Kolkata has a fabulous range of stay options, from heritage hotels to swanky modern-day 5-star properties…from boutique hotels to guesthouses and homestays. Yet each one opens up a window to the city's cultural moorings in their way.
Raajkutir
Located about 7 km from New Market, this atmospheric boutique hotel dates to the enlightening times of the Bengal Renaissance. For culture buffs, it's a wonderful experience cocooned in the time capsule of the 19th century; but what's great about the Raajkutir is that it provides you with every comfort you need in the 21st century…right from rooms with a private bathroom with the modern-day plumbing and a flat-screen TV, to an all-day dining restaurant, spa, shopping arcade, café-cum-deli, an artisans gallery, 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. Victoria Memorial is 9 km away, and Eden Gardens less than that.
Glenburn Penthouse
Set in the heart of historic Calcutta, the Glenburn Penthouse should be your accommodation of choice if you are looking for something understated, discreet, and elegant. You will have every reason to revel in this serene haven of quiet luxury, which has cleverly shut out the bustle and clamour of the city. How can you but not adore the great latter-day ambience, which has been exquisitely enhanced by its carefully amassed collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture and artworks? The nine suites are spacious, airy, and flooded with natural light, which can be shuttered away when not needed. The atmospheric ambience, heightened by antique four-poster beds, a writing desk, and a seating area, is just the perfect reason to linger a bit before rushing out to greet the city. You will just love the Tea Verandah with views of Victoria Memorial, perfect for outdoor dining and breakfast and afternoon tea, weather permitting. The concierge service provides access to the best tables in local restaurants, private boat charters, private tailoring and secret, and mainstream shopping recommendations.
Rajbari Bawali
You can look forward to an exceptional experience at the beautifully restored 250-year-old Rajbari Bawali, a luxury heritage resort with air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and period furniture. Soak in the rich ambience of this palatial residence of an erstwhile zamindar, enhanced by its Greco-Roman structure and grand rooms and courtyard, over an expanse of four acres dotted with a couple of ponds and bridges. Kolkata businessman Ajay Rawla, having acquired the now quite derelict property, transformed it into a boutique hotel rather than a factory, which is what he had set out to do. While every comfort is provided to guests by the service staff, the resort is also equipped with a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and garden in Kolkata, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. You can enjoy sandhya aarti, a village walk, and boat rides at sundown. The palatial resort is in Bawli village, about an hour and a half away from bustling Kolkata.
The Elgin Fairlawn
Located at the junction of Madge Lane and Sudder Street since 1783, The Elgin Fairlawn lies at the very core of Kolkata's most cosmopolitan and vibrant hub; the over century-old New Market is just minutes away. All rooms come with modern-day bathrooms, and some rooms also boast a balcony. Helpful staff mans the 24-hour front desk. The hotel has received several awards that include Six National Awards from the Ministry of Tourism and the Green Hotelier Award.
The LaLiT
Having snagged Kolkata’s landmark Great Eastern Hotel, which started as the Auckland Hotel of 1841, the Lalit group of hotels has merged the splendour of its heritage with its own hallmark hospitality traditions. For years the hotel was famous for being the hub for the jet setting crowd, royals, and the like. Located in proximity to key commercial and business hubs, the hotel is a blend of Victorian, Edwardian, and contemporary architectural styles. The original Heritage Block mirrors the charm of the British colonial era, while the Modern Block incorporates a contemporary look and feel. The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata offers 215 rooms and suites, a spa and excellent dining options.
Taj Bengal Hotel
Set amidst the exclusive environs of Alipore, the Taj Bengal is one of Kolkata’s most popular luxury hotels. It’s also the perfect place to access all the top heritage hotspots in the city, including the landmark—Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Racecourse, Horticultural Gardens, National Library, Eden Gardens and the Alipore Zoological Gardens— which are all within walking distance. Designed by legendary architect Bob Fox, its architecture and interiors are inspired by the city’s art, culture, and heritage - richly reflected in the antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents to be found in this brilliant setting. The rooms are the epitome of elegance and luxury, the spa a restorative island and the culinary spaces, gourmet havens.
AltAir
Located at the Eco Centre in the heart of the IT Sector, AltAir is Kolkata's newest 5-star boutique hotel. Driven by its core value of "Atithi Devo Bhava", the property takes hospitality to another level through its services provided by helpful, friendly, and motivated co-facilitators dedicated to offering each patron the warmest welcome. Just 8 km from New Market, Altair offers rooms with private bathrooms and a flat-screen TV. It also features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a 24-hour front desk.
The Oberoi
This iconic 19th-century landmark in Kolkata's hospitality sector offers luxury on a grand scale – because its beginnings were, one may recall, as The Grand, which later became The Oberoi Grand, once taken over by legendary hotelier M, S.Oberoi. Located in the New Market and business district area, The Oberoi Grand Kolkata offers pool and courtyard view rooms with a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Private bathrooms come with Ayurvedic toiletries. The richly nuanced Raj-era hotel houses an outdoor pool, gym, and spa, two dining options and 24-hour room service. Free WiFi is available in the rooms. Baan Thai Restaurant offers Thai specialities. Alternatively, you can head for the pool bar, which provides light meals and refreshing drinks. Threesixtythree° Restaurant offers European, Asian, Japanese, and Indian temptations.