The Great Eastern: This Is India’s Oldest Hotel, Welcoming Guests Since 1840

For many, spending even a single night in a luxury hotel is a dream, enjoying the pleasures of a private swimming pool, fine cuisine, elegant rooms, pristine surroundings, and a cool, quiet escape from the world. In India, such experiences are offered by establishments ranked as 5-star or even 7-star hotels. But have you ever wondered which was the very first of these to open in the country?

The Great Eastern Hotel – A Timeless Icon: Now known as The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, this grand establishment holds a special place in the history of Indian hospitality. First opened in 1840, it is regarded as the oldest continuously operating hotel in India.

A Jewel of the British Era: The hotel was founded by Englishman David Wilson on Old Court House Street in Kolkata. Originally named the Auckland Hotel, in honour of the then Governor-General George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland, the hotel sprang from Wilson’s successful bakery and confectionery business. With growing ambition, he acquired adjoining property and launched a hotel with 100 rooms and a department store on the ground floor: a pioneering venture for its time.

At the time of its establishment, Kolkata served as the headquarters of the East India Company, making the hotel a sought-after destination for British officials, merchants, and affluent travellers. The hotel underwent expansion in the 1860s and was renamed The Great Eastern Hotel in 1915.

Architecturally, the hotel showcases a mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles, echoing the grandeur of European palaces. From its inception, it featured English-speaking staff, imported furnishings, and gourmet dining, offering guests an authentic British luxury experience in colonial India. A significant milestone came in 1883 when The Great Eastern became the first hotel in India to be electrified, highlighting its commitment to modernity.

After India gained independence in 1947, the hotel's clientele changed. With declining British patronage and increasing competition, the hotel began to lose its former prestige. In the 1970s, it was taken over by the West Bengal government. Unfortunately, due to outdated facilities and mismanagement, its reputation suffered, and by 2005, the property had deteriorated significantly.

Despite its struggles, the Great Eastern remains deeply embedded in Kolkata’s cultural and architectural legacy. Often referred to as the 'Gem of the East', the hotel has hosted numerous prominent personalities and continues to be referenced in literature and travel history. While some accounts mention Spence’s Hotel (established in 1830 in Kolkata) as the first modern hotel in India, it no longer exists. In contrast, The Great Eastern has stood the test of time, making it a rare and enduring symbol of Indian hospitality heritage.

Today, with a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata offers guests a truly unique experience; where echoes of the past meet contemporary elegance.