After a couple of very hectic months on the work front, I really wanted to head off somewhere during the festive season. Unfortunately neither did I have enough leaves nor did I have enough money to plan for a trip so when the invite came in from Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass to stay at the property for a day, I was rather elated to enjoy the mini break. While some people may find it strange, I absolutely love staying in a hotel on my own. There is so much happiness in spending the day relaxing in bed, soaking in a hot tub, watching tv and eating food ordered from room service. It is quite difficult to do all this while travelling so a staycation in the city is the ideal way to indulge in these little pleasures of life.
Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass
Rooms & Facilities
Vivanta Kolkata is not a new property. It used to be The Gateway Hotel and after a change in ownership, a revamped Vivanta has taken its place. The building remains the same but the interiors have changed a lot. There is a lot more of Kolkata now in the property. Starting from the 187 ft long mural on the ceiling depicting Kolkata landmarks that greet you once you walk into the hotel to the Durga installation in the lobby to the paintings and photographs hung all over to the room décor with the kantha stitch embroidered pillow covers and bed runners, Kolkata is everywhere. Even the mini bar is stocked with local snacks like jhal muri and chanachur.
Other local elements include live Rabindrasangeet and folk music in the lobby, a tribute to the ‘cha and adda’ concept where any guest in the hotel can help themselves to the tea and jhalmuri served in the lobby every evening, traditional cookware used to decorate the buffet area at Mynt and a Viva Achievers Wall where prominent persons from the city and his/her achievements are highlighted. I found all these changes refreshing and I am sure they will be quite interesting for any guest coming to the hotel.
Currently there are 158 rooms that are operational in the hotel out of the total number of 197. I stayed in one of the Executive suites and thoroughly enjoyed the luxurious experience. The room was spacious and comfortable with all standard amenities and what made me even more happy was seeing the huge tub in the bathroom. There are very few things that are as relaxing as a long, undisturbed, hot soak in the tub and that is exactly what I did to end my day. There was also some wine involved 🙂
Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass Executive Suite
Dining Options at Vivanta Kolkata
Aamish Thali at Mynt
In a hotel, the F&B options are extremely important and at Vivanta, I had a great culinary experience. Lunch was at Mynt (erstwhile Buzz), the all-day diner which now has a completely new look. I particularly loved the glass enclosed capsule seating area outside the main restaurant and can see that space getting very popular in winter. I tried the Amish thali and if one has not had a lot of exposure to Bengali cuisine (both East and West Bengal), this thali is a must try. I must warn you that it is absolutely enormous and will probably not leave much space in your stomach to eat anything else during the day. There is also a Niramish version of the thali available and these are part of the regular menu, available all year round. The Amish thali has mutton gelassi, chatu porota, daal, mochar chop, chingri chop, dhakai roast chicken, parshe masher jhal, salad and mishti. Total value for money at Rs 1050 plus taxes.
Mynt is also where I had breakfast the next morning. Their spread is quite extensive and covers everything that we look forward to in a hotel breakfast buffet. I particularly loved the cold cuts, bacon, omelette and the crispy Dosas.
Tea at Swirl
My evening was spent at Swirl, the hotel’s deli listening to the soothing sound of a flutist playing in the lobby, drinking a cup of coffee and reading a book. Swirl is where you can go to for some delicious bakery items and their rather lovely afternoon tea. There are very few places in Kolkata that offer a good afternoon tea experience and Vivanta is one of them. Available with a selection of sweet and savoury items and coffee or tea, it is perfect to enjoy with friends over some good adda. If you are on your own, you can just sit in a corner of the lounge, pick up a book from the small library and enjoy the quiet time. That is what I did and loved it.
Drinks & Dinner at Wink
From the deli, I decided to pay a visit to Wink, Vivanta’s Asian bar noted for its signature cocktails and light bites. The cocktails sounded very interesting but me being the boring person that I am stuck to my G&T. I was advised to try out the crispy lamb and tempura prawns but in the end, went for a simple and comforting noodle soup with egg and salmon.
It was my first time at Vivanta after the revamp and I must say that the facilities are so much better now. The hotel offers a much more luxurious experience now at quite reasonable prices. I had a great time there and I am sure anyone who comes to stay at the hotel or even to visit or have a meal will enjoy the experience too.
Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass Overview
Room categories – Superior, Deluxe, Premium rooms and Executive, Deluxe and Premium suites
Dining options –
- Mynt, all day dining restaurant offers an elaborate daily buffet spread, a la carte menu with local and global delicacies and a Sunday brunch
- Wink, Asian bar noted for signature cocktails curated by bartenders from across India, resident DJ, lounge music
- Swirl, delicatessen with a selection of desserts and cakes. Also offers a library and seating lounge.
Banquets, Meetings and Conferences – Boardrooms, ballrooms, meeting rooms, poolside and terrace available
Pool & Fitness Centre – Techno gym with 24 hrs access and fitness trainer, outdoor roof top pool.
Contact :
Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass
1930 Rajdanga Main Road
Kolkata – 107
E: bookvivanta.kolkata@tajhotels.com
Disclaimer: This post is written in collaboration with Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass
Shilpa Shetty says
Waaw,.. Very nice pics,.. Especially the food pics 🙂 #FoodieForever
Anita Singh says
Sach me , ye staycation bahut jaruri bhi hai, daily routine se sabhi bore ho bhi naatey hain
Hotel, hall n kitchens sabhibahut accha hai
Aapne khud se sab dpend kiya
Mujhe laga invited ho aap