Sheraton Hyderabad: A Strategic Hotel Conversion Delivered Under Pressure

ConversionIndiaHyderabadProject managementCompleted

In 2013, SAMHI Hotels engaged Ascentis to manage the conversion and expansion of a locally branded hotel (Royal Orchid) into a globally recognised Sheraton in Hyderabad’s emerging financial district. The mandate was ambitious: to upgrade 210 rooms, add 65 new hotel keys and 56 service apartments, as well as introduce new F&B outlets, meeting spaces, and back-of-house spaces all within a 20-month programme and no more than 12-month operational shutdown.

Ascentis led this development from the initial feasibility stage and reopened the hotel as a Sheraton in 2015, setting a new standard for strategic conversions in India’s upscale segment.

Project Objectives

Seamlessly convert a locally branded hotel into an international 5-star Sheraton property
Expand the property’s capacity while upgrading all existing infrastructure
Complete major construction and renovation within a strict 12-month shutdown window
Ensure compliance with Marriott’s brand and technical standards

Achievements

A detailed planning of works and costs

The success of a conversion lies in the detailed scoping of the works, to identify the “must-have” and the “good-to-have” and make the necessary arbitrages to meet the brand standards and cost targets. This preliminary work is made more difficult in an operating hotel with limited as-built information and opportunities to open ceilings and test existing systems.

Tight Programme, Zero Compromise

The team planned a 20-month clockwork programme with just 12 months allocated for shutdown. From demolition to FF&E installation, every activity was sequenced precisely to minimise guest disruption during in the initial stage and ensure the timely re–opening of the hotel post shutdown. This included necessary contingency planning to adapt to scope changes driven by design or by unknown site conditions.

Sheraton Hyderabad reopened in 2015 as a fully transformed international-grade property, strengthening SAMHI’s portfolio and Marriott’s presence in South India. The project stands as a case study in efficient hotel conversions, proving that strategic and successful rebranding can drive asset value and market positioning.

Ascentis’ delivery model for Sheraton Hyderabad has since become a template for similar conversion and repositioning projects in the region.