Macdonald Highlands Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.3 (3832 reviews)
Aviemore, Inverness-Shire , Aviemore , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets 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

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 3832 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
L
Lorraine • solo_traveller • gb
4
Pros:

The quietness was good , facilities were also great 👍

Cons:

I got ill after I ate in restaurant

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • family_with_children • au
7
Family friendly
Pros:

Great facilities - particularly for kids. A pool and waterslide, soft play area, games room and outdoor park.
A good breakfast

Cons:

Hours of everything are very late (7:30 is very late for breakfast), gym and pool 9:00 - please open earlier. Rooms need a fridge.
They didn’t clean much in the room, or restock. They just changed towels and pulled up the bed.
Most staff we interacted with were nice but didn’t seem to know the answers to a lot asked.

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
M
May_It_be • solo_traveller • de
10
2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
J
Jackie • family_with_children • gb
9
Good
Pros:

Food was excellent, room was disappointing, was asked if I would like a upgrade ,I said yes ,thinking it was a room upgrade ,when we arrived to room ,upgrade was a extra single bed , which was not needed, please say what upgrade means to future customers,as I was very unhappy with this , but facilities were excellent, bar areas were good and comfortable, breakfast great , dinner excellent, compliments to chef , staff fantastic

Cons:

Room very dark , family room very cramped

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
R
Ruzha • extended_group • bg
10
Pros:

Very nice and friendly staff. The breakfast was great and catered for all tastes, but I missed salmon. I thought salmon was a traditional food in Scotland.. The room was warm, comfortable and cozy.

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
A
Aherkes86 • family_with_children • gb
6
Great Location, lots to do for kids but needs a serious revamp.
Pros:

Check in staff were nice enough in the highlands hotel.In the morlich the older woman was a bit moody. The Staff and the Exc Chef was nice. Like the shopping hall and cafe. Great Location.

Cons:

The bathroom in 2210 has black mould on the shower screen fitting and metal screen holder. Bedding had rips and was told we couldn't get our room cleaned as we have two dogs with us. We stayed 3 days.

I borrowed the hoover and did the carpets myself in our room. Spa needs a good revamp and there was broken steps and the steam room was out of service. Pool is very shallow. on the pillars in the pool there is rust and lumps of moss mold. The spa pool is NOT a jacuzzi and I don't see the point as it's 1. not warm 2. has no bubbles.

The whole place could do with a deep clean. I was not happy with this aspect.

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
E
Elaine • couple • gb
7
Really convenient and clean
Pros:

Location was really convenient, for the train station

Cons:

Not the most attractive hotel 😊

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
S
Sarahann • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

The activities that were included

Cons:

The price of everything and the beds were not comfortable

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
P
Packham • solo_traveller • gb
10
Very Enjoyable
Pros:

The restaurant I chose to eat in was well organised, friendly, staff were attentive and helpful.

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
S
SUSAN • couple • gb
10
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
G
Gillian • couple • gb
9
Relaxing and peaceful stay
Pros:

The hotel was beautiful staff was amazing on reception nothing to much hassle and very friendly

Cons:

The breakfast was poor choice and quality and wasn’t worth the cost.

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • gb
6
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • gb
10
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
M
Marc • family_with_children • gb
5
Cons:

There was no hot water for a shower, when told at the reception they seemed unconcerned about it. When paying £200 a night I think the least you can expect is a hot shower

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Room was lovely

Cons:

Breakfast could have been warmer, needs a little tlc in the hall wsys

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • solo_traveller • gb
1
Would never stay here again
Pros:

Leaving

Cons:

Dated, scruffy rooms, Most of the staff rude and unhelpful, dreadful breakfast, Pool not clean, slide and wave machine not working, changing rooms dreadful, no towels, so many things out of order

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
J
Jack • couple • gb
7
Great location
Pros:

Right in the centre

Cons:

Its dated but perfect for a place to sleep

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
L
Lesleyanne • extended_group • gb
9
Great friendly staff and nice break.
Pros:

Large complex. Close to town. Clean

Cons:

No issues

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
P
Pam • couple • gb
7
Ok, not sure if I’d go back
Pros:

The location is a short walk to the town

Cons:

I think it is a bit run down, not much attention to detail, the room was pretty basic for the money we paid with chips on the furniture, hallways leading to room not very nice, I expected a bit more luxury.

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
S
Semisami • couple • de
6
Naja... Vielleicht...
Pros:

Sehr große Anlage.

Cons:

Frühstück war üppig. Kostenfreies Parken.

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee