I had booked Raajkutir, Raasmanch for my wedding on 27th January 2023. Raajkutir had always been my first choice for my wedding venue because of the ambience and vibe of the place. There are so many beautiful spots for classic Bengali Wedding photographs and a vintage feel. Hence I had booked the place back in January 2022 (more than a year in advance). We started coordinating on the menu and the event plan with Samarpita around December end 2022. She personally made us talk with the chef and arranged for a food tasting. We tried Hazelnut Cold Coffee, Gondhoraj Chicken Tikka, Fish fry with Kasundi, Fish Paturi, Chingri Malaikari, Dhonepata Kacha Lanka Murgi, Thakur Barir Kosha Mangsho, Chocolate Monte Carlo.
Each of the items tasted amazing and we ended up finalising the same for the wedding menu. Samarpita was present throughout the tasting event and was always eager for our feedback.
Now, coming to the day of the event here's what I was disappointed with. In our contract it clearly mentions we are to leave the hall after midnight. My event planner and decorators reached the venue at 3:00 am and saw the previous day wedding was still underway. They again went to the venue at 8:00am and all the previous day decorations plus the family members of bride and groom were still present. It was at 9:00 am that Samarpita had to reach the venue and then she started taking care of the cleaning and decorations removal. My event planner decorators were unable to start the work before 10:00 am.
This is in my opinion highly unprofessional. That day I didn't want to be complaining and tried to stay calm through it all. Also Samarpita tried helping me in her best possible way. But I am surprised that being a TAJ Group of hotels no one told the previous set of guests anything. My event planners later told me that if they had a little more time the decorations would have been more heavy and extravagant. They even showed my Dad all the heavy materials they carried and some they could not put up due to lack of time. When I had asked previously that can I do my "bashor raat" (staying up all night with friends and relatives which is a Bengali tradition after wedding) they denied saying that we have to leave the venue after 12am. Now why was this rule not enforced for the people who booked on 26th Jan 2023 ? A 4 star property like Raajkutir must have people to make sure that all guest bookings are honoured equally.
I have no complains about how the evening went. It was beautiful. Samarpita was present throughout and was making sure all food and everything was on point. Everyone appreciated the grandeur of the place and even loved the food. They kept refilling and everything was hot and tasty. The staff took care of all the guests and were very hospitable. Everyone was impressed with how beautiful and grand the venue looks.
Lastly one thing would be in a wedding ceremony we need to give food packets to some drivers/guests. Now plate count was 50 below the Guaranteed PAX yet we were not allowed any food packets. I believe this is a basic requirement in an Indian wedding and should not have been denied. The excuse given was that "food quality might get degraded". But I wonder how you all then allow food packets in the restaurants ? Shouldn't the concern be the same ?
All in all, the pictures and videos came beautiful, I doubt it could have been better in any other place in Kolkata. The guests, my in-laws had no complains at all. None of them faced any issues with any staff or food. The staff were very polite and followed proper hygiene when serving them. The ambience was very very nice. The staff even served me and my husband with all the items after the wedding and kept asking us if we needed anything. Samarpita was truly great to work with. She really calmed me down throughout the event and made sure to do her best.
The issues I faced is my complain to the TAJ management of Raajkutir. I would not want any bride to go through the same hassle on her wedding day. This review would have been a 5...
Read moreIt is going to be a fairly long review so bear along.
The moment one enters the hotel, it is simply impossible for the person to really grasp the scale of it.
We were greeted at the door by Ms/Mrs. Fulmoni who warmly welcomed us with arati. We checked in to our room and the entire process was very smooth. The room was very spacious and well furnished along with all the necessities. We also got some welcome chocolates which was tasty. The bathroom had good fittings. Didn't get an opportunity at an upgrade at this property, I believe it was thoroughly booked out.
After that we headed towards the in-house resturant East India Room for our lunch where we were really well attended to and taken care of by the manager Mr. Amrit Krishna Jena and Mr. Koushik. We were also visited by sous chef Ankur Halder who asked about our food preferences and suggested foods accordingly. The food was really really good except for the naan which I didn't really find as per my expectations. I also found it a bit off that a dessert was supposed to be shared by an entire family but I suppose that is the standard policy.
We then enjoyed a very cultural evening consisting of Puja arati and folk dance performance which was fabulously complimented with the "cutting chai" and Jhal Muri they served with their compliments. Mr. Chandan really attended us well and gave as an extra chai with ginger, which was nice.
After that we headed to the bar The Swig where I had one of the best cocktails ever, named Mojito 54. It was so good. I can't emphasize enough how much one should try it. Thanks to the bartender!
Next morning, we got a guided tour of the entire 13.5 acre property from Ms/Mrs. Paromita which was excellent, just excellent. She thoroughly explained the entirety of the property and the reasons behind certain designs and other minute details.
I also had a word with a manager and chef none of whose name I recall regarding the naan and they explained why it was the way it was.
Mr. Raj at reception shared a heartfelt goodbye along with his other colleagues whom I mentioned before and we clicked some memorable photos as well. It was really nice but I won't be attaching those to respect their privacy.
Even apart from the humble gentlemen and gentlewomen I mentioned in my review there were many others who made our stay really really great.
Now let's break down some of my likes and bit of my dislikes:
Likes: A really secluded and nested away property which doesn't get many fly-by guests so it is peaceful. One of the best hotel services I've ever experienced, definitely in my top ten as of now. Well maintained and clean rooms. Flute in the morning is absolutely awesome. Good spread for breakfast. Attention to detail.
Dislikes: Extremely limited set menu option, and I mean extremely limited. One dessert for three people to share. Naan is not the typical Mughal Naan we are mostly accustomed to. Really small pool. The bathing area could have been entirely closed off with a glass door from the rest of the bathroom. The complimentary sides served with the cocktail wasn't good.
Overall even though there are other hotels I would choose for rooms and other restaurants I would prefer to East India Room, I would select this hotel in a heartbeat simply for their...
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Value for Money: Hoppipola offers good value for money considering the quality of drinks, food, and overall experience it provides. While it may be slightly on the higher end in terms of pricing, the lively ambience, excellent service, and the overall entertainment value make it worth the investment for a memorable night out with friends.
Overall, Hoppipola stands out as a top-notch destination for partying and enjoying drinks with friends. The lively ambience, wide variety of drinks, delicious food, engaging games, and attentive service create an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a place to have a great time and create unforgettable memories with your friends, Hoppipola should definitely be at the top...
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