This 165-year-old hotel, commissioned in 1840, is said to be India’s (then British India) first star hotel. Called the ‘Jewel of the East’, the Hotel was very popular and all through maintained its social exclusiveness. Its exterior style and ornamentation matched its interior elegance, and it became the favourite haunt of the city's elite. It has seen many a celebrity live under its roof – from Ho Chi Minh to Queen Elizabeth II’s retinue, Nikita Khrushchev to Mark Twain, Garry Sobers, Rohan Kanhai among many others. The Group successfully bid for this classic heritage property in November 2005. Presently, under extensive restoration the property will reopen by end 2008. The Grand Great Eastern will offer 244 rooms and suites along with four Restaurants and Bars, the largest conference and banqueting facility in Kolkata, besides all other 5 star deluxe facilities and services.