Also known by its former name of Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of eastern India's West Bengal state and is home to more than 5 million people as of January 2011. Kolkata offers hundreds of hotels, ranging from one-star and hostel budget accommodations to upmarket brands such as Hilton and Swissotel. No matter your price range or preference, you can use any of several means to book a hotel prior to or during your trip to Kolkata.
Book a hotel online prior to your departure to India if you have specific requirements or want to stay at a specific property. Kolkata is a huge city with a large number of hotel rooms, so you'll never be left without a place to stay. Still, you can't guarantee any of your preferred hotels will have rooms available the day of your arrival, so pre-booking with a property directly is the best way to avoid this. Look under Resources for links to web sites that can give you lists and reviews of the hotels available in Kolkata.
Visit the tourist information center at Kolkata International Airport and book a hotel prior to leaving the airport. If you have general preferences about your hotel, such as the district or area of town in which you want to be located or a list of specific amenities, the tourist information staff can assist you with locating such a property. Keep in mind that you should avoid seeking help from any non-uniformed employees (at the airport or elsewhere), as scam operations are common in India, particularly if you're a Western tourist.
Inquire directly at a hotel you are walking or driving by if you arrive in Kolkata without accommodation. Prior to agreeing to charges or making payment, ask to inspect the room in which you'll be staying to ensure it meets your requirements, keeping in mind things like air conditioning, hot water and wireless Internet. Shop around at various hotels -- if you have the time and patience -- to make sure you're not getting ripped off. Even "nice" hotels in India can seem cheap by Western standards, but it's important to examine the local market to get a feel for what you should be paying.
Take a taxi to the Sudder Street area if you wish to procure backpacker or budget accommodations. This area of the city is replete with such hotels and hostels, as well as other budget-minded travelers for you to meet.
