Taj Falaknuma Palace

Located 2,000 feet above the city, Taj Falaknuma Palace has recently opened after ten years of restoration and is without question Hyderabad's premier hotel. The beautifully restored palace, formerly the residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan, offers an insight to the lifestyle of the Nizam family who governed the city for many generations. Unlike other palace hotels, Falaknuma genuinely revives palace life and it is certainly a privilege to stay here.

The palace offers a choice of 60 rooms and suites with two restaurants, an outdoor pool and wonderful spa facilities. You will get to sample some of the very best food that India has to offer; the Italian restaurant offers excellent contemporary dishes whilst at Adaa the Indian restaurant you have the chance to eat like the Nizam.

All areas of the palace are open to guests and these include the magnificent 101 Dining Hall, with one of the longest dining tables in the world. The Jade room, which houses a rare collection of gems and cut glass chandeliers, and its terrace, makes for one of the most spectacular breakfast venues with views across the city. The Gol Bungalow is the perfect place for a sundowner whilst you take in the sounds of the city that rise up to the palace.

What was once the sole preserve of visiting royalty — King Edward VIII and the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II — will soon be yours to discover!

OUR RATING: Deluxe