An eastern getaway

Place: KOLKATA

The Gateway brand is explained in a section of the lobby! 

Hotel: GATEWAY

Kolkata’s second property from the Taj group, after the splendidly regal Taj Bengal, has been a long anticipated one. Well, Gateway, located along the EM Bypass, does not actually flaunt the Taj brand, though everyone around seems to be aware of it. Even though the group classifies this as a 5-star hotel, do not expect the luxury of a usual hotel of that standard. This brand is more minimal. The design is Spartan, as is the way the brand name appears, off centre. Creditably, there is a corner next to the deli that actually sees to explain the brand!

The lobby shape follows that of the hotel and gives a warm, cozy feel

Meeting room

Access to the hotel is easy, as it on the busy crossing where Rashbehari Avenue joins the EM Bypass. So no problems in entering the hotel, or indeed in getting public transport from right outside the hotel. Also this side of town is an emerging area – so it has local outlets of Flury’s, Balaram Mullick and others in close proximity. Ideal for a business traveler who has work in this part of town and needs to carry back goodies from these iconic Kolkata names! It is a little far from the airport, or indeed the main rail stations, but then so is almost everywhere in the city! Also Gariahat is just about a 15 minute auto / cab ride away. South City Mall is closer. An overlooked feature, the wetlands, where the nature, and especially bird lover can really enjoy is also nearby.

A selection of the active breakfast section of the breakfast buffet

While the exterior design could have been more aesthetic, once inside, you are amidst Taj hospitality. There are fewer staff around sure than say a top end Taj, but adequate. Staff do assist with luggage, and the business centre is right next to check in. There is a meeting room next door to it, good for about 15 people.

Swirl looks set to host the hip set of this end of the city 

The all day diner, Buzz, is to the right as you enter. Quiet, spacious, well laid out, with a generous buffet, it is quite a getaway in this part of the city, and seems to be already getting used by locals. The breakfast buffet is quite a spread, and has a special section called ‘active breakfast’, which caters largely to the modern traveler with its healthy and no fuss options. Swirl, the bar, - Gateway’s f&b outlet names need a little less corporate thought input – is adjacent to it. There is a deli on the other end of the lobby floor, and has some nice options.

The lovely pool overlooking the city

The pool on the top floor is perhaps the most attractive spot. Bright blue tiles light reflect the sunlight beautifully – though I imagine this will be nicer in winter to sit besides than in sultry Kolkata summer, when inside the pool may be better. Relaxing with a mojito on a deck chair is highly recommended in the winter sun. The gym is next door as is a spa. A specialty restaurant is slated to come up, possibly of Chinese cuisine.

The rooms have a large wall feature showing the Vidyasagar Setu

The rooms are standard fare, and identical, except for the suites, which have an additional living room. Easily the most interesting feature are the multi coloured night lights – at least I hope that’s what they are – at the head of the bed controlled by a regulator usually used to control fan speeds. There is a wardrobe, a perch for luggage, a work desk with multiple plug points, a sofa and a small round table in wood. The tea/ coffee maker is well stocked, as is the mini bar. A huge image of the Vidyasagar bridge covers the entire wall behind the bed, very nice, only it makes the room appear a little small – have seen this done at Mercure hotels – definitely a different standard of hotels, so a little unexpected. The front facing rooms overlook the Rashbehari Avenue Connector, pulsating with life, with a number of hospitals across the roundabout. Net unfortunately is chargeable, but easy to connect to.

As most modern hotels do, this one too has a largish conferencing facility, with a separate entrance. Spacious, it looks capable of hosting both social events and corporate functions with equal ease. For a business traveller with work in the eastern part of the city, look no further.