Taj Bengal, Kolkata — Hotel in Kolkata

A Wake-Up Call for Taj Bengal – Deeply Hurt by Biased Treatment

I stayed at Taj Bengal, Kolkata for 9 nights. This was my second visit — the first had been exceptional, and despite the many options available, I chose Taj again after traveling over 20 hours on flights from Melbourne. I arrived tired but full of trust, expecting the warmth, dignity, and world-class hospitality that Taj is known for. But this stay left me feeling unfairly judged, disrespected, and deeply disappointed.

To begin with, I do want to acknowledge those who did their jobs with sincerity. Chaity at reception was warm and professional and offered me a generous upgrade. Chef Kavitha was consistently thoughtful and made sure I was comfortable. Saurabh from concierge handled my concerns with patience and empathy. The housekeeping, pool, buffet, and internal security staff also showed genuine hospitality throughout.

But all of that was overshadowed by the consistent, biased, and frankly humiliating treatment I received from the outdoor security staff.

Over my stay, it became painfully clear that I was treated differently depending on how I arrived at the hotel: • By car, I was shown respect and greeted warmly. • By bike, I was shouted at, spoken to rudely, and treated like I didn’t belong — even when I stopped far from the main gate for just a few seconds to collect my belongings. • On foot, I was ignored entirely — no greeting, no acknowledgment, as if I was invisible.

This wasn’t a one-off — it happened repeatedly, at least 8–9 times. I raised this with the reception team, and while I did receive an apology from the duty manager and the head of security, it felt like a formality, not a sincere attempt to fix what had gone wrong. No meaningful action was taken.

Adding to my frustration, I requested a 2–3 hour late checkout — a very normal courtesy extended to long-stay guests. I was immediately refused, without even being asked for my room number. Only when I questioned it did the staff check my details and agree, which made it clear the original denial was dishonest and dismissive.

Even at checkout, I was offered no luggage assistance and wasn’t provided with any receipt — neither hard copy nor digital. The way I was sent off after a 9-night stay only added to the sense that my presence didn’t matter.

There was a last-minute attempt at damage control — Saurabh from concierge kindly offered a farewell gesture. While I appreciated the thought in the moment, I respectfully declined. Because what I always wanted was to be treated fairly, not specially. And looking back, the gesture felt more like a formality than true concern for the pain this experience had caused.

This is not what Taj stands for. This is not the legacy of Mr. Ratan Tata, who represents dignity, equality, and integrity. The biased treatment I received — based purely on how I arrived — goes against everything the Taj name is supposed to mean.

This review is not just feedback — it’s a wake-up call. For the management to reflect, take real accountability, and ensure no future guest is ever treated with such judgment or inequality. Hospitality is not just about rooms and food — it’s about how people are made to feel. And I felt small, unvalued, and wronged.

Despite all this, due to the hotel’s location and my past positive experience, I’m still open to returning in the future. But only in the hope that this time, things are different — and the management chooses to learn, improve, and uphold the values that the Taj brand once proudly...

Taj Bengal, located in the heart of Kolkata near the Alipore Zoological Gardens and Victoria Memorial, is a landmark in itself. As a flagship property of the Taj Group, it blends timeless luxury with classic old-world charm and top-tier service. Whether you're a business traveler, a tourist, or a local looking for a lavish staycation, Taj Bengal does not disappoint.

Ambience and Architecture

From the moment you enter, you're struck by the grandeur of the hotel’s atrium lobby with its natural skylight, lush indoor plants, and flowing water features. Designed by legendary architect Bob Fox, the interiors combine colonial and traditional Bengali design elements, giving the hotel a regal yet homely feel. The overall vibe is both elegant and peaceful – a rare balance.

Rooms and Comfort

Taj Bengal offers a variety of rooms and suites that are spacious, well-furnished, and luxuriously comfortable. The rooms provide views of the city, gardens, or poolside, and are equipped with all modern amenities – high-speed Wi-Fi, plush bedding, a well-stocked minibar, and a spacious bathroom with premium toiletries. The attention to detail is evident – from the spotless cleanliness to the nightly turndown service with chocolates and thoughtful notes.

Dining Experience

One of Taj Bengal’s biggest strengths is its culinary spread. It houses several celebrated restaurants:

Sonargaon – Specializing in North Indian and Bengali cuisine, the kebabs and traditional thalis here are unforgettable.

Souk – Offering Mediterranean cuisine with rooftop views, perfect for romantic dinners.

Chinoiserie – One of Kolkata’s oldest and finest Chinese restaurants.

The Hub – A 24-hour coffee shop serving global cuisine, perfect for breakfast buffets and late-night cravings.

Every restaurant maintains high hygiene standards and provides impeccable service, with servers happy to tailor dishes to your taste.

Hospitality and Service

The hallmark of any Taj property is its hospitality, and Taj Bengal is no exception. Staff members greet you with warm smiles, and the service is prompt yet unobtrusive. Whether it's room service, housekeeping, concierge, or valet – the professionalism is consistent. Special mention must go to the front desk team, who handle requests and queries with efficiency and grace.

Facilities

The hotel features a well-maintained outdoor swimming pool, a modern fitness center, and the signature Jiva Spa, offering a range of relaxing therapies and Ayurvedic treatments. The business center and banquet halls are ideal for meetings, events, or weddings. Security is top-notch, and every entry point has discreet yet efficient checks.

Location Advantage

Taj Bengal is ideally located near key landmarks, business hubs, and upscale neighborhoods. The proximity to Victoria Memorial, Maidan, and the Racecourse makes it great for tourists, while the short commute to central business areas appeals to corporate guests.

Verdict

Taj Bengal lives up to the Taj legacy – it’s not just a place to stay, but an experience to remember. With world-class hospitality, exquisite dining, and a heritage setting, it remains one of the finest hotels not just in Kolkata but in all of India. It's the perfect mix of tradition, luxury,...

We stayed at Taj Bengal for 6 nights, and it was truly a memorable experience. Right from the beginning, the welcome was warm — with a Tilak and herbal tea, which set the tone for our stay. The staff are exceptionally friendly and approachable; you can ask anyone for help, and they will never turn you down.||Here’s a breakdown of our experience across different areas:|Dining (5/5):|The breakfast spread is excellent, and the staff are attentive to every detail. A small area of improvement — my wife requested a cold coffee in a cup to carry along, and initially, the staff hesitated and checked with the manager. Eventually, they did serve it happily, but I feel for small requests like this, staff should be empowered to take decisions without managerial approval.|A special mention to Ms. Kavitha Unni — it was lovely speaking with her during breakfast. She not only took our feedback but also connected with us personally, making us feel valued.||Housekeeping (5/5):|The housekeeping team is outstanding. Our room was always spotless, and they regularly checked in if we needed any changes. Raja and Dipayan deserve a special appreciation for the beautiful decorations they surprised us with almost every day. It was such a delight to come back to a room that felt personalized and welcoming.||Security (3.5/5):|The security staff are attentive and always present, but we did face a small hiccup. Since we arrived on a two-wheeler (scooty) a couple of times, one of the security staff seemed hesitant in welcoming us, almost judging the way we arrived. Later, things were fine once they recognized us as guests, but this initial behavior wasn’t very welcoming.||Also, the hotel does not have a dedicated parking space for two-wheelers, which made it difficult for us to park. On one occasion, I struggled to find a spot; on another, I couldn’t find parking at all. For a guest, whether they arrive in a car or bike, equal importance should be given. This is an area where the hotel can definitely improve.||Staff Interactions:|We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bimal Darnal, who was an absolute delight to speak with. He greeted us with the same warmth and passion on the first day and on the last, which speaks volumes about his consistency and dedication.|Other Notes:|• The hotel’s central location makes it very convenient to reach major attractions in Kolkata quickly.|• The overall ambiance, décor, and Taj Bengal’s old-world charm add to the luxury experience.||Final Thoughts (4.5/5):|Our overall experience was wonderful. While there are a few small areas to improve, especially in terms of security and parking, they don’t overshadow the warmth, hospitality, and comfort the hotel provides. We would happily recommend Taj Bengal to anyone visiting Kolkata and will surely look forward to staying here again.||Thank you for hosting us so...