Fairlawn Hotel
A living part of the city's history, this small-scale property harks back to the late 18th century and has retained a creaky charm. It is crammed with bric-a-brac, old wicker furniture and Raj-era memorabilia - its charmingly eccentric, octogenarian owner is proud to talk about the interesting photos lining the walls. Rooms aren't flash but are comfortable enough, with some bathrooms featuring great old free-standing bath tubs.

13A Sudder Street
Tel: (033) 2252 1510.
Website: www.fairlawnhotel.com
Price: $

ITC Sonar
Spreading over a vast 6.5 hectares (16 acres), this deluxe hotel has a gloriously tranquil ambience. Its top-class rooms spread over several blocks, surrounding a huge pool, are tastefully minimalist, decked out in contemporary designs and fresh tones. Each room has Internet access, personalised vaults and 24-hour butler service. Guests can enjoy the health spa and beauty salon, with a variety of massage treatments, gym and collection of fine restaurants including delicious Dum Pukht.

1 JBS Halden Avenue
Tel: (033) 2345 4545.
Website: www.itcwelcomgroup.in
Price: $$$$

Lytton Hotel
A comfortable hotel in the heart of the busy Sudder Street, the Lytton has pleasing rooms, all with air conditioning, fridge, television and writing desk, making it a good value (for Kolkata) hotel for business travellers and tourists alike. It has a business centre, two restaurants and a bar.

14 Sudder Street
Tel: (033) 2249 1875.
Website: www.lyttonhotelindia.com
Price: $$

Oberoi Grand
An elegant Victorian structure, set back from Chowringee's chaos, the Oberoi has long been one of Kolkata's (and the subcontinent's) finest, and indeed most historic, hotels. Its courtyard is filled with columns and plants; the exquisitely restored hotel has beautifully decorated rooms (including sumptuous suites with grand four-poster beds and teak wood floors) in addition to a handful of superb restaurants, a tea lounge, spa, fitness centre and pool.

15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Tel: (033) 2249 2323.
Website: www.oberoikolkata.com
Price: $$$$

The Park
A great location in the heart of Park Street, this upmarket property is a member of the Design Hotels of the World. Standard doubles are very comfortable with soothing warm tones and there are also more opulent suites and larger, 'Luxury rooms'. It's stylish, well run and home to the trendy Tantra nightclub as well as some commendable restaurants. Other treats include an inviting swimming pool, gym and spa (which offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments and heavenly body scrubs).  

17 Park Street
Tel: (033) 2249 9000.
Website: http://calcutta.theparkhotels.com
Price: $$$$