By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 24: Curtains came down on the Pinewood Hotel’s 126th anniversary celebration with an event titled “Reminiscing Pinewood,” which saw the participation of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The celebration was a nod to the hotel’s long-standing presence in the city and its important role in Shillong’s history.
The four-day-long celebration came to an end on Christmas Eve, that had several events lined up including story-telling sessions, symposiums discussing the legacy of the hotel, Christmas carols among several others.
Founded in 1898 by a Swiss couple and later joined by the Assamese Chaudhary family in the 1960s, Pinewood has been more than just a hotel. It has hosted distinguished personalities, including the Dalai Lama and actor Victor Banerjee, becoming a well-known landmark in Shillong’s hospitality scene. Pinewood also has played an important role in the political and social landscape of Meghalaya. National leaders such as LK Advani, George Fernandes, Rahul Gandhi, and HD Deve Gowda have all stayed at Pinewood, turning it into a space where important political discussions have taken place.
The state government also had shared plans to restore and revitalise Pinewood by 2025. The goal is to preserve its historical charm while updating its facilities.
A highlight of the ongoing renovations is the creation of a new museum within the hotel. The museum showcases a collection of vintage photographs, old musical instruments, and classic drink collections, offering guests a glimpse into the hotel’s past.
As part of the “Reminiscing Pinewood” initiative, the historic billiard board room, once hidden from view, has now been fully restored. It was a collaborative effort of the Meghalaya Billiards Association for their support in restoring this piece of Pinewood’s past, and to the NorthEast India AV Archives team, led by Nathaniel Majaw, for bringing 43 antique items to be displayed at the hotel.
This year, for Christmas, Pinewood has embraced the festive season with decorations and a warm atmosphere. The grand hall, with its old-world charm, is adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas ornaments, creating a cozy and nostalgic setting for guests. This combination of history and festive cheer adds a special touch to the hotel, making it an inviting space for both long-time visitors and newcomers.