Windermere Hotel & Resort Shillong
A Hilltop Hideaway in Meghalaya 🌴
HOW TO GET HERE:
The best way to reach the hotel is via Taxi or E-hailing services.
Hotel Address: 04, Neigrihms Cir Rd, near B.S.F Gate, Umpling, Lumheh, Shillong, Meghalaya 793006, India
Directions from Shillong Airport (SHL) to Windermere Hotel & Resort by car
Getting to Greenwood Resort from Shillong Airport (SHL) is fairly straightforward by road and usually takes around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Guwahati can get quite busy, especially during peak times, so it is worth allowing a bit of extra time for the journey. The easiest option is pre-booking a driver, using a taxi or ride-share service, as there are no public transport options that go directly to the resort. Organising a driver in advance can make the trip much more relaxed and hassle-free.
Getting to Windermere Hotel & Resort from Shillong Airport is a scenic drive through the hills and usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The resort is located in Upper Shillong, roughly 35 to 40 kilometres from the airport, and the route typically follows Shillong Bypass Road.
Traffic in and around Shillong can be heavy at most times of the day, so it is best to allow extra time for the journey. The easiest and most comfortable option is to pre-book a driver or take a taxi directly from the airport, as there are no public transport services that run straight to the resort. Organising transport in advance helps ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival, especially after a flight.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Windermere Hotel & Resort overview
Hotel Reception entrance
Hotel Reception area during the night
Outdoor area
My first impression of Windermere Hotel & Resort in Shillong was a sense of scale and calm as soon as we arrived.
Located in Meghalaya, in northeast India, the property is set across two distinct wings, one being the hotel and the other the resort, both spread out across a large hilltop venue with multiple car parks and generous shared spaces.
Everything feels open and well laid out, making it easy to move between the different areas of the property. Visiting in the evening was especially memorable, with the entire venue dressed in soft Christmas lights that gave the grounds a warm and festive glow.
Sitting high above the city, you can also look out over the lights of Shillong at night, which adds to the feeling of being tucked away in a peaceful retreat while still connected to the city below.
The Resort Reception Entrance
Reception at the Resort
Resort Reception waiting area
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
Deluxe Double Room
TV Area
Spacious Bathroom
Outdoor Balcony Area overlooking Reception & Bistro 16
Our first impression of the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony at Windermere Hotel & Resort was how spacious and comfortable it felt the moment we stepped inside.
The room is generously sized with a plush bed, soft linens, and a warm, cosy colour palette that makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring Shillong. The bathroom is equally large and well laid out, featuring a clean walk in shower and plenty of counter space. A real highlight is the private balcony, which looks out over the reception area and Bistro 16, giving you a quiet spot to sit back and take in the atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
The resort wing also offers a communal lounge where guests can relax and mingle, along with a shared kitchen space that is ideal for small gatherings or casual catch ups, adding to the homely feel of the stay.
Communal Kitchen Area
Communal Lounge Area
BREAKFAST EXPERIENCES AT BISTRO 16
Bistro 16 from the outside
Restaurant overview
Buffet Food Options
Cereals and Fruits station
My Breakfast Spread
Breakfast at Bistro 16 is served in a warm, beautifully styled dining space that feels cosy and welcoming, especially in the morning light.
The breakfast offering is more modest compared to big international hotel & resort buffets, focusing on a concise selection of staples like eggs, toast, dairy, and a few sweet bites. What makes it memorable is the strong presence of Indian breakfast favourites, with a variety of local dishes that bring depth, warmth, and a sense of place to the morning meal, perfect if you enjoy starting the day with traditional flavours.
As the sun sets, Bistro 16 takes on a different energy. The restaurant and bar become lively and social, with a menu focused on fresh Chinese and Indian dishes that are satisfying and well executed. Cocktails start flowing, the space fills with conversation, and it transforms into a relaxed evening spot that feels just as enjoyable for dinner and drinks as it does for breakfast the next morning.
Bistro 16 Restaurant during the night
Restaurant Set Up
The Bar
OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND & INDOOR POOL AREA
Outdoor Playground Area
Well-maintained Kids’ Equipment
The outdoor kids playground and indoor pool sit within a shared common area used by both hotel and resort guests, creating a lively hub for families and those looking to unwind. The playground is impressively spacious, with a wide range of play equipment that gives kids plenty of room to run, climb, and explore. It feels well laid out and safe, making it easy for parents to relax while the little ones stay entertained.
The indoor pool is easily one of the standout features of the property. Fully covered and protected from the outdoor elements, it offers a comfortable swimming environment no matter the weather. The pool is also heated and consistently warm, which is especially appreciated given how chilly Shillong can get, particularly in the mornings and evenings. It is a great spot for a relaxing swim or a quiet break after a day of sightseeing.
Indoor Pool Area with heated pool
Lounge Chairs
LOUNGE 42 & SOH MARIH RESTAURANT
Lounge 42 Bar Entrance
Lounge 42 Bar Area
Seated Area
Lounge 42 (Hotel Wing)
Lounge 42 is a cosy little bar tucked inside the hotel wing, styled in deep blue and black tones that give it a relaxed, intimate feel. It is a nice spot to unwind in the evening with a drink, whether you are sitting at the bar or settling into one of the lounge seats.
The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, making it ideal for a quiet catch-up or nightcap. Just note that they do not serve food here during lunch hours, with drinks being the only option.
Soh Marih Restaurant (Hotel Wing)
The restaurant space itself is pleasant and well presented, and the service from the staff was friendly and attentive.
Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the setting. The mushroom soup tasted like it came straight from a tin, the peri peri paneer was noticeably underseasoned, and the momos lacked flavour.
We also ordered a steamed fish with vegetables, which arrived undercooked and essentially raw, which was quite off putting. This was the only major downside of our stay, as the dining experience fell short of expectations despite the nice ambience and good service.
Soh Marih Restaurant
Restaurant view
Menu
Not the greatest mushroom soup
Peri Peri Paneer - needs more seasoning
Momos
FINAL THOUGHTS
Looking back on my stay at Windermere Hotel & Resort, Shillong, I would describe it as a comfortable hilltop stay with a calm atmosphere, generous facilities, and scenic surroundings. Set in Upper Shillong, the property feels removed from the city buzz, offering a cooler climate, open spaces, and a relaxed pace that suits travellers wanting a quieter base. The resort is well laid out, with shared facilities between hotel and resort guests, and has a family friendly feel thanks to its pool, playground, and multiple dining spaces.
Customer Service: 7/10
Overall, service across the property was positive. Staff members were generally warm, polite, and approachable, from reception through to housekeeping and the restaurant teams. The waitstaff were attentive and helpful, and reception staff were friendly when assisting with requests and queries. While service may not feel ultra polished at all times, the genuine hospitality and welcoming attitude made the stay pleasant.
Rooms: 8/10
Rooms are large, cosy, and comfortable, making it easy to settle in after a day of exploring. They were clean, well maintained, and equipped with essential amenities. Hot water in the showers was reliable, and complimentary bottled water and small treats like chocolates were a nice touch. The only drawback is that walls are slightly thin, so noise can travel, and barking dogs at night may be noticeable for light sleepers. Aside from this, the rooms provide a solid and comfortable stay.
Food: 4/10
Breakfast at Bistro 16 was a highlight, with a good selection and enjoyable flavours to start the day. However, dining at Soh Marih Restaurant was disappointing and in need of improvement. Several dishes lacked seasoning and depth of flavour, and some items did not feel freshly prepared, which took away from the overall experience. While breakfast was strong, the main restaurant offering fell below expectations.
Overall
Windermere Hotel & Resort is a good option for travellers looking for a peaceful hill station stay with spacious rooms, friendly staff, and useful facilities like a heated indoor pool and large kids playground. While the food at Soh Marih Restaurant is a clear area for improvement, the comfortable rooms, pleasant service, and relaxed setting make this property a reasonable choice when visiting Shillong, especially for families or travellers wanting a quiet escape.