I will be taking my second trip to India in a few months, and Calcutta is on my itinerary. I will only be there for two days. I would appreciate any suggestions as to what hotel I should stay at. I don't need an "Oberoi" level of amenities, but something clean, comfortable in the $80-100 per night range. i would appreciate any suggestions.

This is a surprisingly difficult question. You need Kolkata hotels RIGHT in the middle of things to get the flavor. There is either top end or scummy dive. Nothing much in between.

www.hotellindsay.com
www.fairlawnhotel.com

Last minute, if you can, check Ovberoi rates on their website. I've seen rooms there off-season for 6,000 Rs - which is US$124. Hey - that might be $30 extra worth spending. Don't dismiss it.

Go tripadvisor Kolkata too.

I thought The Lytton was a fine property, I stayed in, some years back. It locates just behind the Oberois. The food too was good.

I stayed one night at the Fairlawns 18 months ago and found it OK. It's a sorta Calcutta institution these days, although it's getting a bit weary and worn. But it does have character! It's certainly worth checking out, and falls within your price range.

Oh goodness, the Fairlawn is still around! It was "weary and worn" back in the early 80s (not in a truly bad way at all) when I spent a week there! Thanks for the memories!