Steeped in Victorian and colonial charm, Raajkutir Kolkata-IHCL SeleQtions is a property that’s significant with old-world Rajbari charm and has hence become a popular spot not just for tourists, but also for city dwellers as a staycation as well as a chosen wedding destination.
Keeping this demand in mind, the property has received a new wing. Called Serai, the new wing adds 15 more rooms to the space, ranging from the SeleQtions suite, to deluxe, superior, as well as premium rooms.
“The room inventory at Raajkutir- IHCL Seleqtions has been enhanced by 15 unique rooms. With all the love and adulation showered upon us in the first year of operations and keeping up with the surge in demand for rooms, we now have a new wing with additional rooms. Each room is an ode to the grandeur of times past. Come and experience a slice of Calcutta’s rich heritage faithfully recreated,” said Ankur Gairola, hotel manager, Raajkutir Kolkata-IHCL SeleQtions.
TT set out to explore the sprawling new wing at the charming property with a special shoot.
The suite’s living room is a great place to chill, read a book, or just chat with your loved ones. The property also has a ‘take a book, lend a book’ programme that encourages guests to read. The space also has activities such as flute recital in the courtyard. Evenings are particularly pleasant with an evening ritual of lamp lighting followed by traditional Bengali folk performances and chai with jhal muri in the courtyard for guests to enjoy.
This space right here is a great photo spot in the property, with the brilliantly photographed women in the portraits behind serving as a great vintage backdrop
The common space right in the centre of the new wing is a great place to sit and soak in the Victorian vibes of the space. From the mustard and teal carpet to the wooden staircase with iron rails and a plethora of brass showpieces adorning the walls along with ample greens to add a fresh touch.
There are three distinct dining options on the property, ranging from the East India Room, a vintage dining hotspot, to Swig, the lounge, and Loafer’s Cafe as well. You can also relish your afternoon high-tea at the inner patio.
Serving as a great relaxing spot is the outdoor pool that’s a brilliant oasis of comfort in the summer heat. For guests looking to unwind, the Jiva spa at the property is a great escape while fitness enthusiasts can be sure to catch their workout at The Outhouse Gym.
“The story behind the property rides on the fictional tale of Rajababu, and the space is his Rajbari. The Serai wing is an extension of the Rajbari theme. The Serai is his guesthouse where he would host guests from different parts of the world and the country. That’s how the fictional storylines have been constructed. It houses memorabilia that he has collected over the years, which are not necessarily antiques but add to the charm and story of the space. The portraits in the rooms are those of his friends that have lived there over the years. This is the design inspiration. Now with IHCL managing it, there has been an increase in the demand, particularly in the wedding season and we had this space available so we converted this into an additional wing,” said Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia.
Model: Khusboo Jha
Outfit courtesy: Aditi Agarwal
Couture Hair: Saima Khatoon
Make-up: Kashish Ahsan