Going to Sudder St (a.k.a. backpacker tourist central) and not visiting the Fairlawn is like missing the elephant in the room. Not only is this place famous, it's very cute, and the beer garden offers a small haven of tranquillity from off the street. Whether with friends or on your own, this is a good place to retreat and read your Tagore while enjoying a drink or something to eat.

The rooms are idiosyncratic. Some nicer than others. They have a colonial and highly personalised feel to them. Do look at the price you are paying - don't expect something super swish at these prices, but you do get charm.

It's frequently necessary to book ahead. It has been popularised by Lonely Planet and also a TV programme in which Felicity Kendall speaks about staying there during her childhood.

This hotel may have been great in its heyday but our recent visit was just terrible. Double sheet, ripped & frayed down the middle to make a single sheet, toilet that didn't work, dirty and obviously had not been cleaned for years in places in the rooms and rats running around in the outdoor dining room. Should have realised when the first thing you see is rat trap boxes down the drive.
It is run nowadays by grumpy men who are not keen to assist you and do not go out of their way at all to help. We stayed one night, cut our losses as we had prepaid and left. Hysterically dreadful place and not recommended. Might be OK if you are a young, poor backpacker and will put up with anything.

What a unique place! A paradise of greenery and fairy lights, family momentos and showbiz photos, chintz, lace, potted palms and an endless flurry of activity. Its city central location is unparalleled and the small but hectic courtyard bar that you cross to get to Sudder Street helps that transition.into the very real world that is Kolkata.Violet is the centre of attention and is delightful company.

Fairlawn is one of the few places left in the world retaining its eccentric charm as the larger than life owner, Mrs Violet Smith, 92, sits in the foyer and holds court with regular guests. It’s was my third stay in a decade and this time it was clear change is afoot. My earlier rooms had been strange experiences but this time the main rooms seem to have undergone a significant upgrade. Our room was clean and quiet with a good bathroom and excellent beds. The wireless internet worked well. Outside the door the truly unique décor of the hotel is there, overwhelmingly green and colourful. The hotel is right in the middle of Kolkata; a short walk to Newmarket and its shopping, the Maiden and Park Street with its restaurants. Its off-street nature gives if the flavour of an enclave. I would stay there again, but time is moving in on Fairlawn and its seemingly sprawling garden, bar and facilities a hogging up much needed space in Kolkata. In the short term though, it has one big problem; breakfast. They serve only one menu, it is delivered in a public school hall compulsory fashion and, frankly, it is disgusting. The sausages – if that is what they were – looked like dog droppings and the eggs have no flavour. The bed is cardboard and the coffee is bland… But even then I would return…