Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake

The restaurant was a letdown too. Food took far too long, and staff sometimes missed our meal instructions. When something went wrong, some of them argued instead of accepting or fixing the mistake, even though guests pay premium prices for meals and accommodation. In Room R2, cigarette smoke kept coming in from other rooms for our whole stay, apparently through ineffective ventilation. The room freshener only covered it up for 20-30 minutes. We raised the issue repeatedly, but management didn’t offer a real solution and refused our request to change rooms. My cousin, who shared the room with me, developed a persistent dry cough by the last day, which caused discomfort and affected our trip. The combination of poor room conditions, management’s lack of response, and unsatisfactory restaurant service made this a deeply frustrating stay. It was one of my worst experiences at a luxury hotel in this price range, far below what I’d expect from a high-end property. Based on what happened, I’d strongly advise looking at other places in the area, which may offer similar luxury stays and better service and guest care.

The rooms are spacious, and the scenic views are the real draw. Locally sourced materials give the decor a nice connection to the area. The name fits, it’s peaceful there. Services were average, though Mr. Mishra in dining stood out for his hospitality. The breakfast buffet was average too. Getting to the lake involves a short walk, but the path is risky because it isn’t maintained. Cottages have stairs, so they’re not suitable for people with mobility issues. With the property so remote, eating out isn’t easy.

We had a lake view cottage, and the view of the lake, forest, and hills was excellent. The rooms were clean and well maintained, and I loved the privacy, rustic interiors, and the quiet, tucked-away feel of the place. I’d recommend trying the local dishes on the menu. Ri Kynjai felt like a boutique experience where you can slow down and unwind. I’m writing this for people like me who read lots of reviews before booking.

The spa was a lovely way to relax after exploring Meghalaya, and the food was very good. The setting by the lake is what really stands out, with wide views from the private balconies. Waking up to the water and misty hills was the best part of our stay at Ri Kynjai in Shillong. For the price, though, the in-room facilities felt limited, and there weren’t many planned activities or experiences for guests staying at the resort. A few improvements to room amenities and things to do would make this peaceful lakeside stay even better.