The city of Kolkata which is popularly known as the ‘City of Joy’ is the third-largest metropolitan city of India that has held on to its rich cultural charm with faded remnants of the British Rule. The city has been the epicenter of the industrial revolution in India and has witnessed many nuclear Independent movements during British ruled India. Kolkata is the birthplace of many poetic, cultural, artistic, liberal movements in India during the 19th and early 20th Century. This festive and vibrant city of the country has more to offer than it meets the eye. Despite being futuristic in their endeavor to evolve as a modern metropolis, you can still feel the richness of their culture through nascent millennial residences and royal houses or rajbaris that has been turned into heritage hotels. To witness the rich culture and grandeur of this old Bengal, you must pay a visit to Kolkata. Let’s have a look at the heritage hotels in Kolkata, India that should be in your bucket list.
1. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (from USD 110)
Located in the heart of Kolkata, this historic building was built during the early 19th century as a private residence which was later converted into a modern hotel. The hotel is presently owned by the Oberoi Chain of Hotels. This palatial building boasts colonial architecture with large wooden doors and windows. The plush rooms feature flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, minibars and coffee maker. You can enjoy a great view of the city from the colonial-style balconies. Additionally, you can also explore ‘La Terrasse’ a French-style bistro, Chowringhee Bar, The Oberoi Spa, and a fitness center.
The Oberoi Grand Kolkata
Address: 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
2. The Astor Hotel (from USD 54)
Located in the heart of the business center of the city, this luxury hotel was built in the year 1905. This 100-year-old luxury hotel will never fail to amuse you with its contemporary charm, stylish rooms, and state-of-the-art amenities and services. At present, the hotel offers new-age luxury with exceptional hospitality and remarkable selection of cuisines. You will get access to the bar ‘Cheers’, the outdoor cafe and bar 'Deck88’, barbecue facility, and 24-hour room service. You can relax in the garden early in the morning or feel the beats at 'Plush Lounge & Bar’ after your dinner.
The Astor Hotel Kolkata
Address: 15 Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata, Kolkata City Center, Kolkata, India, 700071
3. The Rajbari Bawali (from USD 91)
Nestled in the 24 Parganas in West Bengal, this heritage property portrays the history, architecture, and grandeur of the zamindars during the British rule. This 300-year-old palace is a perfect getaway to experience the rich culture and tradition of the zamindars of Bengal. The rooms such as the Classic Heritage, the Royal Suites, Zamindari Jr Suite, or the Dak Bungalow, boast high ceilings with wooden antique furniture. The property features a children’s playground, an indoor and an outdoor pool, Mantra Spa, library, a private dining room, and other facilities that let you have a feel of the rich heritage of Bengal.
Tip from our local expert
Rajbari Bawali is a little beyond the city limits. If you travel directly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, it would take you about two hours to reach this heritage hotel. The property arranges for paid airport transfer, so if you are new to the city, this is the best option for you. Alternatively, there are private taxi services too. It is, however, advisable to furnish all details to the hotel (such as your choice of food) beforehand. In case you are a vegan, a little heads-up will prepare the hotel to stir up a delicious Bengali fare suitable to your palate! Among all the other heritage hotels that will offer their own share of history, this is where you will witness the grand 'zamindari' (landlords) culture and spectacular architecture of Bengal.
The Rajbari Bawali
Address: The Rajbari Bawali South 24 Parganas Near Bawali High School
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-hour front desk Garden Terrace
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4. The Elgin Fairlawn (from USD 55)
This old boutique hotel housed in a building dating back to 1783, has maintained the age-old legacy. The hotel holds on to its colonial charm through the iconic architecture and grandeur. This century-old property has been shaped by the generations, sincerely turning it into a unique heritage property in Kolkata. This property lies close to the famous old Newmarket and other heritage sites such as the Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, etc. This heritage hotel features contemporary rooms with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for the visitors.
Tip from our local expert
Although you will be lulled to a peaceful slumber, this hotel on Sudder Street will open up more options for you. You will be 1.6 kilometers (about a mile) from the 'most happening place' in the city - Park Street (Mother Teresa Sarani). The street is dotted by 'n' number of cafes, book stores, curio stores, bars, multi-cuisine restaurants, traditional restaurants, so on and so forth. Treat yourself to mouth-watering devilled crabs, fish Wellington or bhetki meunière (barramundi fillets slathered in lemon-butter sauce) at one of the oldest and heritage restaurants - Mocambo Restaurant and Bar. If you are a bookworm, then you must drop by Oxford Book Store. Sift through the large collection, pick your favorite, and take a seat at the mini cafe within the book store. You complete your experience in this part of the city!
The Elgin Fairlawn, Kolkata
Address: 13A Sudder Street NEAR INDIAN MUSEUM
Accommodates: 2
Restaurant Pets allowed Room service 24-hour front desk Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Laundry
5. The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata (from USD 122)
Built in the year 1841, this five-star boutique hotel tops the list among the best heritage hotels in Kolkata. The hotel boasts a Victorian and contemporary style of architecture and emits class and elegance through the walls of this historic landmark. This plush hotel is spread over an area of 13000 square feet (1207.7 square meters) with 215 rooms and suites. Alongside, the hotel also boasts five restaurants such as ‘Alfresco’, 'The Legacy Grill’, 'The Tea Lounge’, 'The Bakery’, and 'Wilson’s - The Pub’.
The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata
Address: 1, 2 & 3, Old Court House Street
Accommodates: 2
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms
Kolkata: a city of rich culture and heritage
This 330-year-old metropolis has its own charm with a diverse blend of cultures making it a perfect tourist destination. To witness the true feel of the city, it is recommended that you visit all the heritage hotels and experience the rich culture and the old-world essence of the city.
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