The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass, Kolkata, Offers A Doorway To Eastern India.
Contrary to what the uninitiated might want to believe, the metropolis of Kolkata does not have a spate of 5-star hotels. Certainly not in the area.
The Gateway Hotel located at the EM Bypass, is close to the city’s IT hub. The hotel building stands tall and is quite impressive. Launched officially last December, it has gained popularity. The Gateway Hotels and Resorts is a brand by the Taj Group and caters to the upscale traveller seeking hassle-free comfort and flexibility so checking into the property was the right choice for me. Here’s why.
Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
I’m a stickler for cleanliness and hygiene, so the freshly polished floors with no stains were a very welcoming sight for me. The public areas were spick and span including the restrooms which had a pleasant fresh smell.
Service Beyond Compare
Great service makes up for small flaps in a hotel, they say. At The Gateway, the staff was excellent and flaps, if any, were well covered. I was welcomed into the room with an update on all its features and tips on their optimal use. After being told that I wasn’t a tea or coffee drinker, a cup of hot chocolate was offered to be and sent as soon as I freshened up. To my delight, my beverage reached me in less than 10 minutes and, though it could not compete with the Belgian hot chocolates I love, it did perk me up after a long journey. For a taste of great chocolate and pastries, I was guided to the Deli on the ground floor, which fulfilled all my sinful chocolaty desires.
The useful tips of a very passionate staff gave me an insight into how I could make the best of their city in three days. A chauffeur-driven vehicle was always ready at my whim.
The Room With A View
Each of the 197 rooms at The Gateway has a view of the city not only from its window but artistically placed on the walls too. In my case I was welcomed to the face of the Victoria Memorial on the wall behind my bed.
Food For Fitness
The concept of Active Foods at The Gateway is fairly new to Indian hotels. Every menu has a section with recipes prepared with super nutritious foods with a low glycemic index which keep a guest feeling light and fit on the go. I had a shot of Brahmi with breakfast, a fresh green salad with broccoli, mixed beans, roasted pepper, flax seed and feta with lunch and a blueberry tart as my dessert for dinner. But for someone who travels often and doesn’t want to pile on a few kilos on a leisure trip can have an entire finger-licking delicious meal with active foods.
For the fitness driven, the hotel also has the option of a swimming pool and an Active Studio, which is a well equipped gym.
Dhakai Cuisine- A Treat For The Connoisseur
A very interesting kind of cuisine that I experienced for the first time was the authentic Bangladeshi cuisine called Purbo Banglar Khabar. The hotel claims that while a few dishes may be available in the by-lanes of Kolkata, a comprehensive Dhakai meal is only served at Buzz, the all day dining restaurant at The Gateway Hotel, Kolkata. The jali kebab and boal do pyaza are a must try and so is the patisapta, a thin rice flour pancake stuffed with a rich coconut filling.
For someone who is looking for a 5-star hotel in Kolkata, The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass offers 24/7 service at an affordable price. Rooms range between 5,500- 6,500 rupees (97- 115 CAD) per night and the hotel is sophisticated, the food sumptuous and served at a 15-minute notice at any hour of the day.
In my opinion when in Kolkata, why stay anywhere else?
Images Courtesy of the hotel
Guest Blog By PRITI SALIAN