Taj Bengal

Popular with businesspeople, this is a good choice if you want to stay south of the city, enjoy views of the Maidan, and dine in-house -- Taj Bengal boasts some of Kolkata's most impressive restaurants, under the aegis of the highly experienced chef Sujan Mukherjee. Besides Sonargaon and The Hub, it houses one of India's best Chinese restaurants, Chinoiserie (all reviewed below). Quieter rooms face the pool, or you can ask for a room with a view of the Victoria Memorial. Club Rooms (top floor) have added space (thanks to a window alcove), personal butler service, and access to posh lounges and exclusive restaurants (with strict dress codes) where the city's elite plot and play. The "gentlemen's club" ambience in the residents' lounge goes down well with a game of pool, a book from the small library, or time at the Internet bar.

Facilities:
3 restaurants; bar; tea lounge; airport transfers (Rs 1,875; free with suites); concierge; currency exchange; in-house doctor; health club; pool; room service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.