How far is Secunderabad from Hyderabad? I will be going for a couple of days in September and have never been to this area. Regarding bargaining: aside from the exchange rate there is a cost of living component that is confusing so I usually overpay I'm sure. What seems like vary little in dollars turns out to be significant in rupees. Also, can you recommend decent accomodations that are less than the Taj Krishna?

Actually it is very hard to tell where one is between the twin cities, they meld together. 'fraid I can't tell you anything about hotels since I stay with family. Check out the neat recommendation section on this site for Hyderabad. Don't eat at the Oberoi, its gone way down (not the price though) with the takeover. Like all big cities in India its getting much more expensive..

You will never know where hyderabd starts and where secunderabad ends!!
It all looks as a single one city. However people say that the bund towards the airport side is called secunderabad and the other side of the bund is Hyderbad.
You will 'feel' of Hyderabad when you enter Mukkeramjahi market and beyond.

There are many hotels that are less than Taj krishna.Just Google and you will find a lot of hotels.

Never bother about the distnace between Hyderabad & secunderabad.
If you are reaching by flight ..you are on the line between & hyderabad & secunderabad.
Ofcouse there are lot many economic places to stay other than the taj ...
depends on where your centre of work shall be ..may be i can help you out ....mail me
luv
vishnu