Macdonald Highlands Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.3 (4038 reviews)
Aviemore, Inverness-Shire , Aviemore , GB
+44 344 879 9152

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

7.3
Based on 4038 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
D
David • couple • gb
8
2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • family_with_children • gb
7
Great hotel set In lovely grounds everything you need for a relaxing family break. Thank you
Pros:

The breakfast was nice.

Cons:

The price increased dramatically whilst I was looking at lunchtime it was £350 for 3 nights then when I got the time off work later in the day it jumped up to £670 honestly I know it’s the times but dynamic pricing is wrong so had to reduce to two nights. The hotel was nice honestly had the best time and so did my son. The food in the restaurant could be better it was alright but probably not 4 star.

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
G
Gillian • family_with_children • gb
7
Comfortable rooms and amenities.
Pros:

Location, swimming pool, etc

Cons:

Not overly obvious on which hotel was which. Sat nav too us to wrong hotel

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
H
Holly Sarah • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

The room was lovely and spacious. The staff were lovely. Giovannis was very good, lovely staff, food good too. The pool was fun although a bit cold.

Cons:

I don't think there was anything I didn't like!

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa-Joy • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
L
lesley • couple • gb
8
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • family_with_children • gb
7
Really enjoyed Aviemore once again.
Pros:

The staff were excellent when asking any questions and great at the mini disco for the grandkids. Beds were comfy. Good choice at breakfast. Swimming was good.

Cons:

The room was a bit tired and needed a good hoover round the skirtings. Only one toast machine at breakfast which caused queues.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
D
Dario • family_with_children • gb
5
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
J
Judith • family_with_children • gb
7
2 night stay
Pros:

The breakfast was really good. Pool wasn't too busy, lockers were abit dodgy in changing area good that they provided a towel per person.

Cons:

Having to wait 45 mins in a long queue to check in, only 1 person on the desk, this needs looking into especially at busy times and when people have travelled for hours to get there! The room was ok was upgraded but nothing spectacular about it, expensive for what we got, drinks in the bar were expensive aswell. We were at the back of the place which meant we could hear the traffic going past most of the night and we weren't in the main hotel building it was across the way from it ( not great in bad weather).

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
A
Aniol • couple • es
8
Pros:

Desayuno muy completo y personal del restaurante muy amable. La habitación era limpia y grande. La cama era cómoda y grande, pudimos descansar bien.

Cons:

El hotel se veía antiguo, el sistema de seguridad de la ventana complicaba mucho cerrarla. Nos mandaron un link para reservar opciones de comida y una de ellas estaba a 6kms. del complejo.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
G
Georgia • extended_group • au
1
Would not return
Cons:

Would not recommend - you can clearly hear neighbours through the walls. Facilities very tired and old.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
S
Satyam • family_with_children • gb
6
Poor hotel and not value for money
Pros:

Great location right in the heart of Aviemore. Fun pool with waves and slide.

Cons:

It was cold in corridors and bar. Staff were not at all interested and it was under resourced. Tired facilities. Room service was simply putting the duvet back over the bed. Customers are all stuck up and unfriendly too. Would not recommend this place and not worth the money.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • gb
8
We had a lovely relaxing break
Pros:

Breakfast was good although I would have liked black pudding or haggis
The dinning room vas very clean and well presented

Cons:

I didn’t like that the cinema wasn’t open on a Saturday or Sunday, I would have thought these were the busy days to open it

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jonathan • couple • gb
10
2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
R
Roisin • family_with_children • gb
9
Great family getaway
Pros:

The facilities onsite were excellent for the whole family. Lots to keep the wee ones entertained.

Cons:

The beds weren't the comfiest.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
P
Pamela • family_with_children • gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful and comfortable rooms. Great breakfast and superb evening meal in the Aspects restaurant. Staff are welcoming and friendly.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Staff are excellent. Dylan was super kind and helpful. Lovely position above the town. Has electric charger for our car. Breakfast is always great. You have excellent facilities for swimming and children.

Cons:

This is our 7th time here. Nothing has changed in the few years we have gone. Beds are the most comfortable. TV is ancient and not smart so couldn't connect with our tablet to stream alternative programs. The Internet this time was very slow.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqueline • family_with_children • gb
6
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
F
Fergus • couple • gb
9
A great short stay!
Pros:

Breakfast was amazing and the staff were fabulous throughout, couldn’t be more helpful

Cons:

Unfortunately the two mattresses on the bed moved apart frequently during the night which made things not as comfortable as they could have been

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee