Sad state of affairs at Taj Bengal.
My recent stay at Taj Bengal Kolkata with my senior citizen mother was nothing short of a disappointment, and I feel compelled to share my experience. As someone who has stayed in numerous Taj properties over the years, I expected a certain level of care and service, but what transpired during our visit was unacceptable, especially considering my mother’s sudden ill health during our stay.
Firstly, despite informing the hotel well in advance about our requirements, including a preference for a higher-floor room with a view, we were given a room that completely disregarded these requests. When I tried to address this at check-in, the staff showed no willingness to accommodate us, citing excuses that felt dismissive and unempathetic. Given the premium nature of this property, this lack of attentiveness was shocking.
Adding to the distress, the room we were given had serious maintenance issues. There was water leakage both on the floor and in the bathroom, making it unsafe and unhygienic. Despite raising these concerns with the staff, the response was sluggish and lacked urgency. The air conditioning in the room was also ineffective, leaving us uncomfortable throughout the night in Kolkata’s humid weather.
The most disheartening part of our stay was the complete lack of empathy when my mother fell unwell. Given her condition, I requested a late check-out by just two hours to allow her some rest and recovery before our departure. To my utter disbelief, the staff refused, displaying a level of rigidity and insensitivity that I have never encountered at any reputable hotel. It was deeply disheartening to see such a lack of basic human compassion, especially for a senior citizen in need.
Overall, this experience has left me questioning the standards and ethos of Taj Bengal Kolkata. From poor service and unresponsive staff to glaring maintenance issues, this stay was far from the hallmark of luxury and hospitality that the Taj brand claims to uphold. I would strongly advise against staying here, especially if you’re traveling with elderly family members or expect a basic standard of care and respect.
