Salvation Army Red Shield Guest House

Salvation Army Red Shield Guest House is a budget guesthouse at 2 Sudder Street in central Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Sudder Street is the city's best-known traveller quarter, a lane near New Market, the Indian Museum and the Maidan that has long been the base for backpackers, volunteers and low-budget visitors. The guesthouse is run by the Salvation Army, the Christian charitable organisation that has worked in India for well over a century, and it is a familiar landmark among independent travellers. The Esplanade and Park Street metro stations are within walking distance, Chowringhee Road and Park Street's restaurants are a short walk away, and the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral are a brief taxi ride. The airport is roughly 45 to 75 minutes away by road depending on traffic. The accommodation is simple and communal in character, with a basic, no-frills style intended to provide inexpensive beds rather than comfort. Room types are Dormitory Bed and Double Room, with nightly rates listed at roughly INR 500 to 1,800, among the lowest in the city. Listed amenities are dormitory beds, basic rooms and a 24-hour front desk. No private bathrooms, air conditioning, restaurant, pool or fitness centre are listed, so visitors should expect shared facilities and should check details before arrival. Meals are typically taken at the many cafes and street stalls on and around Sudder Street, where inexpensive Indian and traveller-style food is widely available. The guesthouse is popular with solo travellers, volunteers working with charities in Kolkata and visitors who want to meet other travellers, and it is often full in the busy winter months. Visitors should be prepared for basic conditions, shared spaces and street noise, and should keep valuables secure, in common with other budget accommodation in central Kolkata.