Macdonald Highlands Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.3 (3683 reviews)
Aviemore, Inverness-Shire , Aviemore , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Clean facilities
Good location
Cons:
Uncomfortable beds
Poor reception service
Limited amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
7.88
Multiple reviews praised the cleanliness of the hotel.
Service
7.35
Service was generally friendly, but some reception issues were noted.
Location
8.39
Location was highlighted positively throughout the reviews.
Room Quality
6.84
Some rooms were comfortable; however, issues with beds and updates were mentioned.
Amenities
6.37
Amenities such as spa restrictions and no evening entertainment were points of dissatisfaction.
Value for Money
7.33
Additional charges for amenities raised concerns about value.
Food and Beverage
6.88
Food quality was mentioned positively; however, service was inconsistent.
Overall Experience
7.35
Overall, guests had a pleasant stay but noted significant areas for improvement.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 11:25

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
The Macdonald Highlands Hotel offers 4-star rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. From flat-screen TVs to free WiFi, each room is designed to provide a relaxing retreat within the Cairngorms National Park.

Gourmet Dining
Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at Aspects Restaurant, where guests can savor contemporary Scottish cuisine made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a variety of dining options available across the resort, culinary delights are always just a step away.

Leisure Facilities Galore
Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the resort's leisure facilities at the Aviemore Activity Centre, including a leisure pool, gym, and soft play area. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone at Macdonald Highlands Hotel.

Book now to experience the ultimate blend of luxury and leisure at Macdonald Highlands Hotel within the award-winning Macdonald Aviemore Resort.

Important information:

The credit/debit card used to book a pre-paid rate must be presented to reception on arrival at the hotel. Please note that failure to do so will result in an alternative payment method being required.

Please note that not all spa and fitness facilities are currently available.

For guests staying on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package, a EUR 25 spend towards food can be enjoyed in one of the poperty's restaurants.

Children aged 12 and under can stay and take breakfast for free when sharing a suitable room with two adults. Child dinner will be charged separately dependent on the menu chosen

When booking 7 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Guests may experience noise from 22 to 24 August 2025.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 16 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.3
Based on 3683 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.88
Service: 7.35
Location: 8.39
Room Quality: 6.84
Amenities: 6.37
Value for Money: 7.33
Food and Beverage: 6.88
Overall Experience: 7.35
A
Anita • couple • gb
9
Lovely, welcoming hotel in a great location
Pros:

Lovely big bed, spotlessly clean room, friendly and welcoming staff; everyone was polite and helpful.
Breakfast there was a good choice and quality sausage and bacon for the cooked breakfast. Especially enjoyed the proper fresh orange juice.
Loved the Elemis toiletries in the bathroom. Also rooms made up on the days you requested instead of every day if you wanted some peace.
We used as a base for travel around the area and a day trip to John o groats and it was nice to come back to a pleasant room and a choice of bath or shower after such a long day. We would definitely stay again.

Cons:

Had a small issue with parking just one night, we was back around 8pm after a long day out and there wasn’t a single normal parking space available, had to ask in reception where we could park as there wasn’t a single around 12 empty disabled spots, was told to use a disabled spot but be prepared to move if a normal spot came available, just made us feel uncomfortable but worked out ok

2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • couple • gb
6
It was average.
Pros:

The room was a good size. The chsirs were comfortable. The food was good.

Cons:

The beds were too hard. The extractor fan in the bathroom didn't work. The food would have been better served on hot plates. The pool was too crowded with not enough space to swin lengths.

2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
B
Björling • solo_traveller • se
8
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
M
Marie • solo_traveller • gb
5
Pros:

The breakfast was good the bed was comfortable but did look a bit old the lesure centre was good but again a bit tierd.

Cons:

The room they pit us in wasnt that great we have stayed there before in the de lux room but this one wasnt as nice also there shoul have bren dressing gowns in room and there wasnt i had to ask for one the first morning at breakfast the coffee was awful it tasted like it eas strwed they did give us a pot of coffee after we complaned i did also tell them aboit the room not being as nice as the last time we stayed .

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Great pool area

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
M
Mcphee • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
I
Indu • family_with_children • gb
10
Lot of facilities in resort
Pros:

Clean premises, good staff

Cons:

Attitude of restaurant staff could be improved . I did not receive good hospitality from the restaurant (ospray ) staff( lady whose name I don’t know)

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
A
Andy • extended_group • gb
8
Excellent two night stay whilst playing golf around Aviemore
Pros:

Comfy beds.Location.

Cons:

The breakfast staff cleared away your table whilst you were getting some food from the buffet

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
S
Samanta • solo_traveller • at
9
Schottischer Charme
Pros:

Ich kann die teilweise schlechten Bewertungen nicht nachvollziehen. Unser Zimmer war groß, blitzsauber und sehr komfortabel. Kinder kommen in diesem Hotel voll auf ihre Kosten. Das Personal ist außergewöhnlich freundlich!

Cons:

Ja, das Hotel ist älter, aber wirklich gut erhalten.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
10
An amazing stay in a great location. So pleased the hotel was dog friendly.
Pros:

Great location.
Friendly team.
King size bed.
Dog friendly.
Amazing breakfast, loved the sausages.
Good parking.

Cons:

Noisy bathroom fan.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • gb
8
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
S
steven • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Staff were friendly breakfast was amazing

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jan • couple • gb
10
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
N
Nuala • couple • au
4
Disappointing
Pros:

Convenient

Cons:

Poor service
Breakfast buffet mediocre

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
C
Caroline • family_with_children • nl
7
Prima verblijf in een heel mooie omgeving.
Pros:

Heel fijn hotel, prettig personeel, prima comfortabele kamer en heel mooie faciliteiten. Fijn hotel om met een gezin op pad te zijn. Doet denken aan een sporthotel, wat goed past in het gebied waarin het gesitueerd is.

Cons:

Het hotel en het terrein zien er wat gedateerd uit, evenals de gangen. De kamers, het restaurant en de lobby doen prima aan.

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
J
Juzelle • couple • gb
8
2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
M
Maureen • extended_group • gb
9
Excellent & plai g to return
Pros:

Location was where we needed to be for Elvis convention & all our needs were met, beautiful scenery during walks.
No issues with breakfast or dining in Italian restaurant, meal @ service first class.

Cons:

Not a thing

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
J
Joann • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
J
Jim • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Staff we’re friendly and welcoming. Very clean

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee