Kolkata

The height of elegance, this impeccably maintained Victorian landmark in the center of town has an off-white facade and a rich marble and dark-wood interior. — Fodor's

The original hotel which stood on this site was described by Mark Twain as 'the Jewel of the East' and the new owners have paid as close an eye to heritage as to modern facilities. — The Telegraph

Eight perfectly pitched rooms are named for colours but also take subthemes, Bengali movies in 'Charcoal', Kumartuli goddesses in 'Vermilion'. — Lonely Planet

Proudly eco-friendly, the rectilinear buildings of this 2003 'seven-star resort' are ranged around attractive lily-ponds which naturally filter and recycle liquid waste. — Lonely Planet

Lavish retreat overlooking Kolkata's largest park with a signature Taj spa and nine dining options. — Jetsetter

This friendly 12-room family hotel is perched above an internet cafe in a residential area that’s calm yet relatively handy for the city centre and Motherhouse. — Lonely Planet

The most unusual place to stay in Kolkata. Lush grounds abound with exotic bird and plant life, and even a family of hyenas which sing for the guests at twilight every day. — Frommer's

This old hotel, near Chandni Chowk Metro station, offers basic non-a/c rooms...cheaper rooms come with shared baths. — Rough Guide

Very functional but friendly and cheap, a bonus is the fascinating melee of Talitala Market that surrounds the property. — Lonely Planet

A new addition to the strip, this chain hotel offers smart, modern and tastefully decorated rooms but at an extraordinary price unless you are able to score one of their great web offers. — Rough Guide

Safe for women and especially good for longer stays, this clean, central hostel with plain but adequate rooms, some a/c off Park St, is built around a pleasant courtyard with a tennis court. — Rough Guide