Macdonald Highlands Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.3 (3514 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)
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
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 3514 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
J
John • couple • gb
9
We had a relaxing and comfortable stay.
Pros:

Pleasant and helpful staff, very clean rooms. The hotel is in a central location for local amenities and also for touring the highlands.

Cons:

Some of the corridors looked a bit aged and in need of painting.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • extended_group • gb
9
Enjoyable and relaxing break.
Pros:

The room was large, clean and comfortable.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
Not to far to walk into Aviemore.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
J
Johnston • couple • gb
8
Very enjoyable stay at Aviemore, would like to return some time.
Pros:

Our stay was over 2 nights so we had both dinner in the restaurant and breakfast on both days. Both were excellent. Portions were generous at dinner and food was very good. Breakfast was excellent and a very varied menu.

Cons:

Sorry, there were no negative points in our stay. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Even the sun shone when we were there in February.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
I
Irene • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
G
Gemma • solo_traveller • gb
9
I had an excellent time and came back feeling rested and well cared for. I would highly recommend.
Pros:

Just across from the train station and main bus stop so very handy for travel. Lots of variety at breakfast, very clean hotel and resort, comfy beds, friendly, attentive and accommodating staff, warm room with easy to control heating and large window. Relaxing atmosphere, beautiful setting, lots of beautiful walks close by. Within a short travel distance of the Highland Wildlife Park, Cairngorm funicular railway and ski facilities, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Highland Folk Museum... Steam train trips are available at the nearby station. Lots of cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance. Towels are provided at the activity centre for on site swimming, and a delicious afternoon tea is bookable with 24 hours notice.

Cons:

I had hoped to use the sauna and have a massage while there. I went to relax and these were deciding factors when choosing where to stay. I did not book a massage before my arrival, and there were no more available when I did go to book one. The sauna was under repair so unusable. I did however enjoy the stream room, and had afternoon tea instead of a massage.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
N
Nicola • family_with_children • gb
5
Not a 4* but it could be.
Pros:

The location is fantastic, right in the middle of Avimore, ideal for exploring the Highlands. The pool and activity area is really good, when its open. Whole place was incredibly clean.

Cons:

Breakfast was awful very basic selection that wasnt even fresh, the Danish pasties were stale, scrambled eggs very watery, bacon rubbery. No Lorne sausage or Haggis or even black pudding. The hotel describes itself as traditional, just means old fashioned and in need of a update. The rooms are small and dated, considering it was a 'deluxe' room id hate to see a standard one.

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
C
christopher • couple • ie
8
2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
8
Lovely relaxing few days
Pros:

Excellent breakfast; lots of variety.
Location was great, five minute walk to centre of town
Good amenities within the complex
Staff excellent

Cons:

Dinner menu in main restaurant was a bit sparse; can't eat beef so very little for me to choose from.

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
W
Wendy • solo_traveller • gb
4
Pros:

Friendly helpful staff

Cons:

Tired room and uncomfortable bed

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • couple • gb
8
Love all long local walks swimming pool great
Pros:

Breakfast was good plenty on offer also plenty to do in hotel

Cons:

Spa pool and sauna not working a local gentleman told us not been working for a long time but advertised on the web available

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
W
William • extended_group • gb
6
A good hotel which could be excellent
Pros:

Location, breakfast and excellent and friendly staff

Cons:

Poor information when you check in. We were told nothing about the other restaurants and facilities at the complex. No information in the rooms.

The poor dinner options. Same menu everyday

The rooms are tired and need investment. A lick of paint would be a good start.

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
C
Corine • family_with_children • gb
10
Leisure stay
Pros:

We loved it so much we decided to stay another night. Very family friendly and staff couldn't do enough for us. Loved the facilities ie pool and soft play.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
K
Kathryn • couple • gb
8
Pleasant stay. Rooms just need a bit more attention to detail
Pros:

Easy parking, great central location. Reception staff helpful and friendly. Great swimming pool and steam room. Nice room size.

Cons:

Rooms need a little attention to detail.
Mirror in bathroom needs replacing. Noisy doors in corridors. Housekeeping needs little more attention. Dirty slats on blinds. Outer area of kettle dirty. Skirting in bathroom dirty.
Although breakfast was good. Dry curling cheese and meats not great. And efficient but sombre staff in dining room.

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
C
Corine • family_with_children • gb
9
Family stay
Pros:

Great location and very family friendly. We loved all the facilities available to us. Room was comfortable and clean.

Cons:

Liked everything and plan on going back as we had such a lovely time.

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
B
BSinclair • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Great location, staff were friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Bedrooms were small and didn't feel it was up to standard for the hotel rating.

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
W
Wiktoria • family_with_children • gb
8
Pros:

Tidy, close to glenmore lodge, quiet, curtains didn't let the light though

Cons:

Furniture looks a bit old and dusty. Pillows a bit uncomfortable.

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
D
Douglas • family_with_children • gb
9
Peace and quiet
Pros:

Peace and quiet

Cons:

Breakfast toaster needs looking at.

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
T
Tanya • family_with_children • au
8
Snow Holiday
Pros:

The staff were helpful happy & pleasant.
Room size was comfortable
Plenty of areas to use in complex
Breakfast was good variety

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • couple • gb
9
Love the hotel just wouldn’t book again during school holidays.
Pros:

Friendly staff, great location

Cons:

School holidays, our mistake, just too busy.

2026-03-20 • via Nuitee
J
Julia • family_with_children • gb
8
Brilliant time had by all. Far exceeded my expectations. The staff were brilliant.
Pros:

Staff were so friendly and kind. Made such a big difference to our stay. The breakfast was great with vegan options available. The dinner was lovely atmosphere and had several vegan options. The pool was excellent, the staff there were also lovely. The soft play was so good. The surrounding area was lovely. The bed was very comfortable with great pillows and blackout curtains.

Cons:

Our stay exceeded our expectations after reading reviews. If I had to pick things I didn’t like I would say the showers in the pool weren’t great but you can just shower in your room. I would have liked a mini fridge: Some areas needed fresh paint but they were starting to do that when we were leaving.
Lastly, the veggie options were a big expensive in the restaurant. Usually I expect the veg option to be less than the meat ones but that wasn’t really the case. However; I was surprised to find several veg options without any necessary adaptations, which was nice.

2026-03-18 • via Nuitee