Macdonald Spey Valley Resort

Hotels
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.8 (1905 reviews)
Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore, Scotland, PH22 1ST , Aviemore , GB

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
Arcade/game room
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Sauna
Concierge service
Steam room
Fitness facilities
Downhill skiing nearby
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Quirky atmosphere
Spacious accommodation
Beautiful location
Cons:
Needs refurbishing
Poor heating
Limited dining options

Categories

Cleanliness
7.05
Several reviews mentioned the need for cleaning and maintenance, indicating it was below expectations.
Service
8.05
Mixed reviews about staff attentiveness; some were helpful while others were abrupt.
Location
9.05
Beautiful location, peaceful and surrounded by mountains. Highly praised.
Room Quality
7.55
Rooms were spacious, but several reports of needing updates and damages were noted.
Amenities
7.55
Good facilities like the sauna mentioned, but also issues with heating in common areas.
Value for Money
8.05
Concerns about high price for limited access and overall value.
Food and Beverage
7.05
Concerns over limited food availability and few restaurant options.
Overall Experience
8.05
A mixture of positive and negative experiences, netting a reasonable overall satisfaction.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 07:42

Property Description

Recreational Amenities - Besides golfing, guests can enjoy an indoor pool or relax in the spa tub for some leisure time.

Dining Options - Indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant or grab a quick bite at the snack bar. The bar/lounge offers a variety of drinks to unwind.

Convenient Facilities - The hotel provides amenities like concierge services, an arcade room, luggage storage, and laundry facilities for a comfortable stay.

When you stay at Macdonald Spey Valley Resort in Aviemore, embrace the tranquility by the river while being just steps away from local attractions. Book now for a rejuvenating getaway!

Important information:

  • The property allows pets in specific rooms only and has other pet restrictions (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: INV

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 2

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Smoking

    No smoking

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

7.8
Based on 1905 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.05
Service: 8.05
Location: 9.05
Room Quality: 7.55
Amenities: 7.55
Value for Money: 8.05
Food and Beverage: 7.05
Overall Experience: 8.05
V
Vikum extended_group gb
1
Really bad experience with staff and facilities.
Pros:

Nothing. Only this locates very close our destination. Nothing else.

Cons:

After a long and tiring journey to reach this property, we were extremely disappointed to find there was no hot water due to a broken boiler. Despite reporting it immediately, we were told to wait until the next morning as maintenance was unavailable.

​The next day, we spoke to the receptionist again to ensure it would be fixed while we were out, but we returned in the evening to find the issue unresolved. We felt completely ignored and forgotten. The staff’s attitude was dismissive, stating it 'wasn't their problem' and offering no solutions until we forced the issue ourselves. We spent two days without being able to shower while paying full price for a 'relaxing' stay. Only after we suggested it did they eventually allow us into another unit just to wash.

​The lack of pre-arrival inspections and the poor customer service turned a family holiday into a stressful ordeal. I would not recommend staying here if you expect basic amenities or professional support.

2026-03-06 via Nuitee
R
Radford solo_traveller gb
8
2026-03-06 via Nuitee
K
Kim couple gb
10
Home comforts in the most beautiful surroundings
Pros:

Comfortable and private in beautiful surroundings

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-03-06 via Nuitee
J
jaclyn family_with_children gb
8
2026-03-06 via Nuitee
S
Steven family_with_children gb
9
2026-03-05 via Nuitee
M
Martin couple gb
10
2026-03-05 via Nuitee
R
Rosalyn couple gb
8
Lovely relaxing holiday
Pros:

Lovely chalet accommodation, near all amenities. Walking distance to restaurants. Lovely walks round the golf area, next to the river Spey.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-05 via Nuitee
M
Martin couple gb
10
We loved it and will return
Pros:

The property was very spacious tidy and well equipped.

Cons:

No access to private garden for dogs

2026-03-05 via Nuitee
G
George couple gb
8
Nice, easy and comfortable
Pros:

Warm, comfortable and clean

Cons:

Plug sockets a bit loose

2026-03-02 via Nuitee
Ashish family_with_children gb
9
Highly professional resort—perfect for families!
Pros:

We had a wonderful 4-night stay! The resort is incredibly well-equipped for families; we traveled as two families and found all the necessary amenities to cook our meals and live comfortably. The rooms provided a very restful and quiet night's sleep.
What really stood out was the professionalism of the staff. On our final day, we unfortunately broke the microwave glass. We reported it to reception during checkout, and they were incredibly understanding and didn't charge us for the mishap. It’s rare to find such a customer-focused approach!

Cons:

Nothing to complain about! Because we had so many outdoor activities planned around Aviemore, we didn't get a chance to fully explore all the resort’s internal facilities, but everything we did use was excellent.

2026-03-01 via Nuitee
E
Emma couple gb
8
2026-02-28 via Nuitee
S
Scott family_with_children gb
9
Good stay and great location
Pros:

Great location and price. Loved our chalet as it was cozy, comfy and spacious. Will be back

Cons:

Not much, sadly the pool was out of order but the sauna and steam room were nice and you can use a pool elsewhere in their group. If anything the fridge could have done with a clean as sticky stuff Inside but that is a very minor thing, as the rest of the place was clean 😁

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
S
Sarah family_with_children gb
9
2026-02-26 via Nuitee
G
Graxia family_with_children gb
10
Pros:

Our accommodation is clean and spacious.

Cons:

None.

2026-02-25 via Nuitee
X
X7910RNcarlw Family
10
Relaxing Break
Pros:

We’ve just arrived home after the most wonderful stay at Macdonald Spey Valley Resort and can’t recommend it highly enough. The accommodation offered stunning views over the river, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing break.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by a friendly and helpful team who provided plenty of useful information about the local area. We stayed in Topside 4, which was cosy, spotlessly clean, and incredibly spacious for the four of us. It had everything we needed for a comfortable self-catering stay, with all equipment thoughtfully provided.

The on-site restaurant served an extensive menu of delicious dishes, including some lovely Scottish options that added a special local touch to our meals.

Aviemore and the surrounding area are absolutely breathtaking. We would highly recommend the hilltop walk to visit the local reindeer herd at Cairngorm Reindeer Herd — a truly memorable experience.

We had a fantastic stay and are already looking forward to returning!

2026-02-22 via Tripadvisor
A
Alice family_with_children gb
8
Pros:

Chalet was ideally situated, very clean and comfortable.

Cons:

Swimming pool was closed for maintenance which was a shame given it was school half term. There was free access to the other Macdonald Hotel pool but it was busy and not as convenient.

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
G
Grant family_with_children gb
9
2026-02-14 via Nuitee
A
Arlene family_with_children gb
8
Perfect short break
Pros:

Apartment was very spacious

Cons:

Slightly dated

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
A
ANNE family_with_children gb
6
Nice Accommodation...
Pros:

The accommodation and the Area.

Cons:

Swimming pool not open,but could use other hotels pool...not as convenient as we booked especially for use of site Swimming pool with kids.
Accommodation here Overpriced..would love to stay more regularly but due to prices it's not possible.

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
T
Tereza family_with_children gb
5
2026-02-14 via Nuitee