Macdonald Spey Valley Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.8 (1905 reviews)
Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore, Scotland, PH22 1ST , Aviemore , GB
44-0344-8799102

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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
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
S
Susan • family_with_children • gb
8
Amazing accommodation!
Pros:

We booked a 3 bedroom extra spacious apartment, and it did not disappoint. I was a bit wary due to the bad reviews. But the apartment (Morlich Lodge 17) was immaculate. It was spacious and clean with a sauna and log fire. The only downside was the lack of resort facilities. The pool onsite was closed due to a boiler issue and the games room contained broken machines and was at a sub zero temperature. We were allowed to use the sister resort pool but the pool was so cold that the kids wanted to leave, which was a pity as it had a wave machine and small flume. Overall though, the accommodation was so good, that we have booked to return!

Cons:

The lack of available facilities that were advertised. No pool, sauna or useable games room. If you have young kids and are wanting facilities onsite, then I'd maybe consider elsewhere. Perhaps the Aviemore resort would be better suited.

2026-02-13 • via Nuitee
J
John • family_with_children • gb
6
Pros:

Liked the location. Lodge was clean and eventually warm.

Cons:

The pool wasn't working so we had to go to the other side of town for a swim.
The Lodge is a bit dated, heating was slow and had to be on full from minute one, but acceptable.

2026-02-13 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • family_with_children • gb
5
Good location but chalet needs upgrading and Staff need to be more accommodating
Pros:

Good location

Cons:

Chalets need to be upgraded.
Had asked for earlier check in this wasn’t available the resort wasn’t full asked to change to a chalet that was ready but couldn’t do that. Asked if cleaners could prioritise our chalet and this couldn’t be done either - very inflexible which was disappointing when the resort was not full

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sheila • family_with_children • gb
4
Disappointed at hygiene standard and lack of kitchen facilities. The pool was good.
Pros:

The pool at Spey Valley was closed so we used the pool at Aviemore resort. The children loved the flume and wave machine.

Cons:

Come on MacDonald improve your cleanliness standards!
Kitchen sink had not been cleaned for some time, bathroom not much better. I would not have my facilities at home like that.

2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
C
Christine • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
R
Ren • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
C
Connor • extended_group • gb
10
Great stay, lovey house, no problems
Pros:

Location and ease of access

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
J
Joyce • couple • gb
10
A very enjoyable few days, which has us booking a return visit later this year!
Pros:

Our annual February Aviemore trip this year was slightly different, we stayed at The MacDonald Spey Valley Resort for a wee change! A thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing, quiet yet close to amenities place for anyone! Swimming and sauna everyday at the big complex and a gym, Lots of areas to walk and close enough for a visit to the cairngorms and the mountainous snow drifts! Our one bedroom apartment had a quality finish to it, clean, warm and really spacious! Each apartment has its own sun room and furniture for very pleasant early morning coffe! Ours had Patio doors to the rear with garden furniture and some had a small enclosed garden with nice views! They even have tree house apartments!!! (Maybe not suitable for our pup!) our apartment was beautiful!

Cons:

The pool was out of commission with a faulty boiler but we could use the pool and sauna at the main complex free of charge and it was lovely!

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
F
fiona • family_with_children • gb
7
Comfortable, peaceful
Pros:

Peaceful

Cons:

No heating on and place took hours heat up so 1st evening was sat with jackets on

Radiators need upgrading. 1 didnt work and rest all had melted dials

Thought swimming pool was included but paper info given on arrival stated £10 per person

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
S
Swapna • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
V
Val • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • extended_group • gb
10
Amazeballs
Pros:

Just wow

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
D
dianne • extended_group • gb
10
Great value for money would go back
Pros:

Location fantastic, good value for money

Cons:

Swimming pool wasn’t open which was a shame

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
D
Darren • solo_traveller • gb
8
Great but could have need excellent if the shower could be controlled & running hot water has been checked in advanc
Pros:

Plenty of space for family of 4.
Clean & heated in advance of arrival.

Cons:

No hot running water for the first night , but sorted out in the morning by site maintenance.
Electric shower impossible to control from very cold to very hot water. Could not set at a sensible temperature.

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
M
Mcnab • family_with_children • gb
10
Great stay, would again
2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-01-29 • via Nuitee