The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Back in the 1830s, a British baker named David Wilson aspired to open a place for lodgings for travelers, eventually establishing the Auckland Hotel in 1840. The hotel became a distinct icon in Colonial Calcutta, recognized as Asia's First Luxury Hotel and nicknamed the Jewel of the East. It used to host East India Company's officers back in the 19th century. Later in 1915, the hotel was renamed the Great Eastern Hotel. Today, the hotel is divided into three wings, reminiscing about three historic eras.

Many notable figures would pass through its doors, including famed American author Mark Twain, Bombay-born British writer Rudyard Kipling, Indian Independence leader Mahatma Ghandi, and British monarch Queen Elizabeth II. Kipling, in particular, made references to the Great Eastern Hotel in his story, The City of Dreadful Night.

Although it was restored and renovated extensively from 2005 until 2013, The Lalit Great Eastern has kept artifacts and items from the hotel's yesteryears. The hotel has also renovated its three wings after three of Kolkata's historic eras - the Victorian Block, the Edwardian Block, and the Contemporary Block.

Metal girders are braced around the atrium and lobby, part of the original Auckland Hotel's support structure. Similarly, rooms in the Edwardian Block also feature an iron pillar that was part of the supports. In addition to old structures, the hotel has also kept items and artifacts from its glory years. The three iron cages hanging from the metal girders are believed to have been used in cabaret shows. There is also a metal oven from the 1800s, which was part of David Wilson's bakery.

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata provides for guests with accessibility needs and includes accessible suites and rooms. These features include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with raised toilets and railings. The rooms also come with visual aids such as tactile signs and auditory guidance.

Alfresco

Enjoy a refreshing setting with multicultural cuisine at Alfresco. Their menu specializes in Bengali dishes and international favorites given gastronomic twists.

Opening hours: 24 hours

The Tea Lounge

A wonderful place for an afternoon breather; bring good company so you can enjoy the chat paired with delicious teas, pastries, and cakes.

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm

The Bakery

Reminiscent of traditional English bakeries, this has a classic atmosphere with all sorts of beloved British confections and savories.

Opening hours: 9:15 am - 9 pm

The Legacy Lounge

Cozy red brick walls and a distinguished atmosphere make The Legacy Lounge stand out among Kolkata's fine dining spots. Featuring a fusion menu based on Bengali, Nizami, Anglo-Indian, and Tangra-Chinese cuisines, a meal at this restaurant is akin to an adventure.

Opening hours: 7 pm - 11 pm

Wilson's - The Pub

Dedicated to David Wilson, the founder of Great Eastern Hotel, the bar is the perfect place for a nightcap or to make new friends after a hectic day.

Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

Reservations: Guests can book reservations directly through the hotel's website.

If you're planning a destination wedding in Kolkata, you can trust that Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata will make a fine venue for your special day. Aside from spacious venues, they've got their on-site Spiceology Spa to handle beauty preparations with special packages for the matrimonial couple and their families.

Great Ballroom
Venue type and style: Boasting one of the largest banquet halls in Kolkata, Lalit Great Eastern's Great Ballroom offers 6,500 sq ft (603.87 sq m) of customizable space for all sorts of traditions and ceremonies.

Rooftop
Venue type and style:  Let the wedding party run all day and night at the Rooftop venue.
Capacity: 500 guests

Cultural Experiences

Want to make your stay at Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata all the more memorable? Sign up for their curated experiences, such as the religious tours to Jain Temple, Dakhsineswar Temple, and Kalighat Kali Temple. They can also get you admissions for heritage museums, particularly at Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, and the Marble Palace.

If that's not enough, make sure to join in the celebrations for religious festivities, including the one for Durga Puja, arguably the largest in West Bengal. There's also Doljatra, the Bengali version of Holi.

Other Celebrations

Guests looking to celebrate a special day with a private affair can get in touch with the concierge. The staff can help you arrange a special date or dinner, along with a catered meal prepared by the on-site restaurant. You can also book a small venue if you're expecting a slightly larger group to celebrate with you.