Howard Johnson Kolkata

This hotel is a popular choice for its convenient location near the airport, making it an ideal option for transit travelers and business travelers seeking easy access. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff hospitality, noting their politeness and helpfulness, which significantly enhances the overall experience. The breakfast buffet is frequently praised for its delicious variety and quality, contributing to a pleasant start to the day. Many guests also appreciate the comfortable rooms and the hotel's generally clean environment, despite some mixed feedback on specific areas. For families, the spacious rooms and accommodating staff are a plus, while couples find the ambiance and service conducive to a relaxing stay. To ensure a comfortable experience, it is advisable to request a non-smoking room if sensitive to odors, and to confirm all room amenities are in working order upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced inconsistent connectivity or slow speeds in their rooms, though it was generally reliable in the lobby. The air conditioning received mixed reviews, with some finding it noisy or ineffective, while others reported it worked well. Similarly, the television in rooms occasionally had issues with non-recharged services or missing remotes. For recreation, there is a gym, though some found it small with broken equipment. The spa services garnered varied feedback, with some guests feeling the staff were overly pushy, while others enjoyed their treatments. Ample parking is consistently available within the hotel premises, which is a significant convenience for guests traveling by car. Some guests noted issues with mini-fridges not functioning or a lack of sufficient plug points near beds.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with comfortable beds ensuring a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews mentioned issues with rooms feeling dated, having poorly maintained decor, or a general lack of freshness. Some reported a persistent damp smell or cigarette smoke odor, particularly in hallways and sometimes within rooms, even in non-smoking areas. The washrooms also received mixed comments; while some found them clean and well-equipped, others noted design flaws like doors opening inwards, lack of exhaust fans, or absence of door mats, leading to wet floors. Concerns about mosquitoes in rooms were also raised by several guests. Despite these issues, many guests still found the rooms to be generally quiet and conducive to a pleasant stay, aside from occasional noisy air conditioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality receive widespread praise from guests. The breakfast buffet is consistently highlighted as a major positive, offering a delicious and extensive variety of options that cater to diverse tastes, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Many guests describe the breakfast as "awesome" and a great way to start the day. The hotel's restaurant, "The Nest," is also commended for its good food quality and pleasant ambiance, with specific mentions of tasty dishes like chili chicken, Chinese items, and various thalis. While most feedback on food is highly positive, some guests noted that the presentation of food in the buffet could be improved. Room service for food received mixed reviews, with some experiencing delays, though the quality of the food itself was generally well-regarded. The Gulaab Jamun and masala dosa were specifically singled out for their taste.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage for many guests, particularly its close proximity to the airport, making it highly convenient for transit stays and early morning flights. Guests appreciate its central location, which provides easy access to various amenities, including shopping malls and numerous eateries. This accessibility makes it a good base for exploring the city. However, a recurring point of concern is the approach road to the hotel, which many describe as hard to find, being a narrow, dimly lit lane in poor condition, and lacking clear signage. This can be challenging for taxi drivers and first-time visitors. Despite this, the hotel offers ample parking within its premises, adding to the convenience for guests with vehicles. Overall, the strategic placement near the airport and local attractions is a major draw.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive outstanding praise from guests, standing out as one of the most positive aspects of the stay. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as friendly, polite, helpful, attentive, and cooperative, highlighting their well-behaved and well-trained demeanor. Many guests commend the excellent hospitality provided by the entire team, from the front desk to housekeeping and restaurant staff. The check-in process is often noted as quick and smooth, though some guests reported long waits during busy periods. Housekeeping is appreciated for maintaining clean rooms and being responsive to requests. Restaurant staff are also singled out for their attentiveness and pleasant interactions. The staff's willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with transportation or accommodating special requests, significantly contributes to a memorable and comfortable experience for many visitors.

Additional Information
Guests have noted several additional aspects that contribute to their stay. The hotel is known for its thoughtful birthday surprises, with staff celebrating special occasions by providing cakes, which guests find delightful. While the hotel offers non-smoking rooms, some guests reported issues with the lingering smell of smoke, particularly in hallways, and noted that some rooms lack windows, which can impact comfort. The hotel is generally accommodating with early check-in requests when rooms are available, a facility that is highly appreciated by travelers arriving early. Some guests mentioned that the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though specific details were not widely reviewed. The property is also considered value for money by many, offering a comfortable stay at a reasonable tariff, making it a popular choice for various types of travelers.