Kolkata has served as the vantage point for where culture meets modern life, and coexist in peace. Let it be its legendary trams, for which Kolkata serves as the only home in India, or the love for intricate details that have slid into the daily life of the locals and non-nonlocals alike. It's no surprise that in Kolkata there's a lot of vintage and classic architecture from the British Colonial era, which it was to capital once. Since then many of the vintage households and architecture have been restored, and turned in to hotels, for tourists and travellers to experience the heritage of Kolkata while having a comfortable stay. If you are one those tourists who would love to experience this uniqueness, you have come to the right, here are 5 unique places you'll love to stay at
1. Elgin Fairlawn
The Colonial Bungalow with a rich history, Fairlawn owes its roots to the late 18th centaury under the governance of Hastings. The colourful yet vintage walls of this leisure property speak history. This 235-year-old leisure hotel in Esplanade was previously owned by British-Calcutta born lady Jennifer Ann Fowler and her family, until in 2018 when the Elgin Hotels and resorts, managed and lead by Hotelier Diamond Oberoi took over the Heritage property. Oberoi promised to give a modern touch to the property without touching the core characteristic of the previously operational hotel as stated by The Hindu, and the Elgin Fairlawn was born. This property has hosted Nobel laureate Gunter Grass and legendary musician Sting, playwright Tom Steppard, and actor Patrick Swayze. If you are looking for a couple friendly hotel you'd be pleased to know this hotel has served as the brewing ground for multiple love stories including one between Indian actor Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kendal. A must-visit for everyone, having a Beer here while enjoying the vintage property is highly recommended.
Cost- Single Room Rs. 4,800 + GST
2.The Ivy House
Inspired by flowers of Bengal, Tuberose and Lotus this Vintage Hotel in the posh area of Ballygunge is surely to get to your attention. Floors with Portuguese marbles, four-poster beds, an antique looks, this 80-year-old hotel is a rendition of the owners of Kurseong’s famous Cochrane Place. While with only 4 bedrooms these aesthetically pleasing, flower-themed Hotel is an experience one should surely try if you are looking for a hotel in Ballygunge, during their visit to Kolkata. Surrounded by greenery in a peaceful neighborhood of Ballygunge. The property also hosts the beautiful and soulful Karma Kettle Team-Room. A must-visit for team lovers of all kind, with a diverse range of teas from your Classic early grey's to a more Bengali centric 'Nollen Gur' Tea, there's something for everyone. The atmospheric tea-room also sells teas, if you want to have a souvenir from the Ivy House or simply want to be reminded again of your stay, longing to go back whenever you can.
Cost- Single Room Rs. 4,500 + GST
3. Raajkutir
Experience the true lineage of the Bengali Zamindari era. A house once alive, filled with the cacophony of laughter and vintage music from the gramophone. A modernized version of a Zamindar house, Raajkutir is a boutique hotel filled with all kinds of amenities. A perfect fit for the global travellers, the heritage still lingers through the whole property, with love still existing in every corner, this a perfect for people looking for a couple of friendly stay .With an all-day dining restaurant, spa, shopping arcade, time at Raajkutir goes away in a blink of an eye. So if you are visiting Kolkata, and looking for a hotel in Salt Lake this an option you must consider. The Raajkutir is also the home to the East India Room, an eatery inspired by the local food of Zamindars with the touch of western influence all served by modern kitchen techniques, a treat to all. Also, there is the Loafer's café, for the English bakery experience. From artisan bread, sandwich blinis, palmier, quiche, bagel, tart, hand-rolled chocolates, macaroon, muffins, English tea, iced tea, single-origin coffee, they have it all. Lastly The Swig an artistic bar themed under the English colonial nights, perfect for those peaceful drinks with your loved ones. So don't hesitate and book a room to experience the royalty.
Cost- The Hotel's website needs to visit for further queries
4. The Corner Courtyard
Another one of the restored Zamindar Baris. A disintegrating frontier chateau once abandoned in 1904, entrepreneur Megha Agarwal took the challenge to restore this property and opened her first boutique Hotel in 2014. The Corner Courtyard also has a café attached to it by a similar name located on the ground floor of the boutique hotel. It has earned more raves for its stylistic layout, than its food. Old fashioned mirrors and Victorian timekeepers, luxurious light and vintage furniture blend to make an idiosyncratic, yet dazzling stay. From Bengali mustard fish to Risotto, this Hotel is a must for the food lovers who are too lazy to go out from their stay. So if you are looking for a hotel in bhawanipur, this one is a gem of an option.
Cost- A deluxe single room is Rs. 2950 + GST
5. Redbrick residency
RedBrick Residency is a Heritage Guest House situated on Sarat Bose Road. A 100-year-old property managed by a caretaker Amritendu. This one is for a more intimate experience, perfect for people looking for a couple friendly hotel, offering accommodations for 3 adults at most. RedBrick is a gateway from the hectic life, a must-visit for travellers who enjoy the simpler things in life. The common area has a sitting/lounge area, a parlour, one verandah, one open porch and a kitchen. The whole Guesthouse is decorated with collectable and exemplary furnishings, canvases and decorations. The property is reminiscent of the Calcutta of '40s & '50s, with a serene atmosphere. If you are looking for a hotel in bhawanipur that reminds you of visiting your Grandparents house, RedBrick Residency is the perfect fit.
Cost- A day's stay cost Rs. 3000, accommodating 3 adults at most
Kolkata is regarded as the artistic and cultural capital of India, and these unique hotels attest to that. From vintage furniture to lip-smacking food of different cultures to hotels that offer an intimate experience, Kolkata has it all. So next time visiting Kolkata don't forget to give these hotels a shot for an experience to remember.
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