Fodor's Expert Review The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel

In the heart of Kolkata's business district, this 19th-century heritage property had fallen into disrepair before an Indian company turned it into a classy business hotel in 2014. It's done a clever job of preserving its history, outfitted as it is with dough mixers (the building was once a bakery), trophies, iron pillars, grand pianos, and cast-iron spiral stairways. If you don't mind the views of the narrow alleys and crumbling buildings surrounding the hotel, you may just love the massive rooms, which have wooden shutters on bay windows; some have their own private smoking deck. The 24-hour alfresco restaurant is very European in its pristine white decor and global menu, while the old bakery (called The Bakery) equipment has been restored in another restaurant, which serve some old Calcutta favorites and a hearty breakfast. All rooms are now open, though the facade of the heritage wing won't be finished until early 2015.