Katriya Hotel & Towers (Fortune Katriya)

Fortune Katriya does not have a star rating yet, but don't let that germinate any preconceived notions in your head. It's unbelievably economical for the luxury that it offers on a silver platter. But at the same time, do not let the absence of stars on its lapels lead you to believe that you could feed an army here.

Fortune Katriya takes "value for money" to new highs - er... lows? As you pull into the driveway, you are thinking your credit card is gonna take a hit. Oh, well, it won't hurt. At all.

The durbaan at the door looks the picture of Indin hospitality with a ready smile on his face. In fact, he would make for an excellent brand ambassador for Fortune Katriya just like the Maharaja did for Air India.

Set foot into the lobby, and look around. To your right will be the resplendent Orchid, Fortune Katriya's multi-cuisine restaurant, and in front of you will be Kuchipudi, a restaurant serving delicious Andhra food, exclusively (when it doesn't have sinfully tempting food-fests going on). The hotel's bar, Fifth Element, makes for a rather popular watering hole.

The hotel's banquet facilities are adaptable to any social setting. Each of its five halls has an access seperate from the main lobby. The Terrace Gardens and the lawns are almost perfect for weddings and parties.

Katriya categorises its rooms into one of three segments. The luxuries they afford do not justify the price. And for once, the party that that arrangement isn't fair to, is the hotel. Really, the place offers 5-star privileges, comfort and style at prices that would put 3-star hotels to shame.

Fortune Katriya is a business hotel. Fittingly, its business center is shy of nothing. It brags about excellent convention facilities as well.

In sum, the hotel bridges the gap between 3-star and 5-star luxury, and sets a fine example in the process. It really isn't surprising that it is always choc-a-bloc with guests.