Kolkata has been in the headlines around the world and indeed the metropolis is a fascinating place. Described as the City of Joy, Kolkata is often referred to as the intellectual capital of the country.

There is a lot to do in Kolkata: from visiting the tourist attractions around the city to picking up a few shows of dance and drama. The city, incidentally, offers a wide variety of accommodation and it is as comfortable for backpackers and economy vacationers as it is for the high-end tourist.

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Kolkata

Salt Lake City, Kolkata

From airport: ; Sealdah Railway Station: ; Howrah Railway Station: ; and, City Centre:

A premium hotel from the Hyatt Regency group, the Kolkata one is contemporary in design. Located on 6.5 acres of landscaped grounds, the Hyatt Regency is modern in every sense of the terms. Its 235 guest rooms are luxurious and boast of technologically-advanced features. The top three floors of the hotel are exclusively reserved for the Regency Club, Hyatt's 'hotel within a hotel', which offers extra privileges and facilities. All the rooms have Internet access, mini-bar, tea and coffee makers, safes, two-line telephones and voicemail messaging system.

The hotel's signature restaurant, Guchhi, excels in Tandoori cuisine while the Waterside Café is meant for all-day dining. The Bar is informal and serves a wide variety of cocktails and liquors.

Sonar Bangla Sheraton Hotel, Kolkata

From airport: ; Railway Station:

The ITC Welcomgroup's Sonar Bangla Sheraton is unique since it blends the Kolkata with its traditional and cultural values with the new and modern metropolis that is emerging fast. The Sheraton has 239 rooms, which includes eight suites. Each room or suite is individually decorated and consists of all the facilities that a business or a tourist could ask for from a mini-bar to internet connections and coffee or tea makers.

The Sonar Bangla excels in its restaurants. The Peshawari serves food from the North-West Frontier. Its charming ambience encourages you to eat with your fingers.

The Dum Pukht is a classic restaurant which serves traditional Indian cuisines from a 200-year-old culinary tradition. The restaurant with a show kitchen dishes out wonders from Awadhi, Luckhnawi and traditional Indian cuisines. The Eden Pavilion is an international restaurant with buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Incidentally, the restaurant features a selection of low calorie health meals for fitness enthusiasts. In addition, there is the West View Bar and Grill and the Dublin, an Irish Pub with a dance floor.

The Oberoi Grand Hotel, Kolkata

15, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Calcutta

From airport: 24 km; Railway Station: 5 km

The first five-star hotel of Kolkata, the Oberoi Grand in the centre of the city spells class. It has history written all over it. Its Victorian architecture and spacious rooms, along with the fact that it is centrally located add to its charm. The hotel has 250 elegant rooms with all modern amenities. It also has a swimming pool, a health club and multicuisine restaurants.

Hotel Taj Bengal, Kolkata

34B, Belvedere Road, Alipore, Calcutta-27

From airport: 25 km

With its 239 rooms, the Taj Bengal spells luxury of the highest orders. Its elegantly decorated rooms with all contemporary facilities, the Taj is classy. It has a swimming pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre. It restaurants specialize in exclusive cuisines.