Well if you read the other reviews you can see a stay at the Fairlawn polarises into those who loved the experience and those who hated it.

I loved it, but then again I didnt go to India for 5 star service which reminiscent of hotels back home in the West. I went to India to experience India and all its eccentricities and idiosyncracies..

The Fairlwan sums up india and is a mix of the eccelctic English and Indian cultures which were the heyday of modern Indian history known as the Raj.

If you want perfect marble bathrooms, sublte airconditioning, michelin starred restaurants, elevator music and staff trained in Switzerland..

A) dont go to India and B) dont stay at the Fairlawn

If you are after adventure, fascinating company of like minded and interesting people, who you meet as frendly co-guests and depart and freinds

As well as a larger than life owner who makes your stay that much more memorable, then the Fairlawn is the place for you.

Its a place where royalty, movie stars, famous artists poets, movie makers and politicians have stayed and hey if its good enough for them.. its sure was good enough for me..

Very memorable, I doubt there are as many hotels around the world who would provoke such a reaction to a stay under its roof.

If you go into it with your eyes wide open and dont expect 5 star western conveniences in a 2 star hotel in India.. then its a must

I have chosen to stay here multiple times since 1989, and although it is a gem, it is not everybody's cup of Darjeeling.

It is old and inadequately maintained. Hot water and air-con are unpredictable. Meals are palatable, but rather bland. Most rooms are fairly Spartan, often dimly lit, poorly decorated and sparsely furnished. Staff can sometimes be surly.

Having said that -- if you are looking for a travel experience rather than a luxurious bed in a hotel where you dine alone, don't meet a soul, and watch CNN in your room every evening, this is definitely THE PLACE to be. What is lacking in comfort and facilities is amply compensated by the company you will keep at shared dining tables - fascinating fellow-travelers, and possibly the odd movie star. This tiny little hotel is imbued with some kind of magic which attracts kindred spirits, and most guests forget the lack of comfort, ignore the kitsch, and instead embrace the bonhomie. The longer you stay, the more this is apparent, the friendlier it becomes, and I LOVE this dear old lady, although by golly, she urgently needs a face lift!

It is also beautifully located - walking distance to the National Museum, New Market, the main shopping area of Chowringhee and the Maidan - respectively Kolkata's equivalent of Broadway and Central Park.

There is a colourful description of the Fairlawn with photos on the e-book about Dr Jack Preger (Calcutta's pavement doctor) at the following link:
http://basilicum122.googlepages.com/chapter12

To sum up:- If you are a fussy traveler looking for squeaky-clean luxury, fawning service, crisp uniforms and all mod cons, this is definitely not for you. However, if you are looking for a travel experience, something to write home about, and an enduring topic for your after-dinner stories, you will most likely find it right here.

Like all the major cities of India there is a distinct lack of quality mid range hotels. The Fairlawn is a perfect example of this. $60 for a double seems reasonible at your first impression, great location, tropical garden seating area and friendly owners, attractive stairways and hall ways. Unfortunatley it ends there! The rooms are filthy, and hot water is very irregular 2 settings scalding and cold! as other reviews have mentioned they seem to be living on their past reputation, wich has slipped dramatically! Fixed menus, average food and grumpy and rude staff. Its a real shame because all the Fairlawn needs is a good clean and modest staff retraining and it would be a bargain! I was really looking forward to a stay at the Fairlawn but id rather spend twice as much and get 5 star service elsewhere.