High design

The Park Hotels makes a flamboyant debut in Hyderabad with its spanking new The Park Hyderabad. Startlingly bold and modernistic in design, the seven-star property is superbly located in the city centre, overlooking the historic Hussain Sagar lake. A recurring leitmotif is a honeycomb metal screen, inspired by the traditional ‘jali’, which wraps itself around the entire structure, offering the hotel not only welcome shade but a distinct façade too. Within, an equally dramatic aesthetic dominates the 270 rooms, the three restaurants and four bars. But the hotel’s highlight is the funky 3D horizon pool. This aside, The Park is also a certified green hotel. See www.parkhotels.com.

Fresh start

A year-and-a-half after the 26/11 attack, The Oberoi, Mumbai is back — new and improved. Months of careful restoration has resulted in a complete transformation to include a dramatic 14-level atrium lobby and 287 freshly renovated rooms and suites. On the dining front, expect two new restaurants — Ziya for speciality Indian cuisine and the all-day dining Fenix — as well as the Eau Bar. Tariff: from Rs 25,000. Contact: 022-6632-5757, www.oberoihotels.com