It covers everything from colonial roots to the modern spirit of independence Kolkata There is a glimpse of history associated with it. And in the streets of this historic city stands the Great Eastern Hotel, a landmark that has quietly witnessed the transformation of Kolkata. Established in 1840, the Great Eastern Hotel is not only the oldest hotel in India but also one of the most famous establishments in Asia (called the “Jewel of the East” or “The Best Hotel of Suez” by Mark Twain). Its illustrious past, architectural grandeur and iconic status make it an essential part of the cultural and historical fabric of Kolkata.

India’s oldest hotel

Initially established as a bakery and confectionery in the 1830s, the story of the Great Eastern actually begins in 1840 when David Wilson, an Englishman, opened the doors of the Auckland Hotel, named after the then Governor Lord Auckland . General of India. It began to attract British officials, diplomats and aristocrats. With its luxurious rooms, grand staircase and British-style architecture, the hotel became a symbol of British opulence in India.

However, technically it is not India’s oldest hotel – The oldest was Spence, also based in erstwhile Calcutta, which opened its doors in 1830. However, it is no longer in existence, making the Great Eastern the oldest hotel still standing in India.

In its heyday, the hotel had gas lighting and a fine selection of wines and cigars, luxuries rarely found anywhere else in the area at the time. Its clientele ranged from high-ranking officials to notable dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, Nikita Khrushchev and Mark Twain, who called the hotel “the Jewel of the East”.

History and Modernity

After India’s independence in 1947, the Great Eastern Hotel faced significant challenges. The grandeur of the British Empire had faded and with it hotel patronage had also faded. By the 1970s, under the ownership of the Government of West Bengal, the hotel’s fortunes declined due to competition from modern establishments, leading to its doors being closed for renovation in 2005.

In 2013, The Lalit Group, known for restoring heritage properties, acquired the hotel and invested in reviving its past glory while blending it with modern amenities. Today, the elegant Great Eastern stands as a luxury heritage hotel with 215 rooms, two restaurants, a tea lounge and a bakery. According to the hotel’s website, the renovated property consists of three distinct wings that resemble three different historical eras, namely the Victorian era (Heritage Block I), the Edwardian era (Heritage Block II), and the contemporary era (New Block ).

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