Your stay — The 42
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The Property — The 42
The 42 is a 3-star boutique hotel in the heart of Kolkata's commercial district, where Art Deco and modern styles blend in a chic, industrial-chic lobby. The hotel's unique selling point lies in its expertly curated art collection, with works by local artists adorning the walls and floors. The atmosphere is understatedly sophisticated, making it a great fit for business travelers and couples seeking a refined retreat. As you step into the lobby, you'll feel the warmth of rich wood tones and the subtle scent of sandalwood, setting the tone for a stylish stay.
Chronicles of Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, was founded in 1690 by the British East India Company as a trading post, making it one of the oldest cities in India. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with many buildings showcasing a mix of British, Mughal, and Indian styles. Over time, Kolkata has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, earning the nickname 'the city of joy' and hosting the prestigious Kolkata Film Festival. Today, Kolkata is a melting pot of Bengali, Indian, and international influences, with a thriving arts scene, delicious street food, and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kolkata guide →Best months
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). This period also coincides with the city's cultural festivals, such as the Kolkata Book Fair and the Kolkata International Film Festival, making it an ideal time for cultural enthusiasts.
Peak / festival surge
January is the peak tourist month in Kolkata, primarily due to the winter festival season and the city's association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament. Hotel prices surge, and popular attractions can get crowded, but the experience is well worth it for cricket fans and those who enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from March to May, offers a great balance of pleasant weather and lower prices. It's an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers to explore the city's attractions without the crowds and enjoy the blooming flowers in the city's parks and gardens.
Weather & packing
Kolkata's climate is characterized by its unique 'Kolkata haze', a seasonal phenomenon where the city is enveloped in a thick layer of fog and dust. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing that can keep you cool in the hot summer months, as well as a light jacket for the cooler winter mornings.
Live City Briefing — Kolkata
- The Kolkata Metro has extended its services to the city's southern suburbs, making it easier for visitors to explore the city's outer neighborhoods.
- The Indian Museum has reopened its renovated galleries, featuring a stunning collection of ancient Indian artifacts and artwork.
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has launched a new initiative to clean and beautify the city's popular Park Street, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The 42, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th floor or above) at The 42, as these are likely to be less affected by street noise. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's always best to err on the side of caution. Additionally, considering the hotel's address in Kolkata, which is a bustling city, a higher floor will provide a more peaceful experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevators) as they can be noisy, especially during peak hours. The hotel's 3 floors are likely to have a relatively compact lift layout, which might not be as quiet as those in larger hotels.
Best views
Unfortunately, The 42's address in Kolkata doesn't offer a notable view, as it's a relatively dense urban area. However, rooms on the higher floors might offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, especially during rush hour. The hotel's location in Kolkata means that you may also hear some noise from the service entrance or bar, but it's unlikely to be excessive.
Insider tips
Request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise, and consider asking for a room away from the lift to reduce noise from elevator activity. If you're concerned about noise, consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to help you sleep better.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The 42
free, 20 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, including historic sections with original wooden elevators
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early check-in 10:00, late check-out 14:00 (₹ 500 fee after 12:00)
available at ₹ 50 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, some structural limitations in historic sections
on-site parking available (₹ 200 per night), nearest public car park (₹ 100 per night), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₹ 20 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: ₹ 500 advance deposit + ₹ 2000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Madina Masjid (416 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Saint Thomas' Catholic Church (566 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: C.N.I. Wesleyan Church (659 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Saint Anthony's Catholic Shrine (962 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Simpark Mall — 841 m · ~11 min walk
Allen Park — 652 m · ~8 min walk
Kolkata Police Museum — 505 m · ~6 min walk
Satyajit Ray Auditorium — 962 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 74 m · ~1 min walk
Lifeline — 131 m · ~2 min walk
Park Street — 280 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can change money at the airport or use ATMs; be aware that airport kiosks often offer poor exchange rates, and avoid exchanging money at hotels for better rates. Use ATMs affiliated with your bank for the best rates.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, while mobile payments like Paytm and UPI are also popular. Be prepared for some smaller vendors to only accept cash.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service; 10-20 INR for auto-rickshaw drivers, 10-50 INR for restaurant staff, and 20-50 INR for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of chai (tea) for around 20-30 INR or a filter coffee for 50-70 INR.
A plate of jhol muri or puchka from a street vendor costs around 20-30 INR, while a thali at a local restaurant is around 100-150 INR.
A meal at a local restaurant, like a plate of laal maans, costs around 150-250 INR.
Street food areas like Esplanade, Chandni Chowk, and Gariahat are popular for affordable eats.
Local supermarkets like Bata and Reliance Fresh are common in the area.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at markets like New Market and Gariahat.
A day pass for the Kolkata Metro costs around 60 INR, while a single ride costs 10 INR. The cheapest way to get to the city from the airport is by taking a prepaid taxi for around 150 INR.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use public transport or walk to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy.Shop at local markets and avoid buying from high-end stores.
Good to know — Kolkata
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.44 · INR
Emergency Contacts
KolkataIn Kolkata, India, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance, and 101 for fire services. For tourist assistance, contact the West Bengal Tourism office or your hotel concierge. Major hospitals include SSKM Hospital and Fortis Hospital.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kolkata, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The 42
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 74 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Lifeline — 131 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Airport Station → Rabindra Sarovar Station (3 min walk to hotel)
💡 Most economical option; download KolkataMetro app for tickets; avoid rush hours; clean and air-conditioned
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport → Esplanade Bus Terminal (800m from hotel)
💡 Budget-friendly; confirm drop point location; luggage space limited; slower but scenic route through city
Esplanade Tram Terminus → Rabindra Sarovar Tram Stop (adjacent to hotel)
💡 Iconic heritage experience; requires metro/bus to reach Esplanade first; vintage charm; ideal for tourists; minimal luggage recommended
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) → ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
💡 Pre-book through hotel concierge for guaranteed rates; avoid peak traffic hours (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The 42?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th floor or above) at The 42, as these are likely to be less affected by street noise. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's always best to err on the side of caution. Additionally, considering the hotel's address in Kolkata, which is a bustling city, a higher floor will provide a more peaceful experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at The 42?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevators) as they can be noisy, especially during peak hours. The hotel's 3 floors are likely to have a relatively compact lift layout, which might not be as quiet as those in larger hotels.
Is The 42 noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, especially during rush hour. The hotel's location in Kolkata means that you may also hear some noise from the service entrance or bar, but it's unlikely to be excessive.
Which rooms have the best views at The 42?
Unfortunately, The 42's address in Kolkata doesn't offer a notable view, as it's a relatively dense urban area. However, rooms on the higher floors might offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at The 42?
Request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise, and consider asking for a room away from the lift to reduce noise from elevator activity. If you're concerned about noise, consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to help you sleep better.
What time is check-in at The 42?
Check-in at The 42 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The 42 have Wi-Fi?
free, 20 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The 42?
₹ 20 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near The 42?
A plate of jhol muri or puchka from a street vendor costs around 20-30 INR, while a thali at a local restaurant is around 100-150 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The 42?
A day pass for the Kolkata Metro costs around 60 INR, while a single ride costs 10 INR. The cheapest way to get to the city from the airport is by taking a prepaid taxi for around 150 INR.
When is the best time to visit Kolkata?
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). This period also coincides with the city's cultural festivals, such as the Kolkata Book Fair and the Kolkata International Film Festival, making it an ideal time for cultural enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Kolkata
💡 Order a black coffee and a plate of singara (samosa). Sit upstairs near the balcony for atmosphere. Go before 11am to avoid the noisy lunch rush. Cash only.
💡 Enter through the north gate near the metro station to avoid the main queue. Best before 10am or after 4pm when the light softens. Free entry to gardens.
💡 Go early morning (around 7–9am) when the potters are most active. Autumn (Aug–Oct) is peak season. Don't take close-up photos without asking. Free entry – just walk around.
💡 Come at sunset for the best light. Avoid weekends when it gets crowded with families. Walk south along the river wall for quieter stretches. Free entry.
💡 Buy a combined ticket for the main building and the anthropology wing. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. Entry is ₹75 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners – no free entry but very cheap.