaged, and the thematic setup made it feel special, like a celebration rather than just another meal out.

My daughter declared it “better than her birthday party,” which is high praise from someone who takes cake very seriously.

Dinner Experiences Worth Planning Around

We stumbled upon Permit To Grill on our second evening, and it became the unexpected highlight of our trip. They have this concept called Book My Grill where you essentially get your own private BBQ setup. The kids thought they were at a fancy camping trip, helping choose what went on the grill, watching everything cook. No waiting for dishes to arrive, no “sit still and be quiet.” Just us, gathered around our table, making memories over kebabs and grilled vegetables.

For families celebrating something special—a birthday, anniversary, or even just surviving the school year—Under The Mango Tree offers private dining for small groups. We’re already planning to bring my parents here for their anniversary; the intimate setting accommodates up to twenty people, making it perfect for a proper family gathering without the stress of hosting at home.

And I have to mention Le Café, because my daughter has now requested that all future birthday cakes come from here. The customised cakes are genuinely beautiful, and their selection of cupcakes, doughnuts, and pastries kept everyone happy during afternoon tea breaks. The European-inspired comfort food menu meant even quick snacks felt a little indulgent.

Grown-Up Time Actually Happened

Here’s what surprised us most: we both got actual relaxation. While the kids were occupied at the playground and kids’ play area—fully within view, well-maintained, and engaging enough that they didn’t need us hovering—I snuck away for a spa treatment. My husband hit the gym. We felt like functioning adults again, not just tired parents managing logistics.

Teaching Values Without a Lecture

Our kids are at that age where they notice everything and ask questions about everything. When they spotted the Green Key certification sign and asked what it meant, it opened up a lovely conversation about taking care of the environment. The hotel’s eco-friendly practices—from how they manage energy to reducing waste—gave us a real-world example of sustainability that landed better than any lecture could.

The Verdict

We’ve stayed at plenty of hotels as a family, but Novotel Hyderabad felt different. It wasn’t just child-friendly in that token way where they hand you a colouring sheet and call it a day. Every element seemed designed with the understanding that family travel means balancing wildly different needs—kids who want adventure, parents who need rest, and everyone wanting to feel comfortable without sacrificing quality.

We checked out already planning our next visit. The kids want to come back for another pool day, my husband wants to try the Book My Grill concept with his brother’s family, and I’m eyeing their rooms with pool views for a longer summer stay.

Sometimes the best family holidays aren’t about distant destinations. Sometimes they’re about finding a place close to home that makes everyone feel taken care of.

Address:

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre ☆☆☆☆☆

Novotel & HICC Complex (Adjacent to HITEC City), P O Bag 1101 Cyberabad Post Office, 500081 Hyderabad
India
Tel: +91-40-66067000
Fax: +91-40-66844422
Email: H6182-re@accor.com

Website Links: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre – Official home page

ALL – Accor Live Limitless

Social Media Links: Instagram @novotelhyd | Facebook

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