The enchantment began in my youth, drawn first by the evocative name—Pinewood—and then by the sheer elegance of the place. Nestled among towering pine trees, its manicured green lawns exuded a charm that felt almost magical. My first visit to Pinewood Hotel, as a school-going boy in the 1980s, remains etched in memory. The grandeur of the place left me wide-eyed and filled with awe. Later, through the benevolence of my uncle, a revered figure in the legal profession, I had the privilege of dining there with Shillong’s elite. It offered a glimpse into a world that many only imagined. Each visit felt like a dream, pinching myself to ensure it was real.
Stories of Pinewood are as endless as its legacy. From my early days of marvelling at its grandeur to the serendipitous moments of dining in its stately halls, every encounter felt like stepping into a cherished narrative. Today, I pen this story to celebrate an extraordinary occasion—Reminiscing Pinewood. This event, orchestrated by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation and Meghalaya Tourism, with support from other organisations, marks the hotel’s 126th anniversary with a medley of food, music, history, and nostalgia. It is a heartfelt tribute to a landmark synonymous with Shillong, preserving its legacy this Christmas season and beyond.
Pinewood has always been more than a hotel. It’s a feeling, a memory, a celebration. The whispering pines, the twinkling lights, the notes of a harp or piano resonating against a warm fireplace—these are the moments that make Pinewood magical, especially during Christmas. Its festivities, both past and present, create an atmosphere where time slows, allowing the spirit of joy and togetherness to take centre stage.
Few places achieve the distinction of being a cultural icon, but Pinewood is woven into the fabric of Shillong’s identity. As one resident aptly said, “It’s our pride and part of our history.” This sentiment echoes through the events planned for Reminiscing Pinewood: a symposium on December 23 featuring distinguished speakers reflecting on the hotel’s history and grandeur; Christmas carols and vintage songs; an exhibition of photos, artefacts, and illustrations; and an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Each activity honours the Swiss couple who brought Pinewood to life in the late 19th century.
My personal journey with Pinewood mirrors its enduring allure. As a young boy from modest means, I was fortunate to enjoy occasional meals there, often tagging along with affluent friends. Later, as a journalist, I frequented its halls for work and play—hosting musical nights, organising fashion shows, and participating in conferences that brought luminaries to Shillong’s iconic hotel. Every visit was a lesson, an inspiration, and a source of endless stories.
Such has been the beauty and my association with Pinewood that, after my wedding, I made it a point not to forget taking my wife there for a luncheon. The idea was simple yet profound: to share an exquisite piece of Shillong with her, just as I had shared it with so many others in the past. It felt like introducing her to a part of my soul, a slice of memories too precious to keep to myself.
This isn’t an attempt at self-indulgence but a heartfelt celebration of a place that has touched countless lives. Pinewood holds the memories of Shillong’s residents and visitors alike—moments of laughter, learning, and camaraderie. From renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia to the Danish rock band Michael Learns to Rock, from the Dalai Lama to celebrated actors, Pinewood has been a magnet for legends. Sharing Shillong’s charm with these icons at Pinewood remains one of my greatest joys.
The hotel has also played a pivotal role in India’s political landscape. It served as a buzzing hub for national leaders during their visits to Meghalaya, from the likes of L.K. Advani and George Fernandes to Rahul Gandhi and H.D. Deve Gowda. Pinewood became not just a meeting point but a stage for shaping history.
Recently, I revisited the bar room, a favourite corner from days gone by, accompanied by colleagues. The nostalgia was palpable, each sip and laugh bringing back memories of old times. It felt fitting to reflect on my association with Pinewood now, as the hotel embraces restoration efforts aimed at returning it to its former glory by 2025. This initiative seeks to preserve Pinewood’s unique heritage, setting it apart from corporatised luxury hotels.
Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, struck a poetic note at the launch of Reminiscing Pinewood. He described the property not as a five-star or seven-star hotel but as a place where visitors “experience a hundred stars when they step outside.” His words resonate deeply—Pinewood is more than a hotel; it is a living testament to Shillong’s soul. Recognised as one of India’s top 50 hotels in the 1990s, Pinewood remains a timeless melody in the heart of Meghalaya’s capital, drawing people back with its stories, its spirit, and its unyielding charm.
