Ever wondered, how it feels to be floating while we are deep asleep? Then, this hotel, sitting on the Hooghly river in Kolkata will give you a chance to experience that.
Originally built in the year 2007, Floatel hotel has now been completely acquired by Hotel Polo Towers and has been renamed Hotel Polo Floatel.
What's special about this hotel?
This is the only South Asian hotel that is located atop a boat, in the heart of the city of joy with a breathtaking view of the Howrah Bridge and the beautifully constructed Vidyasagar Setu with boats sailing beneath it.
This is an amalgamation of Old Calcutta with a modern touch to cater to the needs of every visitor.
Design
This hotel is designed to provide a tranquil experience of sojourning on the banks of the holy Hooghly River. The noise of the traffic along one of the busiest streets in Kolkata, Strand Road, was left behind as I entered the land-based reception of the hotel, which is docked just behind the Hooghly river.
The reception, donned in marine blue with lots of shipping equipment, leads to the jetty behind, to reach the Floating hotel.
Accommodation
The 58-key floating hotel offers a mesmerizing view of the river from every given point. The luxurious cabins are divided into River View Cabins, Heritage Cabin, Heritage Cabin with Deck, and Heritage Cabin with Balcony.
With world-class amenities and encyclopedic décor elements, the cabins reflect the old Calcutta of the erstwhile colonial period with a modern touch to it.
River View Cabins :
River cabins with rooms above the deck above the Ganges give you a scenic view of the river from your window.
Cost : Starting from Rs.6000 (without breakfast)
Heritage Cabin
Rooms exude calm and comfort with a scenic view of the city.
Cost : Starting from Rs. 6200 (without breakfast)
Heritage Cabin with Deck
Overlooking the panoramic views of the Ganges, you can wake up to a spectacular sunrise with a private sit-out and garden.
Cost : Starting from Rs. 7500 (with breakfast)
Heritage Cabin with Balcony
Offering a direct view of Vidyasagar Setu, the private balconies of these rooms allow you to step out and witness The City of Joy in all its glory.
Cost : Starting from Rs. 7000 (with breakfast)
Special Services Offered
Hotel Floatel has used its location to its advantage to offer special services such as boat rides, heritage walks, etc. to its guests. From time to time, they also host some musical programs, including a rendition of folk songs by rural artists.
Adding on to all these facilities, the guests can also leave for an exclusive cruise ride on the river from Anchorage Boat Deck.
Things to do in Kolkata
With a cozy stay at a luxurious hotel like Floatel, let's explore the city a little more.
1. Victoria Memorial
The city is famous for its heritage sculptures and the Victoria Memorial is one of them. Built-in the 20th century in the period between 1906 and 1921, this memorial houses a museum to display the collection of souvenirs from the pre-independence era.
2. Belur Math
A Hindu Temple, founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, is located on the west bank of the Hoogly river. The temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna movement and is known for its architecture, which is a fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist art.
3. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum, also known as Imperial Museum at Calcutta, is the ninth oldest museum in the world, built-in 1814.
4. Prinsep Ghat
A ghat built in 1841 during the British era, along the bank of the Hoogly River in India is rich in Greek and Gothic inlays. People visit it in the evenings on weekends to take a boat ride or stroll along the banks and indulge in evening snacks.
5. Visit Park Street
Palk Street, officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani, is a famous shopping street in downtown Kolkata. Several important roads originate from/intersect at Palk street in the northward and southward directions.
6. Trip to Eden Gardens
Built in 1864, Eden Gardens is the oldest and the second largest cricket stadium in India and the third largest in the world. With a capacity of hosting 68000 die-hard cricket fans, this stadium is considered one of the toughest cricket grounds after the Lords.
An early morning guided walk will show you why Calcutta was called as 'City of Palaces' in yesteryears.
The guests can also hop into this hotel for a comfortable and cozy meal with their family, while they are taking a glance at the river. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot a dolphin while being atop the deck.
So, when are you planning to visit this place to experience the serenity and to indulge yourself with some premium and exclusive facilities this hotel has to offer you.
For more such travel content follow me on Tripoto and on Instagram.
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages.
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
