Macdonald Highlands Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.3 (4038 reviews)
Aviemore, Inverness-Shire , Aviemore , gb

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
J
John couple gb
4
OK but expensive for what you get
Pros:

Staff were nice. Most of breakfast was ok. EV chargers available.

Cons:

Small towels, decor is tired. At breakfast glasses for fruit juice were not available, coffee tasted of cleaning fluid, milk for coffee and tea was not replenished. Lots of staff in restaurant but not being managed.

A soulless hotel, saved by some extent by the staff.

Unless I have to, I will not return.

2026-08-15 via Nuitee
B
Barbara Lynn extended_group gb
3
Needs a revamp.
Pros:

The staff

Cons:

Coffee at breakfast was undrinkable - it tasted metallic.
Single sheet on double bed so it didn’t ticking. Towels so old they were frayed at the edges

2026-08-15 via Nuitee
J
Julie couple gb
9
2026-08-14 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
8
Excellent Place to stay in central aviemore with excellent staff
Pros:

Excellent facilities on site with an Ice Rink, Cinema, Swimming and good bars and restaurants, The staff are excellent especially in the bar where they make you feel really welcome

Cons:

My partner ordered the non meat soup and was given soup that still had bits of ham in it. Luckily she isnt a vegetarian so it wasnt a huge issue. The staff were very apologetic and removed the cost from the bill.

2026-08-14 via Nuitee
C
Claudia solo_traveller it
8
Discretamente buono
Pros:

Colazione ottima! Spazi molto ampi e belli (a volte dispersivi,ma non è un grande minus), sia interni che esterni, con playground x bambini ( unica attività gratis di cui abbiamo usufruito, le altre erano a pagamento). La struttura è pulita.

Cons:

Le attività in special modo x bambini, sia interne che organizzate all'aperto, sono care. Il lenzuolo di un letto singolo nella mia stanza aveva una macchia gialla,ma ho chiesto alla donna delle pulizie di sostituirlo e l'ha fatto prontamente. Questo letto singolo era una specie di brandina e, di fatto, come quasi tutte le strutture del genere, abbastanza scomodo. Mentre il letto matrimoniale accanto al letto singolo decisamente meglio con un buon materasso molyo comodo!!! Il prezzo che abbiamo pagato è stato comunque abbastanza caro.

2026-08-14 via Nuitee
J
JudeC solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

It was simply an overnight stay on route to an appointment, so it was great for that but we can't comment on the facilities because we didn't hav a chanc to use them.

Cons:

But of a labyrinth to find way around.

2026-08-14 via Nuitee
A
Alejandra family_with_children es
8
Buenas instalaciones ara niños
Pros:

Zona de niños si have mal
Tiemp y actividades

Cons:

Enorme, un poco viejo

2026-08-14 via Nuitee
L
Lorna family_with_children gb
8
2026-08-13 via Nuitee
M
Martin couple gb
2
Not recommended, will not go back
Pros:

A good sized room

Cons:

Poor selection of food on the menu, luke warm breakfast, overcharged at the bar and not enough parking spaces

2026-08-13 via Nuitee
M
Matthieu family_with_children fr
5
Il fut un temps où cet établissement devait être une référence , malheureusement le temps a passé et l’hôtel a pris un s
Cons:

Très vieillot.
La piscine remplie à moitié pour faire des économies.

2026-08-13 via Nuitee
V
Victoria couple gb
8
2026-08-12 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
5
Simple stop over but tired rooms
Pros:

Location

Cons:

The rooms are very tired

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
P
Polina solo_traveller gb
6
2026-08-12 via Nuitee
C
Charlene solo_traveller ie
8
2026-08-12 via Nuitee
I
ian couple gb
9
2026-08-11 via Nuitee
T
Tricia solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Room clean and comfortable

Cons:

Food not so good I suggest eating in the town

2026-08-11 via Nuitee
M
Moretti Leask solo_traveller gb
7
2026-08-11 via Nuitee
D
Deborah couple gb
9
Enjoyed our stay and would recommend
Pros:

Location, facilities, Italian restaurant on the site.
Reception staff at check in and the leisure centre were welcoming and helpful

Cons:

Little bit tired in places, and maybe look at having a second member of staff on at reception at peak check in.

2026-08-11 via Nuitee
B
Bartnik couple gb
8
2026-08-10 via Nuitee
L
Linda family_with_children gb
9
2026-08-10 via Nuitee