Hotel Review: Taj Bengal, Kolkata

A lavish, well-oiled and centrally-located luxury hotel that is a perfect base for business or pleasure.

What to Love

• The Club Rooms offer extra value with many useful inclusions like Club Lounge access, butler and airport transfer.
• Impressive range of gourmet food choices, especially the 24hr Hub buffet on ground floor.
• Extensive range of Bengal gifts and art at hotel store, Taj Khazana. Surprisingly reasonable.

What to know

• Restrained, conservative air might bore some younger, lively types. Eg There is no disco or rowdy bar.
• While room service delivers generous portions, the price tag can be a little scary.
• With 229 rooms, it can get hectic. Plan your departure in advance with pre-booked taxi or transfer.
• Non-smokers should be specific about their room choice.

The Look

There’s no escaping the opulence of the massive atrium lobby, which extends upwards a dizzying five levels. It creates an unforgettable impression on arrival and the antiques, traditional art and authentic décor blend perfectly thanks to US-based master architect, Bob Fox. Browns and beiges create a dated look in some areas, but are countered by exquisite accessories and furnishings.

Bed and bath

While rooms are not overly large, available space is sensibly used and the décor is sumptuous with large cushions, comfortable chairs and a useful-sized work desk. The fifth-floor club rooms feature a delightful bay window with views over the city’s greenery, while the suites (which come in four categories) hark to palatial overtones. The large flatscreen TV tends to dominate the wall space, while bathrooms all feature tubs and showers with quality amenities.

Beyond

The dining options are extensive, ranging from Mediterranean, Chinese and traditional Indian and Bengali, all served in delightful surroundings. Outdoors, there is the pool grill adjacent The Hub, bistro and buffet while fine dining options are offered in the Souk and The Chambers, exclusively reserved for members and premium guests. The lobby-level eateries are more casual and cater to families, groups and walk-ins, you can expect dedicated, personalized service in The Chambers where executive chef, Sujan Mukherjee, flexes his culinary muscles across a wide range of food styles. In all there are nine food venues catering to international and exotic tastes. A large gym is within the hotel and the Signature Taj Spa has traditional Indian aromatherapy massages and treatments, body scrubs and wraps

In the Area

Taj Bengal’s convenient central location makes it an easy stroll to nearby attractions like the Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticulture Gardens, National Library and the Zoological Gardens. Beyond that, the fascinating and historic city of Kolkata can be explored at leisure by taxi or a dedicated driver and guide. Shopping is a key feature of the city with a mind-boggling range of famous Kantha embroidery, terracotta urns and figurines, fine silk and cotton saris, 'Kalighat' paintings, genuine antiques, vintage furniture and original works of art. The bustling flower market at Malik Ghat, near the Howrah Bridge, is must.

Summary

The affluent Alipore district of Kolkata places the Taj Bengal in both a scenic and convenient location. While the property has a definite business persona, it caters equally to families, small groups and independent travellers. Despite an overall conservative atmosphere, this vast hotel offers plenty of activity within the walls for those spending extended time.

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