The Elgin Fairlawn Kolkata

After a 14 hour train ride in the sleeper class, my mother and i arrived looking perfectly dreadful and exhausted and cranky. It was about 8AM, way earlier than any acceptable check in time for any hotel in the entire universe....but...they took one look at us - kindly - and offered us rest. and breakfast (with freshly brewed coffee, freshly fried hash browns, and delicious eggs) and then a gorgeous room - all before 9AM. I know they were making an exception for us - because we were in bad shape - and I will be a loyal Elgin customer because of this. we were booked into Gunter Grass's room - there are photos of him in Calcutta all over the room and it was such a delight to stay in there. I've stayed in fancy schmancy modern and sleek hotels, but this hotel - gave me love chills of staying in a historic, beautiful hotel - like Del Mar in San Diego, Mohonk in New York. There is history to the place, elegance that is deeply rooted, and hospitality that is genuine. And Gunter Grass! My favorite author growing up (don't ask me why). Everything is slightly rundown - but shabby chic. Not like mold in the shower curtains, or dust on the bedframe. NO. the housekeeping service was immaculate, the towels fluffy, and robes and slippers ready. The dining service staff were dear and attentive and kind and sweet. and food is good. We had a fish curry here - that I am still thinking about. And their strawberry milkshake reminded me of the ones I used to drink when I was a child. ...Unfortunately, we only booked one night here - but we left the place feeling extremely refreshed and ready to take on Calcutta....it would not be that - but that's for another review. the city is truly walkable here - for first time explorer of Calcutta, Elgin is THE place to be - Indian museum is down the block, major shopping market is few blocks away, park street is but a 5 minute tuktuk ride away...it is a central location that I regret not looking into more seriously: We tried other neighborhoods (air bnb near victoria memorial - nothing really interesting in walking distance except for malls - who cares about malls?, Lalit Kolkata - DON'T (chaotic neighborhood, interesting walk to the water/courthouses BUT Lalit Kolkata is managed poorly and you'll be upset leaving it. also, kind of disturbing to have the hotel next to kind of a grubby block where men sort of look at you in a way that makes you feel uneasy), calcutta bungalow - cool, but really out of the way of the hustle and bustle, one must schlep staying in this boutique hotel...). In Calcutta, Elgin wins HANDS DOWN in terms of value, location, hospitality, exquisite elegance. One of the places I will miss about India is - Elgin Fairlawn.