Being a night owl, a morning flight is nothing short of a nightmare. But thanks to the ongoing crisis, taking the first possible flight felt like the best option. For people like me, staying up the previous
night makes more sense than waking up early, and that’s exactly what I did. This is how my beautiful three-day trip began.
By the time I reached Hyderabad, I was a complete zombie, desperately looking for a bed to collapse on. But the moment I stepped into the Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, it felt like someone had switched me to high-energy mode. It began with a warm welcome, followed by a refreshing drink, and just like that, the exhaustion faded. What initially felt like a work trip had already begun to turn into an experience far more than just a resort stay. So here’s my quick review of whether the Hilton’s new property in Hyderabad is worth the hype or not.
Amenities and Hospitality
Following a beautiful and memorable welcome, I headed straight to my room, a premium balcony with a water view. With a stunning poolside view, a cosy balcony, and a spacious layout, the room had all the basic amenities and more. Room service was just a call away, exactly as you would expect in a premium property. Yes, surely there were a few things here and there that felt like a miss. For me, it was missing bathtub toiletries. When I am paying something over ₹20K a night, I would want a hassle-free, all-inclusive stay. But that said, the property is a complete beauty built in the lap of nature.
From the gym, gaming area, pool, and spa to everything in between, all facilities were top-notch. For any getaway, comfort and a good night’s sleep are key, and the beds and mattresses here truly deliver.
Food and Drinks
After a quick break post-arrival, it was time for the first meal at the heart of the resort, its all-day dining restaurant, Gingerfire. As they say, good food is good mood, and Gingerfire truly lives up to that. The restaurant is a celebration of authentic flavours, both global and local. Guests are invited to explore the rich tapestry of Asian culinary heritage, honouring the heart of every home, the kitchen, where diverse flavours, traditions, and stories from across Asia come together in a shared culinary journey.
Later in the evening came one of the most fun parts of the trip, snooze and booze. It was time for a drink-guessing session at Hilton’s Grid 78, the property’s only bar. Named after Hyderabad’s coordinates, 78.59°E, Grid 78 brings together global spirits with local inspirations. The cocktails are bold yet approachable, while the small plates, rooted in Hyderabadi flavours with a global touch, are perfect for sharing.
The next day, I enjoyed a culinary experience at Nero, a poolside restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes. From flatbreads and sandwiches to gourmet burgers and kebabs, Nero is inspired by the Italian philosophy of la dolce far niente, the art of unhurried living. True to its name, which symbolises water, flow, and ease, Nero is all about slowing down and savouring the moment.
The night ended with dinner at Yuzu, the yet-to-open pan-Asian speciality restaurant located beside the amphitheatre. Yuzu blends Japanese precision, Thai vibrance, Chinese boldness, and soulful Nikkei fusion into a vibrant yet refined experience. From sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and robata grills to ceviches and tiraditos, it promises to be a first-of-its-kind offering in Hyderabad.
Additional Experiences
Day 2 began with a fish-feeding experience at the creek. Standing on a bridge early in the morning, feeding the fish, and soaking in the surrounding natural beauty reminded me of how much we miss in the daily hustle and bustle of life. This was followed by what I can undoubtedly call the best part of the trip: an hour-long spa session that helped me forget all worries and truly unwind.
Hilton’s signature eforea wellness spa is designed to help guests reset, rebalance, and revive. With its philosophy of helping every visitor “emerge brighter,” the spa offers an extensive menu of treatments that blend global best practices with natural elements. The spa also offers curated experiences that allow guests to indulge in a day of pure bliss, customised to their unique needs.
On Day 2, we also set off for a detailed property visit, which showcased how nature has been meticulously preserved while still offering peak comfort and luxury to guests.
Overall Vibe
This trip reinforced my belief that Hilton is a complete family retreat, perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation.
The experience certainly delivers, but the pricing might give some travellers pause. With base rooms starting at ₹18,000 plus GST, Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley may feel a bit steep for weekend travellers seeking a calm and comfortable getaway, especially when the same budget could go further elsewhere.
