Old Guard

One of Kolkata’s oldest and legendary hotel has finally open after renovation. The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel, once known as Wilson Hotel, and mentioned in Rudyard Kipling’s books, was built in the 1800s and has hosted guests like Mark Twain and Ho Chi Minh.

Great Eastern has managed to retain the old charms and yet balanced it with the new. The century-old piano still stands in the corner of the contemporary lobby. The winding iron staircase is an imposing presence in the hotel’s airy atrium. But the best part is the Great Eastern Bakery (pic below), which still has the century-old oven, although it is no longer in use. The hotel actually started off as this 173year-old bakery bakery, which is the oldest part of the building. Its confectionary and savories were once considered legendary and they are all up for grabs. The bakery has managed to retain a few of the old favorites including Dim Puff (priced at a modest Rs 35), which is a savoury patty with an egg filling. Also on the menu are salads, grilled sandwiches and a variety of breads. Cost Rs 12,500 per night, per room At 1,2,3 Old Court House Street, Dalhousie Square Tel 4447777