The Elgin Fairlawn has passed many hands over two centuries of its existence. A European, William Ford, after whom the erstwhile street was named, constructed the building in 1783. Before that, the land used to belong to Sheikh Ramjan and Bhonay. Ford used bricks to build this property, unlike the mud and coconut palms used by the Bengalis.

Finally, in February 2018, The Elgin Hotels & Resorts Group took over and turned the gorgeous property into what it is today—an elegant heritage hotel. Aside from Kolkata, the group also has other majestic heritage properties in India and abroad. These include The Elgin Nor-Khill in Gangtok, and The Elgin Kintore Arms in Inverurie, Scotland. The hotel has welcomed many guests of significance over the years, including British actress Felicity Kendal, Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor, British musician Sting, French Writer Dominique Lapierre, and Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze.

From 1801 to 2005, the building was owned by different people, all of European origin. It was even called Canada House during the Second World War, as a Canadian Airforce personnel owned it back then. In the late 20th century, Ted and Violet Smith took over the ownership of the hotel and transformed it into a Private Limited company, which was again passed down to their daughter, Jennifer Fowler , after their death.

Design and Architecture

The Elgin Fairlawn boasts quintessential Colonial-era aesthetics, including vintage furniture and carved pillars. The checkered pattern on the floors is reminiscent of the mansions of the Zamindars of Bengal, and the charming courtyards and terraces are ideal for sharing stories about the past. The hotel is also filled with memorabilia in the form of portraits and photographs dating years back. You can find the biggest collection by the wooden staircase in the lobby area.

The Elgin Fairlawn offers several dining venues, each with its own charm.

The Dining Room

This indoor dining area boasts chandeliers and old photographs and serves breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. You can find both Indian and international dishes here. Opening hours: Breakfast: 7:30 am - 10 am; Afternoon tea: 4 pm - 6 pm; A la carte menu: 10 am - 9:30 pm

The Garden Cafe

This is the perfect place for socializing or hanging out with friends over a cup of coffee and some light snacks. Opening hours: 11 am - 9:30 pm

The Lobby Lounge

Another great place for socializing, The Lobby Lounge is ideal for those looking for a laid-back vibe.

The Balcony Lounge

This is the best place to relish a cup of tea while reading a book or writing a letter while enjoying the cool breeze.

Reservations: For reservations, you can directly contact the hotel.