The Oberoi Grand, an iconic 209-room hotel, has been hosting discerning travelers since 1938 and is very much The Grande Dame of Kolkata. Built in the late 19th century, The Oberoi Grand retains its original splendor with lofty ceilings, intricate stonework, and creaky teakwood floors that echo stories from a bygone era. During a captivating tour, the past comes alive through tantalising anecdotes. We walk past the timeworn stairway, once graced by the King of Nepal, other royal guests, World War II spies, and hear tales from the hotel’s early cabaret days.
Beyond the stately façade lies contemporary luxury perfected by India’s premier hotel group. Bright tropical flowers adorn the sophisticated lobby lounge, while the rooms feature necessities for the thinking traveller. This seamless blend of old-world nostalgia and understated luxury shines throughout the hotel, a testament to the Oberoi Group’s refinement over decades. Gleaming Rococo mirrors now hang beside modern Samsung tablets, and custom-brewed teas are poured into antique bone china. As we arrive early, we are offered the wonderful and inviting breakfast buffet – a testament to the hotel’s attention to detail. The efficient yet discreet service makes you feel special without being intrusive.
Exploring the Rooms and Suites
A Sanctuary of Sophistication: Each room and suite at the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, is a testament to luxurious comfort and elegance. With a harmonious blend of classic charm and modern amenities, these spaces offer a serene escape from the bustling city. The rooms are meticulously designed, featuring rich textures, subtle hues, and sophisticated furnishings. Large windows not only provide ample natural light but also offer picturesque views of the city or the hotel’s azure pool. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the suites provide spacious living areas, refined decor, and enhanced privacy, ensuring a stay that is both opulent and comfortable.
Immersed in the vibrancy of the city, The Oberoi Grand enjoys a prestigious location in the heart of Kolkata, nestled amidst the city’s commercial and shopping districts. With easy access to the metro (the first metro line in India) and the airport too, this prime positioning allows you to easily access the city’s historical landmarks, cultural centres, and bustling bazaars. The hotel serves as a peaceful haven amidst the vibrant energy of Kolkata, offering a unique opportunity to experience the city’s charm up close while retreating to an oasis of tranquility.
A Haven of Wellness
The spa at the Oberoi Grand is a sanctuary of wellness and rejuvenation. Here, you can indulge in a range of therapeutic treatments and massages, expertly designed to soothe the body and mind. The tranquil ambiance, combined with the skilled touch of professional therapists, ensures a holistic spa experience that revitalises the senses and imparts a deep sense of relaxation. There is also a rather well-equipped gym with a steam room for post-gym relaxation. Outside, the swimming pool in the central quadrant of the hotel once used to be a skating rink. It then became a dance floor and later morphed into a garden restaurant. Poolside is one of the most favoured spots in the hotel, and is reserved for hotel guests only.
Savour the Delights at threesixtythree°
The hotel’s signature restaurant, threesixtythree°, is a gourmet destination in its own right. Offering an array of international and local cuisine, the restaurant prides itself on its diverse menu and impeccable service. The elegant setting, with its contemporary design and inviting atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a sumptuous lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, threesixtythree° promises a culinary journey.
Breakfast is one of the most elegant and well-stocked buffets in India. There is a huge choice of local and international flavours as well as live cooking stations. Our highlights were the Indian choices available and they changed on a daily basis. Dinner offers an international menu including local and regional specialities. The lamb biryani was incredible and served in a traditional cooking pot. We also tried minced lamb brains which went so well with the biryani. A really Indian experience.
A Culinary Journey Through Kolkata
The hotel offers gastronomic journeys through Kolkata’s cultural fusion. You can enjoy Baan Thai’s flavour-packed tom yum soup and traditional Thai curries. Baan Thai which was featured recently in India’s Top 50 Restaurants at the Condé Nast Traveller India’s Top Restaurant Awards 2023 and is very much a destination restaurant. You can also experience Threesixtythree’s interactive Sunday brunch with hand-rolled sushi prepared to your liking. At the charming bar, I sip on crafted cocktails named after the city’s iconic landmarks – the sweet yet fiery East of Eden with a hint of spice that encapsulates Kolkata.
Exploring Kolkata
The concierge can arrange customised walking tours, revealing Kolkata’s secrets. Once the British Raj’s first capital, remnants of colonial Kolkata mingle with flower markets, potters’ colonies, and incense-wreathed temples nestled in chaotic bazaars. We steer through these contrasts, past majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture housing artisan workshops and hole-in-the-wall chop houses emitting irresistible aromas.
Experiencing the city’s varied faces, I go through Chinese breakfast stalls, admire bold graffiti art symbolising Kolkata’s revolutionary spirit, and enjoy the bustling New Market directly outside the hotel. Despite its formal British-era name, the eclectic soul of the place remains quintessentially Indian.
Deep Dive into Kolkata’s Culture at The Oberoi Grand
By embracing both its heritage and the city’s cosmopolitan soul, The Oberoi Grand enlivens your senses to the attractions of this eternally captivating melting pot. Stay here to discover why Kolkata grasps the hearts of so many. The Oberoi Grand feels like discovering a portal where the grace of bygone eras converges with modern comforts. By night, slipping into my monogrammed robe, I watch how two very different worlds collide yet coexist so sublimely in Kolkata – where time moves slowly to its own rhythms. I highly recommend at least a three-night visit, with rooms starting from INR 20,000 per night. It’s worth the indulgence to immerse yourself in old-world nostalgia, refined luxury, and Kolkata’s enduring mystique – where the past resides in the present.
For more information, visit oberoihotels.com
The Thali at Sonargaon
Three Places to Eat Nearby
Kolkata, a melting pot of gastronomic cultures, is home to some of the finest Bengali and Indian food. Here are three places nearby that we highly recommend:
- Sonargaon: Dive into the flavours of traditional Bengali cuisine at Sonargaon. Its ambiance, reminiscent of Bengal’s golden era, complements the authentic dishes prepared with a home-cooked feel. The Thalis are a must.
- Kewpies: A cosy and intimate setting awaits you at Kewpies. Known for its thali meals, this eatery offers a diverse range of Bengali dishes, each exploding with unique flavors and spices. The fried tandoori fish is a must.
- Aaheli: Experience the essence of Bengali heritage at Aaheli. The restaurant specializes in exquisite Bengali delicacies, served in an environment that reflects the rich culture of the region.
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All imagery courtesy of The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.