Kolkata, IndiaAlipore
Taj Bengal, Kolkata
Leafy atrium landmark
Alipore Kolkata, India
Renovated
2014
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Classic LocalOutside the door
The house
TajLeafy atrium landmark
Life revolves around the soaring skylit atrium, where hanging gardens bring Alipore's greenery into a central meeting place.
What it’s good at
Notable
Eight globe-spanning restaurants, Ayurveda spa suites, and the private Chambers club lounge.
Listed
Hundreds of original Bengal canvases alongside terracotta musician statues by Shyamal Roy.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The opulent Taj houses no fewer than eight restaurants, with cuisines from all continents represented.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The Zoological Gardens sit right next door in quiet Alipore, with the National Library just down Belvedere Road.
The rooms
Checkered marble floors and understated Indian furnishings fill the bedrooms, looking out over the leafy grounds.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool includes an integrated jacuzzi, set against the hotel's terraced, plant-draped walls.
The spa
Private treatment suites offer Indian healing rituals, including a couple's room equipped with a deep-soak tub.
The gym
Cardio machines and strength equipment sit on herringbone wood floors, alongside an on-site yoga studio.
Bar
The Promenade Lounge
Guests gather here for afternoon coffee and an evening Chai Adda tea service beside original Bengal paintings.
At the table
The Junction pours vintage single malts among dark wood paneling, and winter brings open-air barbecues beside the pool.
How it began
Architect Bob Fox kept the structure to five storeys so migrating birds could reach the neighboring zoo unhindered.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.