Kolkata Hotel Check-In

Fast emerging as a major commercial hub, Kolkata is witnessing an upsurge in the hospitality industry and a corresponding spurt in business travel, reports Joy Roy Choudhury

Cholbe na! Cholbe na!,' ("this cannot go on, down with this…") a crowd of demonstrators screaming at the top of their voice, clogging the main thoroughfares of Calcutta is easily the most firmly etched image of the city for scores of its residents who moved out in the 70's and 80's. Calcutta got converted to Kolkata and a lot has changed besides the spelling.

Last year, a survey conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) placed Kolkata above the National Capital Region (NCR)/Delhi and Chennai on the Future Business Attractiveness Index (FBAI). Today, `Cholbe na! Cholbe na!,' is uttered without the `na' (no) and not just the capital city but West Bengal has transformed into a major hub for industry, trade, commerce and investment. Sceptics feel that the CII survey is flawed. However, with annual investment of Rs. 2,000 crore for the past few years, economic growth pegged at over 7 per cent and a slew of FDI projects by heavyweights like IBM, GE Capital, PepsiCo, P&O Ports, HSBC, American International Group (AIG) etc., the economic resurgence of the state is evident.

Bengal's meteoric rise in the IT, telecommunication and electronics arena has seen the presence of more than 170 home grown and leading IT companies of the world. The 'industrial resurgence' has naturally increased business travel to and from the city. International airlines, which till recently paid scant attention to the city have started taking Kolkata seriously. Malaysia Airlines, GMG Airlines of Bangladesh, Gulf Air, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and others have either started operations from the city or increased frequencies. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken up a massive project to renovate and modernise the Netaji Subhas International Airport in the city.

In such a scenario, it is not surprising to witness an upsurge in the hospitality industry in the state particularly Kolkata. Apart from the two new five-star deluxe properties that have come up in the last couple of years, the rapid increase in demand for hotel rooms has seen a boom in mid-size and business hotels in Kolkata. City hotels, which used to generally cater to the needs of leisure tourists, are now concentrating more on wooing business travellers. Though the volume of business travel is not as much as in the Western or Southern states, but, there is a steady growth of business travel of mid-level and senior-level executives.

Many city-based hotels have designed and unveiled new and innovative products and many big hospitality players like JW Marriott are planning to enter the Kolkata market. ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers, The ITC Welcomgroup Hotel is the first in the city to have a separate floor, ‘The Eva Floor’ dedicated to single ‘lady business travellers.’ The Regency Club at Hyatt Regency, Kolkata provides signature privileges and facilities including a private Regency Club Lounge and private boardroom for their corporate/business traveller guests. Taj Bengal, Kolkata is among a few city hotels that has introduced a broadband solution, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) enabling guests to access high speed Internet from their laptop in any part of the hotel. Apart from high-end amenities, pampering the business traveller segment is also high on the agenda of hotels in a highly competitive market. The HHI, Kolkata has introduced `round the clock' specialised butler service and a 17-cuisine menu for its guests staying at the ‘Colony’ - the dedicated floor for business travellers.

Today `rejuvenated' Kolkata is on a roll and `pundits' are predicting a tremendous growth in terms of business travel and correspondingly in the hospitality industry in the years to come. In an increasingly cluttered hotel scenario feBusiness Traveller profiles the pick of the lot in the five, four and three-star categories.

The Oberoi Grand

Yet another hotel catering specially to the growing segment of woman business travellers, The Oberoi Grand, located in Chowringhee, heart of the city's business district makes an impressive, luxurious and convenient base for a business trip to the city. Despite its profile as a top-notch business hotel, The Oberoi Grand exudes a warmth and a charm of its own. All the rooms and suites at are well-presented, elegantly furnished and offer impeccable service. The 131 Superior Rooms have city views, in-room entertainment (DVD), direct dialing, data port and 24-hour in-room dining. The 35 Premium Rooms are the same size, but, face the gardens and the 38 Deluxe Rooms overlook the swimming pool, are fitted with a large worktable with fax machine and a DVD player.

The three Deluxe Suites and three Executive Suites, with teak floors, king sized four-poster bed and assorted amenities make guests feel like royalty. The world famous Banyan Tree managed spa at the hotel provides a royal treatment for the body with the various treatments on offer. Conferencing facilities at The Oberoi Grand include three conference rooms, Burdwan, Cooch, Behar and also the Ballroom. There are also plenty of options for food lovers with live chef's corner at the La Terrasse, the multi-cuisine all day dining restaurant and Baan Thai, the Thai speciality restaurant. One can also grab a bite at The Chowringhee Bar along with your favourite spirits. The Pool Bar with its wide variety of teas, coffees and cocktails is also an interesting watering hole.

15, JL Nehru Road, Kolkata -700013 T: (033) 2249-2323/0181, Facsimile: (33) 2249-3229 E-mail: fo@oberoi-cal.com, Website: www.oberoi-cal.com Rating: 5 star deluxe; Tariff: Premium Room - Rs. 8,400, Executive Suite - Rs. 18,000

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency Kolkata located in the business district of Salt Lake City is strategically located to cater to both corporate visitors and leisure travellers. A twenty-minute drive from the international airport, the 235-room (including 13 suites) hotel sports an exterior of North Indian Shivpuri sandstone and an architecture with a graceful atrium style structure.

The Regency Club at Hyatt Regency, meant for corporate travellers provides signature privileges and facilities including a private Regency Club Lounge with dedicated concierge, express check-in and check-out, airport transfers, continental breakfast, all day tea and coffee service, and evening cocktails with canapés. A private boardroom is also available on a complimentary basis for Regency Club guests.

The guestrooms feature technological facilities like high-speed broadband Internet connectivity along with amenities and comforts like in-room safes, dual line telephones, spacious and luxurious step-down bathrooms designed with Italian Valentino marble, an unusual, single piece Italian glass vanity counter, special lighting and an invigorating rain shower. The Business Centre with private workstations, two meeting rooms and other services is equipped to cater to the meeting and conferencing requirements of guests. The 600 square meter grand, pillar-less Regency Ballroom is ideal to host meetings, conferences, seminars and receptions.

The hotel has been known for introducing international cuisine expertise to the city. ‘La Cucina’, the Italian Kitchen and Bar, offers a wide range of imported wines and home-style cooking. 'Guchhi', the hotel's signature restaurant specialises in the flavours and taste of authentic Indian cuisine. ‘Waterside Café’, the 24-hour restaurant, specialises in innovative, European bistro style cuisine and Indian specialties. All the restaurants emphasise interaction between guests and chefs across open kitchens. The Bar situated on the Lobby level, is an informal area to relax, unwind and savour from the wide selection of wines, cognacs and other spirits. While the Pool Bar is an ideal place for relaxed out door dining. Other facilities include Club Prana, a holistic fitness centre with a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi's, steam rooms and chill dips; an outdoor swimming pool; squash and tennis courts.

JA-1, Sector -III, Salt Lake City, Kolkata -700098 T: (033) 2335-1234 F: (91) (33) 2335-1235 E-mail: kolka-hrk@hyattintl.com Website: www.kolkata.regency.hyatt.com Rating: 5 star deluxe; Tariff: Starting from Rs. 4,300

The HHI

The Club Floor called the Colony is certainly the main USP of The HHI comprising of 186 luxuriously appointed rooms including the eight exclusive suites on this floor. Specially designed for corporate travellers, The Colony is a combination of modern amenities with old-world charm, sporting an all-wooden finish.

A perfect blend of thought and shape, the visibles are based on neocolonial design, wooden floor and dome lights. The basics include in-room fax, laptop connectivity, mini-bar, DVD to name a few. The invisibles are for the guests to experience and define. A charming, affable and well-informed 'butler', who also serves as a secretary and a source of local information all rolled into one. From the moment you wake up till the time you retire to bed, he is like the much-used cliché saying 'always at your service'. With a central location in the heart of the commercial district the hotel is the perfect place for some socialising, exchanging pleasantries and business cards over a 'friendly' game of chess.

The HHI, Kolkata has three famous restaurants - 'Palm Court', the 24 hour Coffee Shop, Kalash - an Indian Speciality restaurant and 'The Virgose', the recently opened and city's first true 'Restobar', serving the finest cuisines and choicest liquors. The Polo Bar, the theme bar of the hotel also breathes the spirit of Kolkata. Apart from this, there are six state-of-the-art banquet halls, with a boardroom with customised facilities to cater to specific requirements.

235/1, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata -700020 T: (033) 2283-0505, 2280-2323, F: (91) (33) 2280-0111 E-mail: reservation@hindusthan.com, Website: www.hhihotels.com Rating: 5 star; Tariff: Imperial Club - Rs. 7,000, The Colony - Rs. 8,500

Taj Bengal

Close to the city centre and within easy reach of Kolkata's prime business, shopping and entertainment areas, Taj Bengal located in Alipore has been the preferred address of business travellers. Specially commissioned works of art created by Bengal's master craftsmen add an inimitable grace to the 229 rooms created by international architects and designers including Superior Rooms, newly renovated Deluxe and Luxury Rooms, Taj Club Rooms, luxuriously appointed, two-room Executive Suites, three-room Luxury Suites and the Presidential Suite. Each Luxury Suite sports a different theme and a separate sitting area.

The Taj Club Rooms and Suites are on the top floor with their private club lounge and dining rooms. All rooms are fully equipped with all modern in-room communication facilities such as wireless internet access, fax, laptop connectivity, two line phones with data port, speakerphones, International Direct Dial and Voicemail system, etc. Entertainment facilities include large colour television with a number of channels and a DVD player. The Taj Bengal offers a choice of six plush banquet rooms suitable for all occasions and groups. The fully equipped Business Centre is geared to cater to the needs of business travellers.

Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. The rustic 'Sonargoan', serves traditional Indian cuisine. 'The Hub', the international food theatre with an Italian chef caters to those special palates. 'Chinoiserie' is an elegant setting for authentic, Cantonese and Schzeuan delicacies. 'Junction' Bar is the perfect rendezvous boasting a fine Single Malt collection, Cigars and of course, favourite cocktails. 'Barbecue' by the Poolside showcases Mongolian and Indian Barbeque counters. 'By-The-Way', an Atrium Café serves a selection of world cuisine and fine coffees from around the globe. The restaurant repertoire has something for everyone. The hotel also boasts of the highest hygiene standards and has been certified for HACCP.

The swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre ensure you work off any resultant excesses. 'Incognito', the nightclub at the Hotel is a popular haunt with party animals. 'The Haven' is the private Lounge with a pool table, chess boards, mini library, computer with Internet Access, DVD Player and a Mini Cocktail Bar for a quiet relaxing evening.

34-B, Belvedere Road, Alipore, Kolkata -700027 T: (033) 2223-3939, F: (91) (33) 2223-1766/8805 Website: www.tajhotels.com Rating: 5 star deluxe Tariff: Deluxe Room - Rs. 4,550, Taj Club Room - Rs. 6,450

The Peerless Inn

The much-acclaimed Bengali hospitality and timeless traditions of Bengali culture are the hallmarks of The Peerless Inn located on Chowringee. Just 100 metres from Esplanade Metro Station and a ten-minute walk from Eden Gardens, the hotel presents a commanding view of the city. Catering to the growing clientele of business travellers, all 122 rooms and suites are Wi-Fi enabled to ensure hi-speed Internet connectivity and are equipped with individual temperature controls, remote-controlled TVs, tea / coffee makers, electronic safes and mini-bars. The Peerless Inn has four different banquet halls, 'Alaapan', 'Aakashpot', 'Jogajog' and 'Ekantika' with a capacity ranging from 20-300 guests. Dishaari, the travel desk handles all travel-related queries and makes arrangements for ground transportation of guests, a big convenience for the business traveller community.

Apart from a comfortable stay guests can embark on a gastronomical tour under one roof. 'Aaheli' captures the Bengali zest for life and food in its cuisine. Traditional Bengali delicacies are served in traditional style in this restaurant. 'Bichitra' offers delights from across the continents, be it Far Eastern fare, Continental or our very own Indian gravies and curries. The 24-hour coffee shop 'Nishidin', is an ideal hot spot for unwinding and tasty snacking. An international buffet is spread everyday for lunch and dinner dishing up a tantalising array of food from across the country. Pouring good cheer into your stay at the Hotel is the well-stocked bar, 'Lahari'.

12, JL Nehru Road, Kolkata -700013 T: (033) 2228-0301, F: (91) (33) 2228-1270 E-mail: pik@sarovarparkplaza.com Website: www.peerlesshotels.com www.sarovarparkplaza.com Rating: 4 star; Superior Room - Rs. 5,500, Suite - Rs. 8,000

The Kenilworth

A pioneer of the `Value For Money' (VFM) concept in Eastern India's hotel industry, The Kenilworth on the busy Little Russel Street, off Shakespeare Sarnai in the heart of the city has two wings, the old and new. The old wing houses the Premier Club category rooms, which are exquisitely designed while the new wing has the lobbies, banquet facilities and business centre. The business centre apart from the latest communication gadgets also provides secretarial services. Out of the 105 rooms of the hotel, 93 are double occupancy rooms and 12 are suites. The Premier Club Suites feature large sitting rooms with dining facilities and are equipped with all modern amenities to cater to the needs of business travellers. The Suites are tastefully decorated with richly crafted colonial style furniture.

In the food and beverage options, there is 'The Crystals', an elegant, multi-cuisine restaurant with its 24-hour menu to appease taste buds; 'Sanjha Chulha', the open-air restaurant amidst lush green lawns with 'live' ghazals and barbecue every evening and The Marble Room, the Indian speciality restaurant billed as one of the most romantic rendezvous in the city. 'The Alcove,' well-appointed bar serves a wide collection of mocktails and cocktails. The added attraction of the hotel is Big Ben, the all-English Pub designed by Siraj Hasan. Three large banquet halls in the basement along with state-of-the-art health club equipped with multi-gym facilities, Sauna, Steam Room complete the trappings catering to the business and leisure requirements of guests.

1&2, Little Russel Street, Kolkata -700071 T: (033) 2282-3939/4 F: (91) (33) 2282-5136 E-mail: kenilworthkol@kenilworthhotels.com Website: www.kenilworthhotels.com Rating: 4 star; Tariff: Superior Room - Rs. 5,500, Duluxe Suite - Rs. 6,500

The Park

Recently re-launched with a new look The Park, Kolkata situated on Park Street offers the finest in five-star comfort in its all suite deluxe floor, The Residence. Comprising of 17-Deluxe Suites, each a luxurious designer affair with special in room facilities like individual fax, VCD, stereo system and Jacuzzi, the floor is ultimate in guest pampering. Personal butlers in attendance 24 hours a day, special benefits like private dining options, complementary breakfast and happy hours are all part of the impressive array of services proffered on this floor. Besides The Residency, the 149-room property has 43 Luxury Rooms and 89 Deluxe Rooms, all lavishly furnished. The 89 Deluxe Rooms, with plush, elegant décor and modern facilities reflect the rich history of art and architecture of the city. The modern design post renovation in the wing housing the 43 Luxury Rooms is reflected with the in-room amenities like DVD player, 43" Plasma TV, shower cubicle with rain shower and tea/coffee maker.

The hotel is also a hot favourite with those seeking entertainment. Tantra', the 5,000 square feet night club, is finest club experience in the country. Theme nights with celebrities, both national and international, best DJ music and special Sunday jam sessions make it the city's most sought-after night address. The exciting options offered by the restaurants in the hotel won't disappoint food lovers. For those in love with Thai and Szechwan cuisine, Zen is the place to pig out. Saffron, the Indian speciality restaurant, strikes the perfect harmony between East and West, North and South while 'Someplace Else' throbs with performances by the city's best live bands. Atrium Café, the 24-hour restaurant also offers an interesting experience.

17, Park Street, Kolkata -700016. T: (033) 2249-9000, F: (91) (33) 2249-4000 Website: www.theparkhotels.com Rating: 5 star deluxe; Tariff: Deluxe Room - Rs. 8,500, The Residence - Rs. 10,500

Lytton Hotel

A British guesthouse before it changed hands in 1965, Lytton Hotel has gradually transformed into one of the best three star business class hotels in the city. Apart from the location advantage (heart of the business hub) Lytton packs an unbeatable blend of old world hospitality and modern day efficiency. Personalised service and an informal ambience, which gives guests the feel of home, has been the key to success for the compact 80-room property.

In keeping pace with changing times and the rapid increase in business travel with the emergence of Information Technology (IT) sector in the state, the hotel has equipped its rooms with hi-speed Internet connectivity and a state-of-the-art business centre. The hotel also accords top priority to safety and security by providing self-coded safety lockers in the rooms and has also upgraded the fire-combating infrastructure. For ‘foodies’, there is Dynasty-the Chinese restaurant, Gaylords -the multi-cuisine eatery and the Sunset Bar.

ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers

Spread over nearly 16 acres of prime property, ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers is the ultimate business getaway and the first 'business resort hotel' in the country. The hotel strives to provide guests with every possible modern convenience and offers the best facilities. From 20,000 square feet of convention space, to a 12,000 square feet dedicated spa, two spacious lounges to eight acres of outdoor facilities that encompass a golf course, tennis courts, a jogging track and a luxurious swimming pool, the property is geared to pamper its guest.

ITC Sonar Bangla houses 239 rooms, including eight suites, segmented into three residential blocks: 21 ITC One Rooms, 84 Sheraton Tower Rooms and 126 Executive Club Rooms. It also includes four Junior Suites, two Queen Suites and one Presidential Suite. ITC One Room comprising of 600 square feet area is exclusive and is equipped with a private fax, a DVD player and a host of other amenities. Rooms of Sheraton Tower block offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding water bodies and the sprawling greens.

ITC Sonar Bangla is the first in the city to have a separate floor, `The Eva Floor' dedicated to the single lady traveller. Special care is taken towards security and amenities on this floor. Apart from this, the hotel also offers a wide range of cuisine. 'Peshawri' cajoles with its kebabs, the ‘Eden Pavilion' redefines 24-hour multi-cuisine dining experience, 'West View Bar & Grill' tempts with its live counters and ‘Dublin' proves itself to be the ‘Mecca’ for the city's pub hoppers. 'Pan Asian' offers the dining experience of South East Asia while ‘Dum Pukht' serves everything from Bengali, Marwari and Anglo Indian food to its trademark delicacies.

1, JBS Haldane Avenue (Opp. Science City), Kolkata-700046 T: (033) 2345-4545, F: (91) (33) 2345-4455. Website: www.welcomgroup.com Rating: 5 star deluxe; Tariff: Executive Club - Rs. 7,000, ITC One - Rs. 12,000