I've been to India many times, but always in the South which is much more gentle and less poverty stricken than the North, so I've been told. I was surprised at how confontational I found Calcutta - the streets of the city are really shocking in their filth, poverty and decay. (I know this sounds pathetic - Tourist finds India Dirty!) Every day I'd return to the Fairlawn (We stayed five nights, over Christmas) and be amazed and so pleased at how clean, tidy and fresh it was. Amazing when you consider what the rest of Calcutta is like. Our room was old, but very clean. Unlike the staff at the Oberoi Grand, I didn't feel the Fairlawn staff fawned obsequiously. The place has character and charm and Ms Violet, the owner, is a real charmer. We didn't get a bath, just a shower - which wet the entire bathroom, it was one of those open showers - but the water was always hot, the floor always clean. No bugs, no flies, no mosquitoes. We loved the tradtional breakfast. And the guy who does the laundry is utterly amazing - we've never had such clean, bargain price laundry.
There was only one fault, and I mention it so others can take care not to be ripped off: We asked the hotel to arrange for a car to meet us at the airport. This they did, for an agreed fee of IR700. At the time we thought this not bad. The car that met us was the most horrible beaten up little car, utterly filthy. The driver drove like a maniac. He demanded IR100 before we even started the journey - for parking, he said. And then he put the price up to IR800 and demanded a tip. Demanded it. We found out the usual taxi cost is around IR250 - 300, for the trip, and the super nice guy on the hotel gate got us an immaculate taxi, beautifully driven, to take us back to the airport. So I do not recommend getting the Fairlawn to arrange a car from the airport. But otherwise the place is a haven, a retreat, somewhere to calm down and enjoy life after the really challenging streets of Old Calcutta.

I and my wife were going to Darjeeling via Calcutta and we have stayed in this hotel. This place is super good in terms of the hospitality of the manager and the staff and the owner of this hotel is extremely appreciative. We had a nice and pleasant stay in this hotel. The bathroom is super good - neat and clean. felt like being at home. Also, the breakfast which was served is very very nice.

My daughter and I stayed at the Fairlawn October 31st and Nov.1st.We had a big double room,very comfortable with a bath provided in the bathroom which we found was rare enough in budget hotels in India.As i arrived from a late flight sandwiches were left for me in a fridge in the room.Breakfast was excellent and a great effort made to cater for individual needs.We loved the decor,the photos of the old days,photos of the british Royal Family.The owner is a charming old lady who speaks and greets all her guests.The garden is charming and a surprise to find in the centre of busy Kolkata.The staff were very helpful,ordered taxis and allowed us to store luggage while we visited the shops.Thank you all for the welcome and we will recommend your hotel to all irish people we know travelling in India.

Eclectic it certainly was, room was adequate, breakfast passable, cannot comment on the evening meals as restaurant area was always full, perhaps they should open up' breakfast area' as overspill.
We ask to be picked up at Koltaka Airport after the obvious long flight, by the hotel. They forgot so waited in vain for 11/2 hours for a no show as our flight was early, on connecting the hotel ,told to sort out own transport, if you have been to India before the hassle of re-entering the airport to get a prepaid cab you loose the will to live. On the bright side the cost the hotel suggested for the cab we actually halved with the tip included.
Asked help to get cricket tickets as, ground very close, they didn't bother.
However the hotel was certainly different,handy position for cricket ground ,good market, and a museum however not worth the entrance fee