In Kolkata? Stay In At These Heritage Boutique Hotels in The City Of Joy

Class, culture, and charm finds place in this vintage boutique hotel. Located on the ground floor of an imposing colonial mansion, the hotel pays homage to the city’s cultural history. From the antique furniture to the colonial style décor in the tapestry, curtains and other items around the room, the attention to detail will leave you spellbound. Tasteful, refined and traditional is how you can describe this hidden gem. Breakfast is included and there is no cancellation fee if you cancel 3-4 days in advance.

This heritage property was taken over in February 2018 by the peeps behind Elgin Hotels & Resorts (with properties in Darjeeling and Sikkim). Restoration and renovation work was carried out and it has re-opened. A stone’s throw away from the iconic New Market, Fairlawn has played host to eminent personalities including Sting and Patrick Swayze  - it also featured in the film, The City of Joy.  Located in a building that has been around since 1783, Fairlawn is a blast from the past with its colonial charm and vibrant surrounding greenery. Join the thousands of people who have made memories over the years. All the rooms are en suites and guests have access to the garden as well as the upstairs lounge. They serve a delectable English breakfast and high tea that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Modern luxury meets colonial magnificence at this charming hotel that dates back to 1905. Located in the heart of the city, The Astor Kolkata stands tall in all its red glory. The perfect blend of traditional architecture and décor with the new-age twist in the dining areas and nightclubs, the Astor balances the old and the new. The Astor will provide you with everything from restaurants and bars to entertain yourself to city guides and travel services to help you rediscover Kolkata in comfort and convenience.

You have probably driven past this 100-year-old grand mansion without noticing it. It may not be red brick but it still is magnetic in its colonial charm. Once home to well-travelled upper-class Bengalis, the mansion now has updated facilities like air conditioning and heating. Redbrick still manages to bridge the old with the new with art, curios collected from every part of the world and architecture that will evoke the nostalgia in you. With free WiFi, parking, air conditioning, and an attached kitchenette, the hotel has been updated with facilities that will make your stay all the more enjoyable.

Once a derelict house that hadn’t been occupied since 1904, The Corner Courtyard is now a classy boutique hotel with a quirky restaurant thanks to the vision and enthusiasm of Megha Agarwal. Take a look around at the books scattered across the rooms, the curios like door handles, chains and hooks, and vintage cameras and radios lining the walls. And the old photographs of Kolkata which give the hotel a unique and whimsical aura. The rooms have themes based on the colours of Kolkata. So you can choose from Charcoal White (for the B&W cinema of Satyajit Ray), Vermilion with images related to Durga Puja, Cadmium Yellow (for the yellow Ambassador cabs), and so on. Apart from the restaurant downstairs, they also provide complimentary breakfast. Ask to dine on their terrace – it has the most romantic setting!

Enveloped in old world charm and stuck in colonial India, get the complete vintage Kolkata experience at 'LalBari'. Located in a century old majestic red brick bungalow, this hotel will give you a blast from the past. In the hustle of the bustle of the city, LalBari lets you press the pause button on life and get lost in the tranquility and serenity of the hotel. They have hosted Ravi Shankar, Indira Gandhi, and even Mahatma Gandhi over the years – you won’t be disappointed with their hospitality. Complete with parking and WiFi, they also provide traditional Bengali thali meals which are delicious.