The Oberoi Grand is one of Kolkata's best luxury hotels, set in the heart of the city and within easy reach of Park Street and the Maidan. It's a sumptuous hotel with a rich history, known locally as The Grand Dame. The acclaimed Thai restaurant is the oldest in the city, and interiors throughout the hotel are packed with classic details. Landscaped gardens house a massive swimming pool, and other facilities include a spa, gym, beauty salon, and boutiques. There's elegance in spades here, and the 209 rooms and suites feature modern amenities like extensive minibars, plus butlers and balconies in some. Guests with smaller budgets could check out the suites at The Astor Hotel instead, which also has some top restaurants, though it lacks a pool or spa.

The Astor Hotel is a smart, three-and-a-half-pearl property that sits in the heart of Kolkata, within a 10-minute walk of Park Street. It's a historic building with a good set of restaurants and bars, including a well-received kebab restaurant and a nightclub bustling with locals and tourists alike. The rooftop cafe/bar is also a popular haunt with a laid-back feel. The 34 rooms have a modern style that contrasts with the colonial look elsewhere in the hotel, though the large Suites are full of traditional touches like beautifully carved four-poster beds. This property lacks leisure facilities and an elevator, and its location draws lots of business travelers. Guests willing to sacrifice the traditional finish could opt for The Park Kolkata instead, which has a pool and spa.