Glenburn Penthouse is a cosy, tasteful and graceful residence owned by Husna-Tara Prakash. Set away in the city’s main boulevard, with an antiquity dating back to British era plus an understated entrance, this hotel ticks the boxes for air and discretion.
Hotel
Once you ascend up the six floors of the edifice, the eighth will indisputably take you to a paradise that’s plush, magnificent and graceful. Here, guests can travel back in time with the décor to the opulent settler world. Versailles parquet flooring, elaborate marble enamelling interiors, plaster of Paris mouldings and vintage furniture sprinkling the panorama – it’s a bygone realm of charm and magnificence that you step into.
The drawing room lays out a theatrical welcome with its tailored Mughal painting infused wallpaper that features the ancient enigmatic India. Near to this lounging area is the gorgeous tea terrace where you can have your breakfast and high tea while watching over picturesque views of the Victoria Memorial. Go one level up to the rooftop, and you will be enthralled with breath-taking views from the infinity-edge pool.
Room
Located on the seventh floor, each of the nine rooms is beautifully luxe; from the Glenburn’s signature tea print on the bed linen and hand-embroidered luxury cotton sheets, inspired by the hills of Darjeeling, to the sheer opulence of celadon green, yellow and white, complementing mirrored furniture and fabrics. Three come with an uninterrupted view of Victoria Memorial, three with a spread-out view of the hurried cityscape and two sit on the roof with a reserved garden and Jacuzzi.
The Grand Bengal suites are the ones you must absolutely book. Art curation here replicates the antique topic with all ramparts rustling fascinating stories of expeditions taken by wanderers before. Bathrooms are designed for indulgence; with freestanding slipper baths, and large double rain-head showers, all with organic skincare products, created exclusively for the penthouse.
Food and drink
After the tiny reception and next to the lounge is the dining area, ornamented to stunning result with tropical frescoes and an assortment of furniture, comprising wicker-backed armchairs, old-school sofas and parrot-print fabric. Menus fuse cool elements and practises with acquainted, uplifting dashes and well-sourced ingredients. Chef Shaun Kenworthy’s elegant dishes complement the hotel perfectly and the manager makes sure that the wines are equally well matched. Everything is made from scratch, including the daily-changing bread, with a quietly confident, low-key style.
Come hungry for the afternoon tea; a treat of homespun scones, savouries and cakes. Breakfast offers a short but ample choice, is nicely served and is a delight overlooking the Victoria Memorial. On offer are also set menu dinners, which need advance booking. Go for the the Bengali menu, which comprises homegrown specialties such as prawns in coconut gravy and the famous mustard fish. The Anglo-Indian menu offers a decadent truffle and smoked pork soup and an outstanding chicken a la Kyiv.
To do
Relaxing in the infinity pool while watching the grandiose Victoria Memorial would be a tough experience to top, but if you are an explorer, reach out to the hotel’s concierge to fix up your route round the city. The tailored walking tours organized by Husna and her squad are favourably endorsed.
Varying on your preferences, you may start early morning skimming your way along the street food stalls, or head to India’s largest amazing flower market. An exploration of the area around Dalhousie Square, the core of imperial India, is important, while a break to the Kolkata potter’s district is also exceedingly advocated. For the fitness freaks there is a small gym on the rooftop.
In a nutshell
New flowers, a tea menu, and an assortment of books is in abundant supply in the drawing room, while a bar is set up every afternoon into the evening. It’s all about descending into extravagance to a milieu of ingenious design, where attention to detail and the pleasantest service anticipate. Medieval grace meets boutique flair and offers a genuinely elegant base from which to discover the city of joy.
Factbox
Room rates start from INR 24,000 per night which includes breakfast and afternoon tea.
Address: The Glenburn Penthouse, Russel Street, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Phone: +91 33 46045267/ +91 9830257050
Website: glenburnpenthouse.com
