Kolkata's Hidden Gem: Plaza Kolkata Hotel Review (WB Hotels)
Plaza Kolkata Hotel: The Good, the Bad, and the Butter Chicken (A Kolkata Confession)
Okay, so you're thinking of Plaza Kolkata Hotel? Let's cut the crap. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the City of Joy, and this place…well, it's a thing. Prepare yourselves, because this is no dry, robotic review. This is me, fresh off a flight, fueled by chai and a healthy dose of Kolkata chaos, spilling the beans (and the dal) on my experience.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest and personal review of Plaza Kolkata Hotel. Find out if it's worth your time (and money!), with insights on accessibility, dining, amenities, and more. Get the real Kolkata experience, not just a sanitized brochure version!
Getting There & Getting In: The Kolkata Hustle (and the Unexpected Smoothness)
First off, arriving in Kolkata is an experience in itself. The airport transfer? I opted for their pre-arranged service. Smart move. The traffic… let's just say you'll witness the full spectrum of Indian driving skills. The good news? Plaza Kolkata Hotel provided a surprisingly efficient airport transfer. The driver, bless his heart, navigated the madness with a Zen-like calmness I could only dream of.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly. (and a bit of a sigh)
Right, let's talk accessibility. The hotel says it has facilities for disabled guests. They do have an elevator, which is a huge plus in any Kolkata hotel. Buuut… I noticed some potential bumps. While the lobby seemed accessible, I couldn’t fully assess room specifics. I’d urge anyone with mobility issues to call ahead and grill them on details – bathroom doorway widths, grab bars, etc. Don't just take their word for it. Kolkata is beautiful, but it's not always the easiest place to get around, so plan accordingly!
Rooms: Clean, but… Let’s Talk About the Aesthetics. (and a mild panic)
My room? Clean. Seriously, that’s a huge win in Kolkata. The linens were crisp, the bathroom seemed recently scrubbed. But the decor… let’s just say it's not going to win any design awards. Think functional, not fashionable. The carpeting, while clean, felt a little… institutional. The bed? Comfortable enough, but the pillows were a bit sad. They did, however, have blackout curtains, which were a lifesaver after a long day of haggling with rickshaw wallahs. And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Because let's face it, staying connected is EVERYTHING.
Oh, and the extra long bed? Bonus points! I'm a tall person, so it's a godsend!
Internet Access: Praise the Digital Gods (and their Speed!) Wi-Fi!!! And it works. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms and in the public areas really did it for me. I actually had a little work to do, so having reliable internet access was crucial for me. I was thrilled.
Dining: Butter Chicken Bliss, and the Occasional Culinary Question Mark.
This is where things got interesting. Let's start with the good: the butter chicken. I'm a connoisseur, and this was genuinely delicious. The restaurant, decorated according to a theme that I couldn't quite place, but hey, it was there. The service was friendly, if a touch slow at times (this is Kolkata, after all!). The Asian breakfast was a delicious surprise. I loved it.
On the other hand, trying the salad at the restaurant led me to an unusual conclusion. I wouldn't recommend it, but I guess you could give it a try.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa, Fitness, and a View? (or not)
The hotel boasts a fitness center, a spa, and a swimming pool. However, I was not impressed. The fitness center looked a bit cramped, but I didn't go in. The spa? Didn't get around to it, but I heard it had a good reputation. The swimming pool? Not great. The view? Non-existent.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief (and a Sanitizer Shot)
I need to give a huge thumbs up for cleanliness. They seem to take hygiene protocols seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and seemingly constant cleaning in common areas. Which made me feel a tad more relaxed. The daily disinfection in common areas was a HUGE plus. I noticed individually-wrapped food options, which was reassuring, and physical distancing measures were in effect.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects, Plus a Few Surprises.
The hotel offers all the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, currency exchange (which is always handy), and a concierge. The business facilities seemed functional. I didn't need to use them, but they were there, offering internet and xerox/fax services. They have a nice convenience store, and a gift shop.
For the Kids: Babysitting! (and a warning)
They have babysitting services, which is good.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Taxi, and the Kolkata Embrace
As I’ve said, the airport transfer was spot-on. They also have a taxi service. But seriously, embrace the Kolkata experience! Hail a taxi (be ready to negotiate!), or even better, try a ride-sharing app. It's all part of the fun (and the chaos!).
My Verdict: Is Plaza Kolkata a Hidden Gem? (Maybe, With Caveats)
Look, Plaza Kolkata isn't perfect. It's not a luxury palace. But it's clean, the staff are genuinely friendly, the butter chicken is divine, and the location is decent for exploring the city. It's a solid, value-for-money option. If you're looking for a comfortable base in Kolkata, with a good level of hygiene, and you're not overly concerned with high-end aesthetics, then I say go for it. Just do your research on accessibility, and be prepared for the occasional Kolkata quirkiness—it’s all part of the charm.
Final thoughts:
- Would I stay again? Probably, yes.
- Best for: Budget travelers, families needing a clean and functional base, foodies (the butter chicken!).
- Things to consider: Accessibility (confirm details!), interior design (it's not the hotel's strength), and the general Kolkata experience (it's intense!).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to order myself some more butter chicken. And maybe watch some of the on-demand movies they offer. Sweet dreams, Kolkata!
Pogradec Paradise: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my (hypothetical) messy, glorious, possibly disastrous trip to Plaza Kolkata By WB Hotels. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is a raw, unfiltered peek into my mind while traveling. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and the potential for me to get hopelessly lost.
Plaza Kolkata: My Kolkata Tango (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Rickshaw Revelation
Morning (7:00 AM): Okay, alarm clock. Rude awakening. Flight delayed. Already a bad omen. Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The air hits you like a humid hug – or maybe a slightly smothering one. After a quick immigration check, I made my way to WB Hotels.
Morning (9:00 AM): Check-in at Plaza Kolkata. The lobby is GRAND. Like, chandelier-and-marble-everywhere grand. I'm immediately judging the curtains. Are they velvet? They HAVE to be velvet. After checking, I throw myself on the bed with a dramatic sigh.
Morning (10:00 AM): My stomach is rumbling. I decide to order room service. I order a club sandwich. I'm not sure why I didn't try anything local! (And I totally forgot to tip properly, because I'm a monster.)
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Great Rickshaw Revelation. This is where Kolkata truly starts. I decide to be a "cultural explorer" and hail a rickshaw to a nearby spot. The ride? A symphony of honks, jostling, and the feeling you might be flung into a passing bus at any moment. But also, the sheer life of it. The faces, the smells (good and… not so good), the sheer HUM of the city. This is what I came for.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant (I'm thinking the restaurant opposite the hotel) - I eat a mountain of biryani and feel like I'm going to need a nap.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): A stroll nearby the hotel. I am wandering aimlessly. I am getting lost. I am also finding some amazing street food.
Evening (7:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I try ordering dinner but totally screw up the order. It's a learning experience. I need to get to grips with Bengali quickly. I also learn the AC is broken. (I'm starting to sweat. A lot.)
Evening (9:00 PM): Eventually eat dinner. It is not what I ordered. It doesn't matter. I'm too exhausted to care.
Evening (10:00 PM): Attempt to watch the TV. Give up. The subtitles are confusing.
Evening (11:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Quest for Coffee
Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Still sweating. AC is definitely broken. Call reception. They promise someone will fix it "soon." (Dramatic eye roll).
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. (Surprisingly decent. I eat an omelet. Very boring.)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I am on a mission: find good coffee. I desperately needed caffeine. I stumble upon a cute little cafe nearby and indulge. This cafe is truly amazing. I order the iced latte. The coffee is so good.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Take a walk around the park, I sat down and just… watched the world. I felt like a character in a movie.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A visit to a local market. Sensory overload! Colors, spices, sounds… It's chaotic and utterly captivating. I get completely lost but manage to buy a cheap scarf (that I probably didn't need).
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): I try to find the hotel. I get lost. Again. I end up asking someone for help. They are super helpful.
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant. (I am getting better at it. I learn to say, "No spicy, please!") I share the food.
Evening (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): AC is fixed! Hallelujah! Spend the evening just breathing and enjoying the cool air.
Evening (10:00 PM): Write in my journal (or, more accurately, a scribbled collection of confused observations).
Day 3: Reflections, Revelations, and the Farewell Sigh
Morning (7:00 AM): Last day! I am looking forward to getting home and sleeping in my own bed.
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. I load up on those omelets again.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): One last explore. I go to a museum. I am kind of disappointed.
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Check out. Farewell to the Plaza Kolkata.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at the airport. I order something I don't recognize. It is good. I write a list of all the things I'll do on my next trip.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wait a long time at the airport.
Late Afternoon / Evening: (4:00 PM onwards): Board the flight.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- The Sounds: Honking. Constant honking. But you get used to it. And the music! Everywhere! I loved it.
- The Food: The spices! The flavors! My taste buds are still reeling.
- The People: Warm, welcoming. Even when I was a clueless tourist. Their kindness made the chaos bearable.
- The Humidty: I felt like a walking damp cloth for the first 2 days.
- The Hotel Staff: The staff were great. They were helpful even when I was a disaster.
- My Feelings: This trip was everything. Kolkata is magical. I already miss the chaos and the vibrant energy.
Plaza Kolkata Hotel: The Honest Truth (Don't Tell Anyone I Said This...)
Is the Plaza Kolkata *really* a "hidden gem"? My travel agent said that...
Okay, look, *hidden gem* is a phrase travel agents practically snort like cocaine. It's... mostly true, *kinda*. It's definitely not the Oberoi. You’re not gonna stumble across it accidentally. It's tucked away, yeah. Think of it like… a really good vintage shop that’s also slightly haunted. The charm is *there*, but it's got layers. I mean, I found it because Tripadvisor directed me; hardly "hidden" anymore!
What’s the location like? Is it safe?
Location... alright, here's where it gets a little complicated. It's in a perfectly *fine* area. Not exactly the swankiest part of town, but it's got its own energy. I personally felt totally safe, wandering around at night. Though, I did have this *moment*... where this street dog gave me the side-eye. Like, *really* intense. But hey, that's Kolkata! It’s a very lived in place. Just keep your wits about you, as you would anywhere new.
The rooms…tell me the truth. Are they actually clean? The pictures always look, well, "edited."
Okay, so the rooms… the *truth*. They’re… clean-ish. Look, it's not a sterile operating room. There might be a rogue dust bunny. Maybe a tiny, *tiny* ant made a cameo. I'd grade it a solid B+ for cleanliness. My first room had a slight… how do I put this… ‘vintage’ smell. Think old books, slightly damp. Not *terrible*, just… present. But ask for a different room! They’re generally pretty responsive to requests. Be nice, and they’ll try and accommodate.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Annoying? Invisible?
The staff are... *Kolkata*. That's the best way to put it. They're a little haphazard, a little disorganised, a little... quirky. In the best way! They're definitely not the super-slick, polished, and corporate type. There's a sweet, gentle quality about them, a willingness to help *eventually*. I once had a request for extra towels that took three tries and a forty minute wait. But they apologized profusely, smiled a lot, and when they finally arrived, they were fluffy as a cloud. They're the kind of people who'll remember your name (even if they forget your requests!). And the breakfast cook really got my chai right after just one day. That was a win!
Breakfast? Is it worth waking up for? Be honest!
Breakfast… okay, here’s the *real* lowdown. It's not the breakfast of champions, but it’s edible and included which is already a victory. There’s the usual suspects: toast, eggs (scrambled, usually), maybe some fruit (seasonal, so don't be expecting a constant flow of perfect mangoes). The coffee… let's just say it packs a punch. I'd maybe give it a 6/10, but it served its purpose. The pancakes one day were actually AMAZING. The next day, they were... let's say, *less* amazing. Hit or miss situation.
I see a restaurant on the reviews - what about the food?
The restaurant... again, Kolkata. It's not a Michelin-starred establishment, but the food is generally good, and *cheap*. I had a chicken curry one night that was genuinely delicious – spicy, flavourful. Another night, I ordered the noodles and was left disappointed. Portion sizes vary wildly – sometimes generous, sometimes… less so. Just go in with an open mind. Don’t be *too* picky. And if something doesn’t go well, just chalk it up as part of the experience.
Oh, the service can be *slow*. Like, *really* slow. Don't go there starving. Patience is key. But the staff are nice, and the food is generally safe. It's a solid, if unspectacular, option. If you're staying in, not bad at all!
Anything really *bad* to watch out for? Any horror stories?
Horror stories… hmmm. Nothing *major*. The AC in my room sputtered and coughed a few times before finally giving up. They offered to move me, which was a plus. The elevator felt like it was from the Jurassic period (slowly and creakingly). But honestly? The biggest 'bad' was probably the noise. Kolkata is LOUD. Cars honking, people shouting, dogs barking at 3 am. Bring earplugs. Essential. I'd say it's not a resort in Bali. It's a Kolkata hotel.
Would you go back? Be truthful!
Would I go back? Honestly? Actually... I *think* I would. There's a scrappy charm about the Plaza Kolkata that I found endearing, even with its minor flaws. It's not perfect, but It felt genuine, and that's a rarity these days. It’s the type of spot that builds character, like a good, slightly scuffed-up leather bound book. If you’re not the type to be fussy about luxurious finishings, you will enjoy it. And the price is hard to beat. Plus, I’d like to see if the pancakes could repeat that one magical morning.
Is it good for solo travelers?
Oh, *absolutely*. I did a fair bit of solo traveling. Kolkata is a city that is, on the surface, a little brutal. But it's also a place of stunning beauty, kindness, and energy. The hotel staff, when they're not forgetting to bring the towels, are sweet and solicitous. It felt safe, generally. And it's easy to meet people too, at a place like the Plaza. You could strike up conversations in the breakfast hall, in the elevator, or just on the street. I always enjoy the solitary experience of a city - and this hotel works just fine.
