Welcome To ALFRESCO of
The Lalit Great Eastern
Hotel !!!
THE GREAT EASTERN HOTEL OF DALHOUSIE SQ. ::: MY TRYST WITH THE
LEGEND
In 1975 :
During my youth (at my 19th year) , while
working with The Times Of India to increase subscription of The Economic Times,
(Calcutta edition just launched), my first pay had a cause of jubilation in its
only restaurant at the first floor with
a B & W TV set, showing news to the worried audience…………. The stairs had been wooden with screaming
sound , walls showing marks of rejections and floor carpet giving smelly gift
of 115 years.
Only one exception -
a photo-frame of this legendary hotel ,
wherefrom freshness used to ooze out from the verse of Tagore :
“Basonaar- sera – basaa –
rasonaai” – Desire’s best residence is in taste ….
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| The Great Eastern Hotel : Earlier Image |
BACKGROUND :
·
From
its early days as a thriving confectionary shop and meeting place for the East
India Company's officers in the late 1830’s, this five-star hotel is a
celebration of the iconic legacy of the Raj. Referred to as the “Jewel of the
East” and the “Best Hotel East of the Suez” by esteemed guest Mark Twain, it
has been one of the top hotels in Kolkata for nearly 165 years.
·
Built
in 1841 as Auckland Hotel, it has been referred to as the ‘Jewel of the East’
and the ‘Best Hotel East of the Suez’. Over the years, the hotel has been the
favourite haunt of royalty and celebrities from across the world.
2015 :
I stepped in the same hotel , with 360 degree change already
taken place and a word “LALIT” added to
it.
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| THE LALIT GREAT EASTERN HOTEL : Present image |
THE LALIT GREAT EASTERN HOTEL :
·
Asia’s
first luxury hotel, The Lalit Great Eastern is a heritage landmark located in
the main business and shopping district of Kolkata. Restored and renovated over
a period of seven years, this 5-star luxury hotel holds the distinction of
being the longest continuously operating hotel for 165 years.
·
The
Lalit Great Eastern, now restored to its original glory, is an amalgamation of
the styles of 3 different eras of history – Victorian, Edwardian and
Contemporary, reflected in Heritage Block 1, Heritage Block 2 and the New Block
respectively. The original Heritage Block radiates the charm of the British
Colonial Era, while the New Block incorporates a contemporary look and feel.
These blocks have been seamlessly connected despite their distinct character
and decor.
·
The
Lalit Great Eastern offers 195 aesthetically designed rooms and suites; 5
restaurants & bar - The Legacy Lounge, Tea Lounge, Alfresco - all day
diner, The Bakery, Wilson’s - the pub; one of the largest conference and
banquet facility; Rejuve – The spa with aqua bed, gym, salon, bridal’s room and
outdoor pool.
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| Lobby |
·
In
its second phase of opening in last quarter of 2014, the hotel will offer 49
rooms and suites in Heritage block 1, Baluchi – the Signature Pan Indian
Restaurant, 24/7 – Multi Cuisine All Day Diner, Maxim’s Bar & Restaurant
and Kitty Su – The Night Club.
·
The
Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata is a heritage landmark that has witnessed the
evolving history of India, particularly of Bengal.
·
After
a meticulous seven-year refurbishment, the hotel showcases a distinctive blend
of Victorian, Edwardian and Contemporary architecture and décor. The original
Heritage Block radiates the charm of the British Colonial Era, while the Modern
Block incorporates a contemporary look and feel, enhanced with authentic
Bengali artworks, crafts and design elements.
·
The
Great Eastern’s heritage and history are celebrated in details like a century
old oven preserved and adorning the interiors of The Bakery, the beautifully
restored century-old piano in the lobby and an 8 ft replica of the trophy that
Queen Elizabeth II presented to Mr. A.L. Bilimoria, the then Chairman of Great
Eastern hotel.
ALFRESCO : 24 X 7 Coffee Shop
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| Alfresco Coffee Shop 24 X 7 |
World cuisine : fresh from kitchen
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| Menu Card |
Located at the lobby level, this all day
multi-cuisine diner offers a range of world cuisine and signature dishes from
Bengal.
Savour 5-star cuisine ranging from Bengali and
Nawabi delicacies to Anglo-Indian specialties, whilst enjoying beautiful views
of the lily pond and hotel courtyard.
Cuisine:
Multi-cuisine
Timings: 24 hours
Timings: 24 hours
Pocket
Pinch : @ Rs. 350/- per cup of Masala Tea
For table reservations, call:
+91 33 4444 7777
For table reservations, call:
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| Mutton Roganjosh |
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