Rewind To The Time Of Tagore & Satyajit Ray at This Kolkata Hotel

If you have a penchant for nostalgia steEped in luxury, Raajkutir Kolkata is for you. Think ornate furniture, Bengal specialties on the menu, impressive storytelling, warm hospitality. Tagore’s Bengal, Ray’s Bengal.

KAHAANI EDITOR

We had already stayed at the priciest hotels in Kolkata—luxe, contemporary, chic—and had our fill. We were searching for a stay that would feel different and charm us by its stories, warmth and care—more than what the city’s luxury hotels could offer. This is precisely how we found Raajkutir, Kolkata. It was the time of Durga Pujo and the welcome chaos assailed us right at the airport; think endless honking and unending traffic as we made our way to Raajkutir. 

We couldn’t help but think of Rabindranath Tagore’s raajbaris and their many stories as we drove up the hotel ramp and the building emerged by the side. And, like Tagore’s stories, Raajkutir has many. Its massive courtyard was peppered with frangipani trees, with outdoor dining areas in between. 

We booked a Premium Suite at Raajkutir, stepping right into a sort of time warp luxury, with the suite exuding stately luxury. Right from its plush furnishings, soft linens, warm rugs, a hot bathing tub, four poster beds, —this was a place that felt great to be in. You are sure to have a good sleep here. 

What caught our fancy was a book, kept in all rooms, storylining the history of the place in a manner that is no less than evocative. Truth and fiction shake hands in this brilliantly crafted book at Raajkutir. Who would’ve thought of poring over a book for an hour in a hotel, right after checking in; well, we did.

The story grows more in the mind once you’ve read through it; more so with its rooms named after characters from the book. So you have rooms named Choti Bahu, Rajababu Ghor, Gan Ghor, Mamababur Ghor and others. Mornings arrive riding flute notes at Raajkutir as a flute player in the courtyard reminds you to start your day slowly and joyfully.

One can of course hit the gym or have some lap sessions at the pool here.

The passages at Raajkutir are decked with ornately-crafted wooden furniture and grandfather clocks, quintessential reminders of Bengal’s pre-Independence, colonial days. Their diner, the East India Room, will make you happy with spreads of authentic Bengali dishes as well as Bengali food that has been influenced by the British, French, Portuguese and more. We liked their traditional Bengali breakfast buffet as well.

Raajkutir staff, like other IHCL SeleQtions hotels, would woo you with their hospitality and charm.

Check-ins, travel arrangements, dining requests are met with avid promptness. As a guest, you’d be pampered not just with the elegance and heritage the hotel structurally exudes, but with the genuinely caring and dedicated staff, who are always equipped to provide a personalized experience around the clock. The restaurant offers an interesting array of food, finely prepared by skilled chefs catering to all guests’ tastes. The chef is always open to a conversation for any special culinary requests or suggestions.

The concierge service has a knack for making all your travel arrangements hassle-free – be it airport transfers or local sightseeing. The front-desk team is proficient and attentive, ensuring swift check-in/check-out procedures.

Location

Raajkutir sits by River Hooghly in Kolkata, a short drive to attractions including Victoria Memorial, Prinsep Ghat, Bara Bazaar and Kumartuli.

Who is it for?

Book if you are looking for a classic, luxury hotel in Kolkata. It is for those who love stories and appreciate its colonial charm. It’s great for families as well as singles, for there is plenty to do and soak in at Raajkutir. A very well-stocked bar is another highlight here.

If you are visiting during Durga Pujo, Raajkutir will woo you further with its guest events that see Baul singers, dhunuchi dance, pujo rituals and more.