India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [589]
The Oberoi Grand This quintessential Kolkata monument is the city’s top accommodations and one of the best hotels in India. Elegant, with regal old-world charm, its guest rooms draw ambassadors, diplomats, heads of state, and royalty (although the Hollywood party crowd heads for The Park). Deluxe suites, elegant and never too opulent, come with balconies, wooden floors, and Victorian furniture. Premier guest rooms (city or garden view) are marvelous; if you want a private balcony, book a room on the third floor. In the central courtyard, amid palms and gnarled frangipani trees, you can sip gin and tonics around the best pool in town. Or opt for the smoky ambience of the Chowringhee bar. Despite being cheek-by-jowl with one of the most chaotic streets, not a honk can be heard, courtesy of the old thick stone walls. The Spa, operating under the banner of famous Banyan Tree, is exclusively for guests and reason enough to stay here.
15 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd., Kolkata 700 013. 033/2249-2323. Fax 033/2249-1217. www.oberoihotels.com. 209 units. Double: Rs 20,500 deluxe; Rs 23,500 luxury; Rs 25, 500 premier; Rs 35,000–Rs 65,000 suite; taxes extra. Premier room and suite rates include breakfast and airport transfers. Check website for online discounts. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; airport transfer (Rs 2,200); babysitting; doctor-on-call; health club and spa; outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, DVD player, hair dryer, minibar, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (Rs 20/min., Rs 800/day.
The Park A five-star property, this chic boutique hotel is in the best downtown location, with proximity to both the business and the entertainment hubs of the city. But the real reason many choose to stay here is the on-tap party: Like so many Park properties, this hotel has four top “after dark” destinations under one roof—a pub, a nightclub, a cocktail bar, and a poolside alfresco bar lounge (see “Kolkata After Dark,” later), providing easy access to the city’s hippest, most happening nightlife. Guest rooms are small, but they’re neat, functional, and bright, with bold color combinations and a very spacey look, specially in the Premier Luxury category. If you’re in town for a while, book a Residence Room and you get a private lounge, a slightly larger bedroom with walk-in dressing room, stylish furniture, a thick mattress on a queen-size bed, a floor butler, and a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
17 Park St., Kolkata 700 016. 033/2249-9000. Fax 033/2249-7343 or -4000. www.theparkhotels.com. 149 units. $250 deluxe double; $350 luxury double; $450 The Residence suite double; $500 Presidential suite. $25 extra bed. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 4 restaurants; pub; disco; airport transfers (free with suites at the Residence, Rs 1,450 for others); butler service; currency exchange; doctor-on-call, golf on request; health club; outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, DVD, hair dryer, Jacuzzi (Residence rooms), minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 200/hour, Rs 600/day).
Taj Bengal Popular with businesspeople, this is a good choice if you want to stay south of the city, enjoy views of the Maidan, and dine in-house—Taj Bengal boasts some of Kolkata’s most impressive restaurants, under the aegis of the highly experienced chef Sujan Mukherjee. Besides Sonargaon and The Hub, it houses one of India’s best Chinese restaurants, Chinoiserie (all reviewed below). Quieter rooms face the pool, or you