Islamabad Serena and Nishat Hotel Islamabad, from garden weddings to embassy visits

Islamabad Serena Hotel sits in 14 acres of gardens set between Rawal Lake and the Margalla Hills, with 336 rooms and 52 suites. Nishat Hotel Islamabad stands on the Margalla foothills near the diplomatic enclave, with two banquet halls and a restaurant open around the clock.

Islamabad Serena Hotel

Serena stands on Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, opposite the Convention Centre. Its architecture takes after classical Moorish design, with open-air terraces, pavilions and furniture made by local craftsmen. Carpets woven by hand, arabesque marble and carved wood run through the interiors, and the rooms carry Penhaligon’s bath products.

The Presidential Suite covers 196.58 square metres and was designed by the architect Nayyar Ali Dada, with antique furniture and original artwork. For privacy, it has its own secluded driveway and a private lift.

Guests can walk Trail 5. In the city, the Lok Virsa Museum shows traditional art, crafts, music and textiles.

Eating at Serena

Zamana is the all-day restaurant, with buffets at breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner. Serena’s Sunday brunch spreads Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern and Western dishes beside Pakistani ones. Dawat, the formal Pakistani restaurant, adds live cooking and music.

Al-Maghreb serves Middle Eastern and Arabian food in a richly decorated room, and Wild Rice cooks Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Chinese dishes. An outdoor Pakistani barbecue restaurant serves grilled meats and tandoori naan. Rakaposhi is the patisserie and café.

Spa, pool and events at Serena