This marked my fourth trip to Hyderabad (2007, 2013, 2017 and 2023) and third to Delhi (2013 and 2023). It's amazing to see how much growth there is in these cities each visit! It's also fun to visit as the partner and get to host team events and catch up with everyone!
My hotel room at ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad. Every few years we switch to a new preferred hotel, and this is the current one. Thanks to this trip, I am solidly into Marriott Gold status this year. I'm on pace to finish with 32 nights this year with the trips I already have booked. That's not many for a frequent traveler, but it's a lot for me. Especially when I consider Disney nights and Deloitte University nights aren't included in my away from home count.
I needed some comfort food when I arrived from Dubai and ordered room service pancakes at 10 p.m. It was a good choice and $6 well spent! In the morning I was able to take some photos from a lounge area balcony that was across the hall.
En route to the office I had to laugh that I saw IKEA. Especially since I had already text pictures of Dubai IKEA to someone. That place is everywhere. But I don't know how people get their IKEA purchases home in India when younger people that I'd expect to shop there have small cars or motorbikes.
When I was in Hyderabad last, they were just starting to build Tower 1 and Tower 2. Now we have two towers of office space and a third tower that serves as the DU India, our training center. Below is the front drive of the ITC and the hotel car that drove me to and from the towers each day.
I often joke that all Deloitte offices everywhere look the same. That in Hyderabad (or at 30 Rock), the only reason you would know you aren't in Chicago is when you head out for lunch. Both of those offices can also share the dubious distinction of having claustrophobic and slow elevators. Team Chicago for elevators! But otherwise, the offices and cubes are generally the same in all spots!
This is Tower 3 where DU India is housed. The collaboration space is amazing; the snacks are fantastic; and continuing on with the tradition of DU Westlake (Texas), the Starbucks is free! Whoot!
A group of PPMDs, senior managers and managers on my team joined me for traditional Northern Indian cuisine dinner at the Westin Hotel. The name of the restaurant, Kangan, means bangle, and there is a bangle maker who sits in front that you can give your color choices to for a complimentary, custom bangle.
After four days in the Hyderabad office, I flew to Delhi for Friday meetings and celebrations. I have a good story about getting to retrieve my checked bag before boarding my Delhi flight and also how the tennis ball that I use for massage drew a lot of attention in the security line. Let's just say the domestic terminal at the Hyderabad airport was more excitement than I was expecting!
The JW Marriott where I stayed was near the airport so I could conveniently get back for my 4 a.m. Saturday morning flight! It was very nice, but I didn't even get into bed the second night (Friday). After my dinner, I just showered and got into my travel clothes and did emails so I could be ready for a 1:30 a.m. car pickup.
Another late night arrival comfort food order from room service! I had also ordered some soup in case the pizza was bad. It was not. So I ate a lot!
See?! offices look the same everywhere! This is our secondary office space in Delhi (Gurgaon) in the Ambiance Mall neighborhood so that the team would be close by for our dinner at a restaurant attached to the mall. We also went to the main building at RMZ for an award ceremony for those receiving their CPA and Enrolled Agent certificates. I was so honored to get to help pass those out and celebrate!
Good-bye India! Until next time! For a souvenir I brought home local spices. Since I didn't have time to shop, one of the managing directors on my team ordered a selection from her grocery delivery and brought them to me on my last afternoon in the office. William and I have enjoyed using them since I've been back.
Another late night arrival comfort food order from room service! I had also ordered some soup in case the pizza was bad. It was not. So I ate a lot! 
See?! offices look the same everywhere! This is our secondary office space in Delhi (Gurgaon) in the Ambiance Mall neighborhood so that the team would be close by for our dinner at a restaurant attached to the mall. We also went to the main building at RMZ for an award ceremony for those receiving their CPA and Enrolled Agent certificates. I was so honored to get to help pass those out and celebrate!
