The Elgin Fairlawn - Kolkata - Heritage Hotel (Since 1783) — Hotel in Kolkata

tldr : Not a great hotel - staff or facility-wise. Nobody offered any compensation or even compassion for the incident as we checked out. Also we figured out at the last minute there were RED ANTS on the bed along with mosquitoes outside as there was no insect/fly proofing.

We had a rare incident that gave us immediate insight to how much the hotel truly cares about it's "guests" beyond seeing them as paying customers. The power around the block went out on our second night, it apparently affected the hotel generator too so there was no electricity, lights, fans, A/C in the middle of June in the entire hotel.

*What should have happened next - The staff comes to each room to explain what happened. It's not their fault the power went out, but they can control what happens next. They bring us candles and ask if there's anything they can do to make this easier for us as guests. They ask if we've had dinner, they offer to comp for some food or drink, offer mosquito repellent. They apologize and say they're doing the best they can, give us a phone number and will keep us updated about when the electricity will be back .

*What really happened - nobody came to our door. We sat in the dark in our room for 20 minutes before deciding to use our phone flashlights to visit the reception. Nobody in the staff even looked at us, until we walked over and asked what happened. Nobody offered us water until we asked. Nobody asked how we were doing. Nobody gave us any updates until we walked up to the manager and asked. We sat in the reception area for 45 minutes with no light, mosquitoes and complete apathy from this hotel and its staff. Eventually we asked for a candle and took it up to the room ourselves.

The best part - something that will tell you everything you need to know - was the owners happened to be in the hotel at the same time, they were being served tea and food at 10pm while the guests are sitting with questions unanswered, mosquitoes biting, not offered a thing, near the reception 3 feet away.

Pop by for a meal maybe to see the old architecture but I wouldnt recommend anyone to stay here. It's just not worth it. There are other hotels nearby with the same good location who actually care about their guests.

Edit after hotel response - 1) We were in our room for a half hour before we came downstairs, nobody called. When we tried to call reception there was no dial tone assuming the power outage affected it too. You cannot expect guests to wait more than 30 minutes in the dark. This is not a misunderstanding, you are gaslighting. 2) We were given a candle to take up to our room after we asked. So obviously not a "fire hazard" unless you're trying to save face. Re above - gaslighting. 3) As for the very very rare power cut, it happened thrice more the next morning. 4) While I have your attention, your breakfast menu should spell maple syrup, not "muffle syrup". Upholding an English Heritage hotel should atleast entail a...

It was a great time visiting the fair lawn. We were having guests from London. And we were very happy visiting them over there. Rooms are very clean and comfortable. Staffs are very polite and helpful. Beautiful interior design and it's luxurious. We had a great dinner 🍽️ over there. Food was very delicious 😋. Our group had different different types of foods. My mom ate mutton biryani and me and my dad ate mixed fried 🍤 rice with the flavour of basil. It was super delicious. Never had such delicious mixed fried rice 🍚🌾 like the fairlawn. Restaurant was well decorated with different different types of food options. After the dinner we called the chef and appreciated him for preparing such delicious and aromatic foods for us. Outside sitting area is spacious and clean with comfortable sofas and chairs. And in the surrounding were present lot of plants ☘️ and colorful flower. Which gave the place more beauty. The price of the food is cheap. You will find mostly foreigners over there because of the awesome facilities. Everyone gets attracted due to the ambiance of the place. Loved by the foreigners the most. Rooms are air conditioned. They value their customers a lot. And during any special occasion or festival they decorate the hotel very nicely. We went there during Christmas time and the place was well decorated with Christmas tree and colorful lights. Which was creating a unique vibe for us. There was a speaker too which was playing nice tracks. Sitting on the couch and enjoying the atmosphere was a booster for us. We talked , laughed with our guests. We clicked nice images over there. If you are an Instagram user . Definitely visit this place for some nice photos. And upload it later. Your viewers family and friends will definitely appreciate the photos. I did the same. Amazing location. Delicious 😋 foods in the restaurant. When ever you come to Kolkata don't forget to visit this place. You will remember the ambiance whole your life. Thanks 🙏👍 and regards. Hope to...

So much has been written about this place that I just wanted to share a few details of my experience that involved a breakfast on a winter morning...I did not stay though. This place is currently being renovated so I would not recommend a stay right away but this is any photographers delight...the nook and cranny,the plants,the bamboo chairs, the ceiling fans, a little unkeptness, a little paint falling off, the worn look of some of the antique furniture is a delight. I dont know how the new ownership will preserve this aspect which feels so integral to this old world charm. The hotel serves breakfast if you walk in and you can opt for a buffet for around INR550 or go for a la carte which I would recommend. Please dont be in a rush or expect food to be served in a jiffy...spend the time to soak in. Its not crowded at all so we spent over 2 hours over breakfast without being bothered. The staff was very courteous...we had non veg sandwiches worth INR220 and can be shared between two people easily. Tried the mushroom omlette and hazelnut coffee and Darjeeling tea. We paid around INR1200 for the breakfast for two. My only feedback I would expect freshly made tea and not tea bags from this heritage place. And a suggestion if we can place a vintage car or motorcycle in the driveway please to complete postcard look!!! Its a 2 min walk from Indian museum...the lane adjascent to it and right opposite Indian silk house and Chandrani pearls showroom. The outdoor seating arrangement is perfect for winters but did not look...