Just used the newly renovated Encalm lounge at Hyderabad Airport (Terminal 1, Domestic Departures) and wanted to share a detailed review.

Access Details:
• Date: 28th January 2026, evening (6:30 PM)
• Card used: HDFC Infinia (Priority Pass)
• Guest policy: Allowed 1 complimentary guest
• Crowding: About 60% full

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First Impressions

The lounge has been completely redone and looks MUCH better than before. Modern interiors, good lighting, comfortable seating. The old Encalm was dark and depressing - this is a huge upgrade.

Seating capacity: ~100 people, mix of:
• Single recliners (near windows)
• 4-seater sofas
• Dining tables (6 tables)
• Workstation with charging points

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Food & Beverages (4/5)

This is where Encalm surprised me. Way better than expected for an airport lounge.

Hot Food (6:30 PM):
• Hyderabadi Biryani (veg & non-veg) - Actually decent! Not restaurant quality but solid 7/10
• Paneer Butter Masala
• Dal Tadka
• Veg Fried Rice
• Chicken 65
• Samosas & Pakoras (freshly fried)

Salads & Cold:
• Basic garden salad
• Pasta salad
• Fruit platter (watermelon, pineapple, musk melon)
• Yogurt & raita

Snacks:
• Assorted cookies
• Namkeen mix
• Chips (Lays)

Beverages:
• Coffee machine (decent espresso, cappuccino, latte)
• Masala chai (good!)
• Soft drinks (Coke, Sprite, Fanta)
• Packaged juices (Tropicana)
• Beer (Kingfisher, Budweiser) - available but limited stock

Desserts:
• Gulab Jamun (too sweet)
• Brownie (okay-ish)
• Ice cream (Amul, 3 flavors)

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Amenities (4/5)

WiFi: Fast and stable. Got 45 Mbps on speedtest. Password displayed near reception.

Washrooms: Clean, well-maintained. Shower available (didn't use).

Charging: Every seat has power outlets. USB ports also available at workstations.

Work-friendly: Yes! Quiet enough to take calls. Saw multiple people on laptops.

Reading material: Newspapers (ToI, Hindu, Economic Times), couple of magazines

TV: 2 large screens showing news channels

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What I Liked [YES]

• The biryani - Genuinely surprised by the quality
• Seating - Comfortable recliners, good for a nap before flight
• WiFi speed - Fast enough for video calls
• Cleanliness - Staff was actively cleaning tables, floors looked spotless
• Not overcrowded - Unlike some other lounges, had breathing space

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What Could Be Better [NO]

• Beer stock - Only 2 types, ran out by 7 PM
• A/C - Bit warm, could be cooler
• Food variety - Limited options for breakfast (I checked menu, mostly bread/toast)
• Shower - Only 1 shower for 100-person lounge (could be issue during peak)

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Cards That Work Here

According to the reception, they accept:
• Priority Pass (most premium cards)
• DreamFolks (Axis, IDFC cards mainly)
• Diners Club lounge access
• Direct bank tie-ups (HDFC Infinia, Axis Magnus, etc.)

They DON'T accept Visa/Mastercard standalone lounge access (I asked specifically).

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Comparison with Other HYD Lounges

I've used all 3 domestic lounges at Hyderabad:

Encalm (New): 8/10 - Best food, good seating, slightly warm
Travel Food Services (TFS): 7/10 - More variety, smaller space, gets crowded
Plaza Premium: 7.5/10 - Better A/C, less food quality, more expensive alcohol selection

Honestly, after this renovation, Encalm is my top pick at HYD domestic.

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Tips

• Timing: Avoid 4-6 PM (pre-dinner rush) and 8-10 PM (late night flights)
• Food refresh: They refill biryani around 7 PM, so if you see empty trays, wait 15 mins
• Seating: Window seats are best - good view of runway, more private
• Work calls: The seating area near washrooms is quieter

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Overall Rating: 8/10

Would I come here again? Absolutely. For a domestic lounge with free access via credit card, this is excellent value.

Best for: Leisure travelers, foodies (that biryani!), people with 2+ hour layovers

Not ideal for: Quick 30-min pre-boarding visit (takes time to get through security and reach lounge)

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Let me know if you have questions! Happy to answer.