Snapshots from the property that boasts of a decor reminiscent of the Bengal
Renaissance era. From the rooms to the decor and the in-room amenities, every little detail has been fleshed out to keep this theme at the fore
Raajkutir, Kolkata — IHCL SeleQtions, with a new identity in tow, is all set to transport guests to the era of the Bengal Renaissance. With experiences designed to introduce and acquaint guests with the heritage of Bengal and amenities built to satisfy the urban needs, the 33-room property has something for everyone. Every nook and corner of the hotel has Renaissance Bengal peeking out, transporting you to an era of zamindars and raajbaris, even if you are in the heart of the city. From F&B to the sandhya aarti, Raajkutir can be your first choice for a city-dweller’s staycation or a pit-stop for someone venturing further east. Vijay Shrikent (inset), area director, West Bengal and general manager, Taj Bengal, tells us more:
As the property takes on the new identity of Raajkutir, Kolkata — IHCL SeleQtions, what are the new things that guests can look forward to?
Apart from the services that IHCL brings along, the key part of your stay in Raajkutir will be your experience. From your arrival, the nature walks, heritage tour, the experiences in the evening, sandhya aarti as it is done in a zamindar house, the music performances that happen every evening, your tea and snacks at the courtyard, the palmist in the evening, artists’ counter — these are part of the new experiences we have to offer to complete your stay modelled on an old zamindari house. All of these are new additions to the heritage experience of Raajkutir.
Given the location and the amenities available, what makes Raajkutir, Kolkata — IHCL SeleQtions a great staycation option?
If you are a part of the city, you already know what a zamindar’s house would look like and if you are coming from outside, we offer great experiences to understand the heritage of the city. There are culinary classes available and we are also coming up with a Jiva Spa. You can learn things like pottery, beading and dokra art at the artists’ corners. It all depends on you as to how you would want to spend your day when you stay with us as we have plenty to offer.
We are also trying to promote local art and art forms and we have collaborated with a local organisation that provides us with artists from the different villages of Bengal. For example, we have Chhau dancers, Raibenshe, Baul and Natua in turns to come perform at the property so that guests can get acquainted with the heritage of the state. It happens every day between 6pm and 7pm at the courtyard and it is open to everyone.
Tell us about the F&B experiences on the property...
The mainstay is The East India Room, which, apart from being our all-day dining, also gives the experience of the colonial cuisine as it was in Bengal from 1850 to 1900. Then we also have Loafer’s Cafe, where you get Victorian high-teas, pastries and coffees; and at The Swig Bar & Lounge, you get your drink and light snacks.
Sip on some tea and bite into some snacks as you enjoy!
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the property?
The primary strength is the property’s urban landscape and its landscape within the city. It is a resort at the heart of the city. It’s 13.5 acres of landscaping that you will not get anywhere else in the city. It is very centrally located at the entrance of Biddhanangar and New Town, with the central business district on the other side. The room designs and the experiences are nothing that you will find anywhere in Calcutta. The weakness is that the property is expansively open-air so during the monsoons or peak summer, you will probably not be able to explore everything we have.
With the city getting many hotels recently, where are you positioning yourselves?
In the right sense, we are not really competing with the hotels around us because this is a leisure-business-oriented, staycation-oriented property. Once flight operations become absolutely normal, we are unique in our own way to cater to this market and there is enough profit that will come into Calcutta. Apart from that, Raajkutir also becomes a strong connection to the east for someone who is coming to experience Darjeeling or going to the North-eastern states. It is a circuit that we are creating as we have more properties coming up in these areas.
The daily evening performances range from Baul to Chhau as they have been curated to showcase the culture and heritage of Bengal
What: Raajkutir, Kolkata — IHCL SeleQtions
Where: 89C Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Sarani, Phool Bagan, Kankurgachi
Keys: 33
Amenities: F&B (The East India Room, The Swig Bar & Lounge, Loafer’s Cafe); spa (coming up), gym and pool; pet-friendly; banqueting space available
Experiences: Heritage walks, cultural performances, palmist and culinary classes and more
A peek into a meal at The East India Room that serves food akin to what was enjoyed in the colonial era
Pictures: B. Halder