Bodhi Tree in Kolkata

Homestays are, sadly, not the mainstay of Kolkata’s (Calcutta’s) hospitality scene. Also, oddly, the hip and happening southern end of the city not only has no rooms at the inn, but nary an inn worth the name. Except the five-room Bodhi Tree. It’s practically on top of a Metro station, yet in a quiet spot near Rabindra Sarovar. If it suffers from a self-conscious regard for its own artsy and spiritual personality, like many Calcuttans, it also emulates the citizens’ cheerful, gregarious character. It is proud of its garden, art gallery (of sorts), pocket-spring mattresses, random vintage and ethnic furniture. No cookie-cutter aesthetic in sight, though there are such favourite motifs as recliners and reclining Buddhas. Tariff Rs 2,500-9,000. Contact 033-24246534, bodhitreekolkata.com