You may, as I often do, find yourself in need of a hotel close to Kolkata’s Dumdum Airport. When it’s not a short business trip that takes me to the City of Joy, I end up passing through in transit to the Andamans, to Bhutan, or the numerous sights of the majestic eastern Himalayas. At first the vast number of hotels close to the airport had me confused. Over several trips, I’ve picked out some gems, the best airport hotels of Kolkata. Here’s what I love about them … so you don’t have to blunder your way through the menu! Kolkata at night Most international and several domestic flights service this city at really odd hours and the best Kolkata airport hotels get sloppy when you’re checking in at 3 a.m. This isn’t the case with this 16-room budget lodge which handles late-night and early morning transfers with great efficiency! Do pick the air-conditioned rooms though. There are conferencing facilities, ample parking, and alert room service 24 hours of the day. You’ll probably enjoy the mini bar in the room after a “red eye” flight. Shivangan is 5.5 kilometres from the airport. Shivangan Hotel If you’re a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to book this hotel in Kolkata. It has spacious suites with ample sitting space for small meetings. The restaurant offers a nice buffet. There’s room service for dining a-la-carte and I’ve never had a problem with the Wi-Fi. Also Landsdown Road, where the hotel is located, is a quiet locality despite its proximity to downtown Kolkata, the Alipore zoo and Fort William. Though Executive Point is 20 kilometres from the Airport, you can make the journey in a shorter span of time than some hotels located nearer, due to good roads. Executive Point Hotel For a mid-budget price, this hotel near the Kolkata airport packs in quite a few deluxe features. You could shake a leg in the basement disco and enjoy the plush décor of your room. The other comforts include prompt laundry service, fast room service, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. I am particularly impressed with their business-centre facilities. Located just 6 kilometres from the airport, this hotel has transfer facilities. O2 Oxygen Hotel There are times I’ve preferred to sit-up and work, till I am due at the airport for the onward flight. I’ve loved the what I refer to as 'working and socialising area' that has been cleverly created in most suites of this hotel. Even the affordably priced standard-rooms accommodate a sofa and a study-table. Heritage is a guest friendly hotel with an airport ferry facility, business centre, free Wi-Fi which works efficiently, and great rates including breakfast. It is located just 6 kilometres from the Kolkata airport. Hotel Heritage Nothing beats the convenience of a three kilometre ride to the Kolkata airport. Especially for a hotel that’s run as well as this one. There’s a multi-cuisine restaurant on premises, a coffee-shop and climate controlled rooms. The hotel offers Wi-Fi, other business facilities, laundry service, transfers to/from the airport and has an overall efficient management at the helm of things. The location not far from the best malls and cafes of Kolkata, in buzzing Salt Lake, is a big pro. You can divert to put in some last-minute shopping before heading towards the airport. A well furnished room at Swagatam Inn Source: www.makemytrip.com