Review of The Park Kolkata, by Terry Blackburn

If it were located in most other major cities, including elsewhere in India, the Park would blend right in. However, Calcutta has been governed by the Communist Party of India for the last 25 years and their dour hand has left the city rich in crumbling cultural heritage, but distinctly lacking in modern conveniences or any recognisable brands. This works to the hotel's advantage and gives it an otherworldly modern presence in stark contrast to the dust- and fume-choked streets outside.

Situated in the heart of the city, The Park is Calcutta's first (and so far only) entry into high-end modern minimalist hotel design. The reasonable size rooms are functional and comfortable, but The Park really defines itself by what it isn't - and what it mainly isn't, is anywhere else in Calcutta. Five minutes - no, make that 30 seconds - spent outside in the chaos of one of Asia's most energetic and beguiling cities, and The Park's more fortress-like aspects will make perfect sense. For a start there's no windows in any of the hotel's restaurants, bars or communal areas - the outside world is kept very much out of sight and out of mind. The soothing white interiors, which are covered with tasteful examples of contemporary Indian art, seem specifically designed to counterbalance the sensory overload of Park Street.

It's undoubtedly the best location in town; unless you really don't want to be in town at all, in which case there's a Hyatt near to the airport. Park Street is Calcutta's main shopping street and the hotel is also a short stroll from the huge Indian Museum (the largest of its kind in Asia) and several relics of Imperial hubris, including the vast domed Victoria Monument.

The hotel's Indian and Thai restaurants are major destinations for Calcutta's beautiful people, and the in-house club, Tantra, is Calcutta's number one nightlife destination and, in a continent awash with Euro-disco's, keeps it refreshingly real with cutting edge bangra beats and modern Bollywood offerings on the sound system. There's also a decent sized dancefloor, which is another Asian rarity. It should come as no surprise, though, that in the country that invented the caste system, a whole floor is strictly reserved for VIPs.