Everybody was very kind to me. More than an hotel, this is an institution. We were 3 and we stayed at a very large room, very confortaable and quiet. The food was good. It's very well located. The staff is very discret and efficient. If you're lookin for something different and genuine, try this place.

What a fantastic place to stay! OK if you want luxury, forget it but then hopefully you wouldn't have come here for that in the first place. Character and Charm are the order of the day here.

The rooms are basic but clean and tidy. The breakfast is more than adequate and the bar is a hive of activity in the evening and always full of people to meet. You'll also meet Violet Smith (the co-owner) in the mornings which is a delightful experience in itself.

The location on the busy Sudder St makes it somewhat frantic getting to and from the palce but this is Calcutta and par for the course.

I will be going back here as soon as I can. Calcutta wouldn't be the same without it!

While I rate the Fairlawn at 3 stars out of 5, I give it that rating because from a comfort, luxury, friendliness and price perpsective...that's the right rating to give it. It may actually be on the lower end of that 3 star scale as several of the rooms are in need of refurbishing, the bathooms are old, the bed's are hard and the price is fairly high for what you get. But...on the good side and where that 3 star rating is earned in my opinion is the friendliness of the owner (Violet), the charm and history of the property, the location on Sudder street, the great "beer garden" out front and the breakfast which was delicious each day of my stay.
If you can afford and are used to staying at the Hyatt, ITC Sheraton or Oberoi...then the Fairlawn will be unacceptable to you. But if you are looking for charm, friendliness and willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for it, then by all means check it out...I think you'll like it.

I loved this place because it has a long history. Since 1783 Fairlawn is standing on the junction of Madge Lane and Sudder Street. During the Second World War it was requisitioned for Canadian airforce personnel and for two years was known as "Canada House".
This is quite a charming place, nice people. The garden is a wonderful place to relax, read, enjoy a nice Indian beer.
The food is rather bland but o.k. I would suggest to explore other indian restaurants. There are plenty nearby. Breakfast is fine, included in the price of room rental,

Would recommend for a short stay.