When, in 1911, the theatre burned down, Stephen bought out Mrs. Monk and, over time, redeveloped the site into what now makes up the modern hotel.

[1] Built in an extravagant neoclassical style, the hotel soon became a popular spot amongst the English population of Calcutta.

It was known, in particular, for its annual New Year party that, along with iced champagne and expensive gifts, involved the release of twelve piglets in the ballroom.

The hotel got a major lift during World War II when about 4000 soldiers were billeted there, and would party regularly.

Events like the U.S. Marines' Ball at the hotel remind visitors of such times.The hotel features a large white building covering an entire block, colonnaded verandahs and balconies on the upper floors, projecting portico for the entire length of the block supported on paired columns with Ionic capitals, and stucco ornamentation in the facade.