Weekends and Whispered Stories: A She Tales Staycation at Hilton Manyata, Bengaluru

Where the weekday ends and your story begins…

Bengaluru: In a city like Bengaluru, the weeks often blur into one another. Between traffic jams that test your patience and teams calls that hijack lunch breaks, the very idea of escape begins to sound mythical. So when the weekend rolled around, I did something radical: I checked out—not from my to-do list, but from the daily grind—and checked into Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park.

A glittering jewel tucked inside North Bengaluru’s commercial nerve centre, Hilton Manyata might read “business” on paper, but what it offers is a soulful symphony of luxury, space, and something I wasn’t expecting: stories stirred into cocktails.

The Arrival: Business Park, But Make It a Hideaway

Opened in 2022, this Hilton property stands tall and tasteful amidst the sprawling campus of Embassy Manyata Business Park. But don’t let the word “business” fool you. This is no corporate box of beige monotony. From the moment you step in, there’s a rhythm that’s slower, softer—crafted for those who need a breather, not a briefing.

The check-in was smooth, the welcome warm. It didn’t feel like a transactional hotel lobby—it felt like the entrance to a curated experience. There’s something reassuring about being greeted with poise and precision, all while sipping on a welcome drink that actually tastes like thought went into it.

My room? A calm cocoon of plush bedding, soothing palettes, and well-thought-out touches like a chaise by the window, perfect for late-night reading or early-morning coffee. The view overlooked the curated green pockets within the business park, offering that elusive blend of urban energy and weekend serenity. In many ways, Hilton Manyata had me at hello.

Staycation Energy: The Rhythm of Rewind

It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of North Bengaluru once you’re inside the hotel. Everything—from the scent in the corridor to the soft lighting in the elevators—tells you: “slow down.” And that’s exactly what I did.

Hilton Manyata’s architecture blends utility with elegance. There are quiet corners for introspection, sprawling lounges where the sunlight pools generously, and a rooftop poolside that whispers luxury without being loud.

I found myself wandering—sometimes with a book, sometimes without a purpose—letting the space lead me. Even though it’s technically designed for corporate travelers, Hilton Manyata understands leisure just as fluently. With every corner considered and curated, it’s not hard to see why the hotel is becoming a favorite weekend nest for urban dwellers.

The Culinary Compass: Neo Kitchen & Neer

As kids, going to a hotel buffet was an adventure. The moment you saw that endless spread, you’d plunge right in—stacking your plate with a chaotic mix of biryani, curd rice, noodles, and dessert in one go, driven more by excitement than appetite. But now, it’s different. It’s not just about stuffing your plate—it’s about choosing what resonates. What comforts. What excites. What speaks to you.

At Neo Kitchen, the all-day dining space at Hilton Manyata, I did exactly that. Despite the expansive buffet that could impress even the pickiest of eaters—with everything from mezze platters to made-to-order pasta—I went straight for the sambar rice. Yes, just that. Hot, comforting, soul-hugging sambar rice with a side of crispy fryums. It hit home like a warm memory. What surprised me was not just how authentically it was made—balanced spices, rich lentils, and that unmistakable hint of homemade ghee—but how it stood out even amidst a sea of elaborate dishes.

And here’s the best part: the buffet isn’t rigid. Every section—from salads to desserts—was customizable. Whether you want your salad tossed fresh, your sandwich grilled a certain way, or your dessert garnished differently, they do it with a smile. Neo Kitchen might wear the badge of a global buffet, but it remembers to speak your food language.

By dinnertime, I was ready to switch moods and cuisines. I walked over to Neer, Hilton Manyata’s Indian specialty restaurant by the poolside. The wind had picked up slightly, a chilly breeze brushing past as the stars peeked through Bengaluru’s evening haze. It was the perfect setting for something coastal.

I started with the Tenga Manga Sundal—a deceptively simple dish with raw mango, coconut, and tempered chickpeas, bursting with texture and acidity. It was familiar, yet elevated. Then came the stars of the meal: Vankaya kura and Chicken gassi, each paired with endless rounds of appams and neer dosas. I genuinely lost count of how many I devoured. The appams were pillowy with those crisp edges, while the neer dosas were delicate and just perfect to scoop up the thick gravies.

And here’s what made it even more special—Neer’s team includes staff who are speech and hearing impaired. Communication here transcends language; it flows through eye contact, gestures, and the unmistakable warmth of hospitality done right. You don’t need words when the food, the service, and the intention speak so loudly.

Whether you want to experience the quiet joy of comfort food or the full range of Southern coastal flair, Hilton Manyata delivers with grace and generosity.

The charm of both restaurants lies not just in what they serve, but how they make you feel. There’s a certain romance to dining at Hilton Manyata—a blend of attentiveness, taste, and space to savour.

Double Up with SHE TALES: Where Cocktails Tell Her Story

But the real showstopper of my weekend staycation was neither the room nor the pool—it was Double Up, the hotel’s all-female-staffed bar, and more importantly, She Tales.

Imagine a bar where the drinks aren’t just concoctions—they’re conversations. Where every cocktail comes with a story, every garnish with a glint of personality. She Tales isn’t a gimmick. It’s an emotionally intelligent menu designed by women who know what it means to listen, to express, to hold a room without raising their voices.

From a smoky whiskey creation inspired by overcoming imposter syndrome to a floral gin blend that celebrates unapologetic joy, every drink had depth. And it’s not just about flavor—it’s about feeling. Each bartender shares the tale behind their creation, sometimes through a note clipped to the glass, sometimes through an impromptu chat that lingers longer than the drink.

In a world where bars often drown in performance masculinity, Double Up is a symphony of subtle strength and artistic storytelling. And somehow, by the end of two drinks and three stories, I felt lighter. Seen. Heard.

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She Tales felt like an anthology, a collection of lived experiences distilled into spirits. At Hilton Manyata, the bar becomes a stage for feminine voice and vision—serving not just craft cocktails but soulful connection.

The Last Sip: More Than a Stay

Hilton Manyata isn’t just a destination. It’s a state of mind—especially for women (and everyone, really) who are constantly navigating a world that demands too much, too often.

The She Tales experience is more than a cocktail menu. It’s a mirror that reflects what hospitality should look like—intentional, inclusive, and imaginative.

So yes, while the world outside dealt with deadlines and calendar reminders, I spent my weekend being reminded of who I am when I’m not rushing. I indulged in food that told stories, rooms that invited silence, and drinks that whispered courage.

Weekends may be short, but Hilton Manyata proves they can still be epic.