Usuario invitado
1 de marzo de 2024
I read a number of critical reviews before we booked The Fairlawn, so it was with some trepidation that we arrived for a five night stay. I am pleased to report that our anxieties were ill-founded, as our experience in this hotel was excellent. We did get stomach problems, but that was not from their good restaurant at The Fairlawn - we finally identified it being from eating pastries at Starbucks in Bengaluru airport. Good rule - steer clear of all pastries while travelling in India! It's not the first time we've been laid low by pastries... one would think we'd learnt that lesson. The room we had was great. It was upstairs, and looked out on the side street below. The bed was extremely comfortable, and even the TV had reasonable options for English-speaking audiences. There is a fabulous sit-out on the upper floor, where you can catch up on reading or online work. And the breakfasts are a welcome spread with enough to satisfy all tastes. While we were there, we saw ***y foreigners and Indians alike enjoying their stay - they are often full-booked, so that speaks for itself. Also, they had a rolling maintenance program in place, which is what a heritage hotel requires, so that indicates they are not allowing everything to disintegrate uncared-for. I must praise the staff. The reception especially was always responsive to all our requests, and service and restaurant staff couldn't do enough for us. Unfortunately, since 'Diamond' Oberoi (how embarrassing to have such a nickname!) died, they have not yet been able to reattain their liquor license, though it is hoped to be soon. But there is a wine and beer shop just down the road, so that's not a problem. We felt the restaurant was very good, and certainly it is well patronaged by the elite locals, so that is a commendation. Certainly, it is good food, although I personally feel the prices don't quite match the quality level. Nonetheless, you won't be disappointed. If there is any down-side, it is related to Sudder Street, not The Fairlawn! We last stayed in Sudder Street nearly twenty years ago. If you want to taste the Calcutta of Geoffrey Morehouse et al, then by all means, reside there for a span. Twenty years ago we were twenty years younger, and more eager to mick with the crowd of degradation-renown - 'the Real India'. But now, firstly there is no such thing as 'the Real India', and secondly, ro***ticising grubbiness in the midst of traffic has reached its used-by-date. Twenty years ago, at least the traffic was minimal in this whole area, although the crowds in New Market are the same as ever even if the touts are now unbearable, but traffic in Kolkata is the same as traffic in all major cities across the world (except Singapore). Really, what's the point in visiting any city? They are all the same! I suggest you certainly experience The Fairlawn, as it's heritage style is delightful, but otherwise, stay closed to Park Street, or whatever they call it now.
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