Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the opening of Raajkutir, a boutique hotel in Kolkata owned by the Ambuja Neotia Group, as the first IHCL SeleQtions hotel in the city.

Carved out of the former heritage plaza called Swabhumi on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EM Bypass), Raajkutir began its journey as a boutique hotel in early 2019. The heritage-inspired hotel embodies the spirit of the quintessential Bengal Renaissance. The architecture draws inspiration from the traditional but opulent home of the &lsquozamindar&rsquo (landlord).

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, &ldquoWe are delighted to extend IHCL&rsquos portfolio in Kolkata with the addition of Raajkutir &ndash our first SeleQtions branded hotel in the city. Kolkata is a major business and cultural centre, and we remain committed to growing our presence in East India. This new opening further strengthens our partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group.&rdquo

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, said, &ldquoWe are delighted to extend our partnership with IHCL once again. Raajkutir is perfectly positioned to capture the growing leisure and conferencing demand in Kolkata.&rdquo

19^th&nbspcentury Bengal imbibed European influences without abandoning the traditional mores. The 33-room Raajkutir is a recreation of that inspired culture through design, d&eacutecor and cuisine. The East India Room, which is an all-day diner, serves British colonial and traditional Bengali cuisine. Guests can enjoy an original Victorian-style high-tea at Loafer&rsquos Café, the delicatessen and a fine collection of select beverages at The Swig, the bar. The property also features the award-winning Indian and all-natural Jiva Spa. The hotel has approximately 4,600 sq. m of indoor and outdoor banqueting space to host conferences and social events.

Interestingly, the hillock on which Raajkutir stands is a brilliant example how adaptive reuse intervention in an urban setting can transform an eyesore into an architecturally rich edifice. This 13 acre garbage dump, opposite the Subhas Sarovar in eastern Kolkata, was turned into a heritage inspired zone called Swabhumi in the 1980s, by the Ambuja Neotia Group. &nbspAlthough the hotel is spread over multiple ground levels, Neotia assured that 90 per cent of the area is disabled-friendly.  

Also Read  A Boutique Hotel That Rekindles Memories of 19th Century Bengal

With the addition of Raajkutir, IHCL will have six hotels across brands in Kolkata, including two under development and it also takes the total SeleQtions portfolio to 24 hotels, including 18 in operation.

The Information

Address &nbspRaajkutir, EM Bypass, 89C Moulana Abul Kalam Azad Sarani, Kolkata 700054.

For bookings and rates, check here.