Kolkata guest houses: recent recommendations?

Sama

While I've searched the Kolkata forum and the hotel section, I'm wondering if anyone has any RECENT experiences with guest houses in Kolkata. Not hotels, guest houses.

Any recent recommendations? Will spend a week in Kolkata next year so I'm leaning toward something a bit more homey than a hotel ("homely?".. ) -- and it's never too early for research!

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stungan

Budget?

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machadinha

You'll realize at the budget end (which guesthouse implies), the distinction between a hotel and a guesthouse won't be very clearly defined. It's more a matter of how a place chooses to name itself. (Don't forget "lodge" or "lodgings" and "hostel" and "rest house" and any number of other options. Conversely, I think some higher-scale places may well opt to call themselves a lodge or something. "Tourist bungalow," another of those multi-functional designations that can mean pretty much anything. And then a "hotel" may of course just indicate a restaurant, in fact that's what it quite commonly means -- well, whatever.)

You might want to contact the West Bengal tourist department about homestay options, if available: http://www.wbtourism.com/ .

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wonderwomanusa

Give yourself a treat -- stay at Fairlawn!

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Sama

I've read some dicey reviews of Fairlawn elsewhere, wonderwoman!

Sama

has anyone stayed at the Bodhi Tree guesthouse?

chief61

There are plenty vacation rental , self cooking,
fully furnished guest houses in around kolkata, in
my opinion these are far better than dingy hotel
rooms around central kolkata and ofcourse the atmosphere
is much homely . Truly I wont recommend to stay anybody
in sudder street area if he/she is truly want to feel
the pulse of Kolkata.

try this web link for couple of guesthouses around kolkata.
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/kol/vr/

Cheers

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Britishraj

Fairlawn Hotel is an overpriced 'Fawlty Towers' that exists on a reputation which it had many moons ago. Unfortunately, the hotel has lost its charm, friendliness, the food is absolutely terrible and the service is Lousy. Mrs.Smith I'm afraid is a little old now, and like the hotel a wee bit TIRED. just leting things plod along on a reputation which dosen't match expectations and PRICE !

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SitaParityaga

Just what we're NOT looking for, thanks Britishraj.

I'm Sama's travel partner, so I'm butting in (yeah, and bumping up the question) about where to stay in Kolkata that isn't a sterile 5 star, something in a neighborhood, quieter, but still easy (fast) access to the center. Even though we will be there for 9 days, we want to spend our time seeing everything, not seeing traffic.

chief61, thanks for the link: we checked it out but the properties are a bit too far away from the center. Oh well!

wonderwomanusa

I stayed there two or three times on my last visit to India, Sama, and never had a problem. I don't always eat their meals, except for breakfast, but otherwise it's just fine.

I love having hot water at my convenience, and a fridge in the room, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Your mileage may vary.