Kolkata's Hidden Gem: Hotel O New Tutun Tara - Unbelievable Luxury!
Kolkata's Hidden Gem: Hotel O New Tutun Tara - Unbelievable Luxury! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Hotel O New Tutun Tara in Kolkata, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing the sheer… luxury. I mean, "hidden gem" is an understatement. This place is more like a sparkling, meticulously-manicured diamond hiding in plain sight. And I'm here to give you the real scoop, the messy bits, the good, the… well, maybe not the bad, but the quirky.
First Impressions & The "Wow" Factor:
Getting to Tutun Tara is… an adventure. Kolkata traffic is legendary, so factor that in. But the moment you step inside, whoa. Forget the dusty, chaotic streets. This is a different world. The lobby? Gleaming. The staff? Impeccably dressed and, genuinely, helpful. Not that fake, forced helpfulness. These folks actually care.
Accessibility & Safety (Because, Let's Be Real, We Need to Know These Things):
Okay, so accessibility. This is where things get a little… nuanced. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator (thank God, because the thought of lugging my suitcase up stairs after battling Kolkata's heat… shudder). But I didn't see explicit details about wheelchair accessibility in all areas. Call ahead and confirm if that's a must-have for you.
Now, safety. This is where Tutun Tara shines. They're clearly taking COVID seriously. Seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere (and I mean, everywhere). Staff wearing masks. Daily disinfection. And the rooms? Sanitized between stays? You betcha. They even offer room sanitization opt-out. Which, honestly, makes me feel like they're overdoing it, but hey, I'm not complaining. They have CCTV in common areas and outside the property, plus 24-hour security. Feel safe? You will.
The Rooms: A Palace (Almost):
Let's talk rooms. They're… stunning. I mean, really stunning. I opted for a non-smoking room (duh). And it was like walking into a movie set. Blackout curtains (bliss!). A super comfy bed with extra-long bed, plush linens, and a mountain of pillows. A coffee/tea maker (essential). Free bottled water (bless them!). And, oh, the bathroom! Separate shower/bathtub. Bathrobes. Slippers. Toiletries that actually smell good. It's like they anticipated every possible need. They even have an alarm clock, wake-up service, and a desk if you need to actually work. I loved the additional toilet, it was a nice touch. There's even an in-room safe box and a refrigerator. The rooms have air conditioning and internet access, both wireless and LAN.
Internet Access (Because, You Know, We Need It):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works. No buffering, no dropped connections. I could stream movies, video call my family, and generally be a digital nomad without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. Wi-Fi in public areas too, of course.
Dining & Drinking: A Culinary Journey (Mostly):
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Food! Tutun Tara has several restaurants. Several. And they're good. Not just "good for a hotel," but genuinely good.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant offers a breakfast buffet (a glorious, chaotic spread of Asian and Western options – think fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and spicy curries) and a la carte options for lunch and dinner. I loved the Western cuisine, it was delicious! They even have a vegetarian restaurant.
- Coffee Shop: Perfect for a quick caffeine fix (and they make a mean cappuccino).
- Poolside Bar: Because, hello, cocktails by the pool! (More on that later).
- Room Service (24-hour): This is a dangerous thing. Seriously. I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 AM. And it was delicious.
- Snack Bar: For those mid-afternoon cravings.
The food is generally fantastic. The service is impeccable (they're attentive without being intrusive). The options are diverse. The only minor quibble? The buffet can get a bit… crowded during peak hours. But hey, that's the price you pay for delicious food, right?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where Tutun Tara truly shines. They have a full-blown spa!
- The Pool: The outdoor swimming pool is gorgeous. It has a view of the city, and it's the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.
- Spa: They have a sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, and body wrap. And the spa itself is an oasis of calm. I had a massage, and it was… heavenly. The therapist was skilled and attentive. I left feeling like a new person.
- Fitness Center/Gym: If you're feeling energetic, they have a well-equipped fitness center. I, however, opted for more relaxing activities.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything:
This hotel is designed for comfort. They have:
- Concierge service
- Dry cleaning and laundry
- Daily housekeeping
- Currency exchange
- Luggage storage
- Car park (free!)
- Car power charging station
- Airport transfer
- Cash withdrawal
- A convenience store.
- Also, for those who are interested, there's a business center with Xerox/fax facilities and meeting rooms. They have business facilities, including meeting/banquet facilities, and can even host events with audio-visual equipment.
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly, and offer babysitting service and kids meals.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
Okay, here's where I get real.
- The lighting in my room was a tad too dim for my liking. I like to be able to see what I'm doing.
- The elevator, while present, was a little slow. Patience, people!
- Kolkata, in general, is a sensory overload. The hotel is a haven, but the city outside is… well, it's Kolkata. Be prepared for the chaos.
Overall: Worth It? Absolutely.
Hotel O New Tutun Tara is a fantastic hotel. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and safe. It's a perfect base for exploring Kolkata, or, more importantly, a perfect place to escape the city's hustle and bustle. The staff are amazing, the food is delicious, and the spa is a must.
The Anecdote That Sealed the Deal:
One day, I was lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, when I suddenly realized… I was happy. Genuinely, blissfully happy. And that feeling? That's priceless.
My Honest Recommendation:
Do yourself a favor. Book a stay at Hotel O New Tutun Tara. You won't regret it.
Here's a HOT DEAL to seal the deal:
Escape to Unbelievable Luxury: Kolkata's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Tired of the ordinary? Craving a getaway that indulges your senses and revitalizes your soul? Then prepare to be amazed by Hotel O New Tutun Tara in Kolkata!
Here's what awaits you:
- Luxurious Rooms: Spacious, impeccably designed rooms with all the comforts you could dream of. Imagine sinking into a plush bed, wrapped in soft linens, with blackout curtains to ensure a perfect night's sleep.
- Culinary Delights: Savor a breakfast buffet, indulge in a la carte meals at the restaurant, or enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar.
- Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Take a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind with a massage at the spa, or work out in the fitness center.
- Unparalleled Safety & Cleanliness: Rest assured, Tutun Tara goes above and beyond with its hygiene protocols, ensuring a safe and worry-free stay.
- Impeccable Service: Experience genuine hospitality from a staff that anticipates your every need.
- Convenient Location: Explore the vibrant city of Kolkata with ease, knowing you have a luxurious haven to return to.
Our Exclusive Offer:
Book your stay at Hotel O New Tutun Tara for a minimum of three nights, and receive:
- 15% off your room rate!
- Complimentary breakfast for two each day!
- A free spa treatment for one!
- Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the ultimate luxury and escape to Kolkata's Hidden Gem!
Click here to book now and use the code "TUTUNTARA" at checkout!
(Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply.)
P.S. Trust
Istanbul's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Old City - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram itinerary. This is the real Kolkata, Hotel O New Tutun Tara, and me, versus jet lag, street food, and the eternal mystery of how to hail a rickshaw. Prepare for glorious chaos.
Kolkata: A Love Letter (and a Few Glitches) to the City of Joy (and Traffic Jams)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (aka, "I Think I'm in Love with Kolkata Already")
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). Okay, so, first impression? The air conditioning at baggage claim is a cruel joke. It's like a humid hug from a thousand sweaty strangers. But the energy! Even at this ungodly hour, the airport hums with life. Found my driver (booked through the hotel, thank god – I'm not haggling with a taxi on arrival). He's got a twinkle in his eye and a turban that could probably house a small family.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Drive to Hotel O New Tutun Tara. The drive… is an experience. Let's just say, the traffic rules here are more "suggestions" than hard and fast laws. Horns are the soundtrack to my life now. I'm pretty sure I saw a cow wearing a flower garland casually strolling down the street. Kolkata, you beautiful, chaotic beast.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check in to Hotel O New Tutun Tara. The lobby is… well, it’s got a certain charm. Sort of faded grandeur meets modern minimalism. The staff are incredibly polite, maybe a little too polite. I suspect they're used to dealing with sleep-deprived tourists. My room is thankfully air-conditioned, and I promptly collapse on the bed. Jet lag is a monster.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Ordered something called "Chicken Tikka Masala" because, well, when in Rome… or, in this case, Kolkata. It was… delicious. The spices! The richness! I might have licked the plate. Don't judge me.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Power Nap. This is non-negotiable. My brain feels like scrambled eggs. Woke up to the sound of a street vendor shouting, a cacophony of car horns, and a sudden craving for… something.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploring. Okay, so I'm not sure I'm "exploring" so much as "wandering aimlessly, slightly bewildered, and trying not to be run over." Took a walk around the neighborhood. The smells! Incense, spices, something deep-fried and delicious, and, well, Kolkata. It's all a symphony of scents. The color! Every building is a riot of vibrant hues. The people! Smiling faces, curious eyes, and a general feeling of warmth that melts away the jet lag a little bit.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Found a little place down the street that looked promising. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce (I think it was "aloo gobi"). It was the best thing I've ever eaten. Seriously. The flavors were incredible. And the price? Practically a steal.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Collapsed back at the hotel. Showered. Realized I'd forgotten my adapter for my phone charger. Panic briefly set in. Resorted to using my laptop to charge my phone. This is the life.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Journaling, planning (loosely) for tomorrow, and battling the urge to order room service. I am officially in love with Kolkata.
Day 2: Culture, Chaos, and a Near-Death Experience with a Rickshaw (and Street Food!)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. More delicious food. Seriously, I'm going to need a new wardrobe when I get home.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Victoria Memorial. Okay, this place is stunning. The architecture is breathtaking. The gardens are impeccably manicured. I felt like I had stepped into a movie. But the heat! It's relentless. I may or may not have sweated through my shirt.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Decided to be brave and try street food. Found a vendor selling something that looked like fried potato balls. It was… spicy. My mouth is still on fire. But so worth it!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: New Market. Oh. My. God. This place is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Everything imaginable is for sale. I got lost. I haggled (badly). I bought a scarf I didn't need. I loved it.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Rickshaw Ride. This is where it gets interesting. I attempted to hail a rickshaw. The rickshaw puller looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity. We negotiated a price. And then we were off. The ride was terrifying. The traffic was insane. I'm pretty sure I almost died. But it was also exhilarating. I felt like I was part of the city's pulse. (Afterwards, I needed a lie down.)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Tea. Needed it. Found a little tea stall and had the most delicious chai. Seriously, this chai is better than therapy.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploring the flower market. I wandered through the flower market and was completely mesmerized by the beauty and the energy. The colors, the smells, the sheer abundance of flowers… it was like stepping into a dream. I wanted to buy them all.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Found a place, a bit fancier than the street food, but still reasonable. I had a delicious fish curry. The service was slow, but the food was worth the wait.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Back at the hotel. Planning for tomorrow. This is hard work. Seriously considering a second power nap.
Day 3: Art, Spirituality, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Samosa
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. More deliciousness. Starting to suspect I'll never leave Kolkata.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Indian Museum. Spent a couple of hours wandering through the exhibits. The museum is vast and full of wonders. It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest, but the artifacts are fascinating.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. The samosa quest begins! I am on a mission to find the perfect samosa. It is a noble quest. My first attempt? Disappointing. The samosa was dry and bland. The search continues.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This place is vibrant and loud and full of life. I walked around the temple complex. It was inspiring. I’m not a religious person, but I was moved by the devotion.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Afternoon tea. Found a cafe. The coffee was strong, the cakes were delicious, and I spent an hour just watching the world go by. Bliss.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring the streets. I spent a couple of hours just wandering aimlessly. I got lost (again). I saw some amazing things. I felt connected to the city.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Samosa Attempt #2. Better. Much better. Still not the perfect samosa, but closer. I'm getting closer.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. A new restaurant. I had some delicious chicken.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Planning. Packing. Sigh. Tomorrow, I leave. But I'll be back. Kolkata, you've stolen my heart.
Day 4: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Stomach Full of Spices)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm going to miss the food the most.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping (and another samosa attempt!).
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Checking out of Hotel O New Tutun Tara. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff.
- **11:00 AM - 12:00
Hotel O New Tutun Tara: Unbelievable Luxury? (Let's See...) FAQs
Is this place REALLY "unbelievable luxury," or is the brochure lying? (Because, let's be honest, brochures...)
Okay, deep breath. "Unbelievable" is a strong word. Let's just say... it *tries* to be. The lobby? Stunning. Marble floors, chandeliers that could probably fund a small village, and staff that, bless their hearts, are *very* attentive. But then you get to the room, and… well, the marble in *my* room had a tiny crack. Like, a tiny, almost-unnoticeable-unless-you're-obsessed-with-flawlessness crack. And the air con? It had a mind of its own. One minute, you're freezing, the next, you're practically melting. So, believable-ish luxury? Maybe. Unbelievable? Hold your horses. (Also, the complimentary fruit basket? Amazing. Totally believe in that part.)
What's the food situation like? Because a fancy hotel can live or die by its breakfast buffet...
Oh, the breakfast buffet! Alright, here’s the truth bomb: it’s a mixed bag. The South Indian selection? Brilliant. Dosas crispy, chutneys vibrant, idli fluffy as a cloud. The continental stuff? Ehhhh… The croissants looked like they’d been through a war (a very sad, stale war). And the bacon? Let's just say I've had better bacon at a gas station at 3 AM. But the *view* from the breakfast area? Spectacular! Overlooking the city… It almost makes you forget about the slightly sad-looking pastries. Almost.
The spa? Is it worth the splurge? Because I need to know if I can justify a massage... (My shoulders are screaming).
Okay, the spa. Now, this is where things get… interesting. I went for a deep tissue massage. The ambiance was lovely, all hushed tones and calming music. The masseuse? Bless her heart, she was *trying*. But… It was… gentle. Very, very gentle. My shoulders, which were screaming beforehand, were still whispering afterwards. Like, a very polite whisper, not the full-blown primal scream they were capable of. Was it worth the splurge? Hmm… If you're looking for a relaxing experience, yes. If you're looking for a deep tissue massage that actually, you know, *works*? Maybe not. I'd suggest bringing a friend with strong hands instead. (Just kidding... mostly.)
The rooftop pool? Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? (Priorities, people!)
The rooftop pool. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. It's stunning. The views of Kolkata are incredible, especially at sunset. The pool itself is gorgeous, and the cocktails are pretty darn good. (Okay, the cocktails are *really* good.) My only tiny, almost insignificant complaint? It can get a *little* crowded. You might have to fight for a sun lounger. But honestly? Worth it. The Instagram potential alone is worth the price of admission. Just make sure you get there early to snag a good spot. And bring your best angles! (I’m not judging… I took, like, a hundred photos.)
What about the service? Are the staff as helpful as they seem in the online reviews?
The staff? They're a mixed bag, honestly. Some are incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to assist you. Others... well, let's just say their English could use a little work. I remember trying to order a simple club sandwich (after a particularly lackluster spa experience, I needed comfort food). It took, like, five attempts, and a lot of pointing at the menu, before I finally got it. And then, the sandwich arrived, and it was… not quite what I expected. But they're *eager* to please, and that counts for a lot. Just be prepared for a bit of a language barrier, and maybe bring a phrasebook. Or, you know, just point and smile. It works wonders.
Is there anything *truly* bad about this place? Be brutally honest!
Okay, okay, here's the brutal truth: the elevators are a bit… slow. Like, painfully slow. You might find yourself taking the stairs (which, by the way, are also quite lovely, especially if you want to get your steps in). And the Wi-Fi? Could be better. It's usable, but don't expect to stream movies without some buffering. And honestly, one thing that *really* bugged me? The music in the lobby. It was elevator music… on repeat. All. Day. Long. I swear, I'm still hearing it in my head. Other than that? It's pretty darn good. Just… maybe bring some earplugs and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. And a book.
Would you go back? Spill the tea!
Ugh, this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Despite the slow elevators, the slightly sad croissants, and the… gentle spa experience, yes. I would. Because the good stuff? The *really* good stuff? The rooftop pool, the views, the generally lovely ambiance… it outweighs the imperfections. It's not perfect, but it's got character. And honestly, that's what I look for in a hotel. A little bit of quirkiness, a little bit of charm, and a whole lot of… (deep breath)… potential for an amazing Instagram feed. So, yeah. I'd go back. But next time, I'm bringing my own bacon. And maybe a stronger masseuse.
Tell us more about the rooftop pool, you obsessed.
Okay, fine. I'll indulge my obsession. The rooftop pool. It's not just a pool. It's an *experience*. First, the view. Absolutely breathtaking, panoramic views of Kolkata. Especially at sunset. The way the light hits the city... magic. Then, the pool itself. Sparkling, clean, and the perfect temperature. There are comfy loungers, and you can order cocktails right to your chair. And those cocktails? Divine. Tropical, refreshing, and strong enough to make you forget about all your worries (or at least, the slow elevators). I spent an entire afternoon there, just soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, and occasionally dipping into the pool to cool off. I swear, I could have stayed there forever. I took so many pictures, I’m pretty sure I single-handedly crashed their Wi-Fi uploading them all. It’s just… perfect. Okay, I'm done now. (Maybe.)Trip Stay Finder
