Where to Stay in Kolkata
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Kolkata
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Regions of Kolkata
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The historic heart of colonial Kolkata, this area offers the highest concentration of mid-range to luxury hotels, excellent dining, and proximity to major attractions like Victoria Memorial and the Indian Museum. It's the most tourist-friendly zone with the best infrastructure and nightlife.
Kolkata's traditional budget traveler hub, located near New Market and within walking distance of Park Street. This compact area is lined with budget guesthouses, hostels, and cheap eateries, creating a backpacker community atmosphere with easy access to travel agencies and tour operators.
A planned modern satellite city east of central Kolkata, featuring wider roads, organized layout, and newer construction. This area caters primarily to business travelers and IT professionals, with good shopping malls, restaurants, and a more contemporary urban feel compared to the historic core.
The rapidly developing zone around Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, featuring numerous hotels catering to transit passengers and business travelers. While convenient for flights, this area is 15-20km from central attractions and better suited for short stays or those prioritizing airport access.
Located across the Hooghly River from central Kolkata, this area surrounding one of India's busiest railway stations offers primarily budget accommodation for train travelers. While convenient for rail connections, it's less developed for tourism with limited dining and entertainment options.
Upscale residential neighborhoods south of Park Street, featuring tree-lined avenues, colonial bungalows, and a quieter atmosphere. This area offers boutique properties and heritage stays in a more residential setting, ideal for those seeking a local neighborhood experience away from tourist crowds.
The old Bengali quarters featuring narrow lanes, traditional mansions, and authentic local life. Accommodation here is limited but includes some remarkable heritage properties in restored ancestral homes, offering immersive cultural experiences in neighborhoods largely unchanged for decades.
A major arterial road connecting south Kolkata to the airport, lined with shopping malls, entertainment venues, and newer hotel developments. This area offers modern amenities and good connectivity, though it lacks the character of central Kolkata and can be noisy due to heavy traffic.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Kolkata
Kolkata hosts major international chains including ITC (with the iconic ITC Sonar and ITC Royal Bengal), Taj Hotels, Hyatt, Marriott, and Novotel, primarily concentrated in the Park Street, Salt Lake, and airport areas. Domestic chains like Lemon Tree, Ginger, and Treebo have expanded significantly, offering reliable mid-range and budget options across multiple zones. The Oberoi Grand remains one of India's most storied heritage hotels. Business hotel chains dominate Salt Lake and the airport corridor, while heritage properties are scattered across central and south Kolkata.
Independent local hotels range from family-run guesthouses in residential areas to mid-sized properties near major landmarks. Sudder Street is famous for its cluster of budget lodges that have served backpackers for decades. Bengali homestays have emerged as a popular option, particularly in south and north Kolkata, offering home-cooked meals and cultural immersion. Many properties are in converted residential buildings, from colonial-era apartments to traditional Bengali courtyard houses. Local lodges near Howrah and Sealdah stations cater to domestic travelers with basic, no-frills accommodation.
Kolkata's most distinctive accommodation type is the heritage mansion or 'rajbari' stay, where travelers can experience restored colonial-era buildings or traditional Bengali aristocratic homes with period furniture, artwork, and architecture. Some properties offer cultural programs including Bengali cooking classes, traditional music performances, and heritage walks. Homestays in traditional neighborhoods provide authentic experiences of Bengali family life. A few properties occupy converted colonial buildings with historical significance, maintaining original architectural features like high ceilings, wooden floors, and vintage furnishings. Serviced apartments in residential buildings offer a local living experience for longer stays.
Booking Tips for Kolkata
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Durga Puja (typically September-October) is Kolkata's biggest festival, and accommodation across all price ranges gets fully booked 2-3 months ahead, with rates often tripling. If visiting during this period, book immediately once dates are confirmed. Consider staying in Salt Lake or airport areas if central options are unavailable, as metro connectivity makes commuting feasible.
Kolkata's heat and humidity make air conditioning essential from March through October. Always confirm AC is included and functional, especially in budget properties. Power cuts can occur, so check if the property has generator backup. Read recent reviews specifically mentioning AC performance and power supply reliability before booking.
Central locations around Park Street command premium prices but save transportation time and costs. Salt Lake and airport areas offer better value with modern amenities but require 30-60 minutes to reach central attractions. For stays longer than 3-4 days, consider residential areas like south Kolkata for better rates and local atmosphere, using metro and app-based cabs for sightseeing.
Many Kolkata hotels, especially during peak seasons and festivals, enforce strict no-refund policies or charge high cancellation fees. Always read cancellation terms before booking. Consider booking directly with hotels for more flexible terms, or use booking platforms that offer free cancellation options, particularly if your travel dates aren't fixed.
Business-oriented hotels in Salt Lake and the airport area often offer significantly lower rates on weekends when corporate demand drops. If your itinerary is flexible, arriving on Friday or Saturday can yield savings of 30-40%. Conversely, heritage and tourist-focused properties near Park Street may charge more on weekends.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Kolkata
For October through February, especially during Durga Puja, Christmas-New Year, and major festivals, book 2-3 months in advance for best selection and rates. Popular heritage properties and well-reviewed mid-range hotels sell out quickly. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead is minimum for decent options during winter weekends.
March-May and September see moderate demand. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is generally sufficient, though rates remain relatively stable. This period offers some negotiation room, especially for longer stays. Business hotels may offer better rates during summer months despite the heat.
June through August (monsoon season) offers the best deals, with many properties offering 20-40% discounts. Booking 1-2 weeks ahead is adequate, and last-minute deals are common. However, verify that properties are well-maintained, as some reduce service levels during this period. Monsoon can affect travel plans due to heavy rains and flooding.
For Kolkata, booking 4-6 weeks in advance typically ensures good selection at reasonable rates outside festival periods. Direct hotel bookings sometimes yield better rates than online platforms, especially for longer stays. Always compare prices across multiple platforms, and don't hesitate to call hotels directly to negotiate, particularly for stays exceeding 3-4 nights.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Kolkata