Macdonald Aviemore Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.1 (2693 reviews)
Aviemore Highland Resort , 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:
Good location
Friendly staff
Comfortable beds
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Outdated facilities
Value for money concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
5.31
Multiple mentions of cleanliness issues; room cleanliness was below expectations and cleanliness concerns were noted in several reviews.
Service
7.78
Some staff were noted as friendly while others were seen as abrupt; overall service was acceptable for the hotel tier.
Location
8.32
Consistent praise for the fantastic location, though other aspects of the hotel detracted from the overall experience.
Room Quality
6.27
Rooms described as dated with some cleanliness issues; needs refurbishment.
Amenities
7.3
Amenities like the pool and breakfast received praise, but some facilities were termed a bit run down.
Value for Money
6.26
The price paid did not reflect the quality of experience according to multiple reviews.
Food and Beverage
8.31
Breakfast options were positively mentioned, though there were some issues with food freshness.
Overall Experience
7.28
Mixed feelings overall with both praise and criticism regarding various aspects of the stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 13:07

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations and Family-Friendly Amenities
Discover the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel at Macdonald Aviemore Resort, nestled in the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Experience 4-star rooms with modern comforts, including free WiFi and family-friendly options like bunk beds or sofa beds.

Dining Variety and Seasonal Restaurants
Indulge in a culinary adventure at Spey Burger, offering American-style favorites. Explore a plethora of dining choices throughout the resort, from Aspects Restaurant to Giovanni’s Italian Ristorante. Savor seasonal delights at Spey Burger and Giovanni's.

Leisure Facilities and Family Activities
Enjoy complimentary access to the Aviemore Activity Centre with a leisure pool, soft play area, gym, and seasonal café. Children under 12 stay and eat for free, making it the perfect family getaway.

Book your stay at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel for an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking scenery and top-notch amenities.

Important information:

Family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and one child, or 2 adults and 2 children. The rooms are not suitable for more than 2 adults.

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 be aware that some restaurants including Spey Burger at Macdonald Aviemore Resort will be seasonal, but at least one of our restaurants will be open during low season

For guests staying on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package you can enjoy a £25 spend towards food in one of our 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 menu chosen"

When booking 7 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Please be aware that Thunder in the Glens event will be taking place on resort from the 22nd - 24th August 2025 inclusive. This event will cause elevated noise levels due to being a motorcycle event, and there will also be live music being played around the resort until late evening.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

7.1
Based on 2693 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.31
Service: 7.78
Location: 8.32
Room Quality: 6.27
Amenities: 7.3
Value for Money: 6.26
Food and Beverage: 8.31
Overall Experience: 7.28
R
Rhona • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Easy to find, lovely staff.

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
B
brenda • couple • gb
5
Comfortable room, tired building and disappointing breakfast
Pros:

The location was good and the room was comfortable

Cons:

The hotel is very tired and in need of some TLC . Unfortunately the breakfast and coffee was cold.
I discovered a fly in the beans in the buffet which I pointed out to a member of the staff and rather than take the bowl away the person removed the fly with a spoon! This put me off the breakfast altogether

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
J
John • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • couple • gb
9
2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
H
HAMISH • family_with_children • gb
8
Pros:

Great location for family & kids with all facilities available

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Loved the location and room and facilities. Restaurants in different hotels in mcdonald Highland steak restaurant mcdonalds morlich italian restautants were expensive.staff was lovely. Breakfast was value for money

Cons:

Restaurants were expensive for what they were

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
L
Lynn • family_with_children • gb
6
Ok for stop off to sleep but that’s all
Pros:

Swimming pool was a good activity for the family. Unfortunately the outdoor activities were lacking. Complex could really do with a tennis court or more child friendly apparatuses like more in play park or even an interesting woodland walk for kids with sculptures etc

Cons:

Very dated. Bathroom was in dire need for upgrade and the space for kids bunkers in room was very tight band quite claustrophobic feeling

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • gb
8
Experience was very good
Pros:

I loved how much the hotel had to offer. Lots of activities and nice breakfast. Night porters where also lovey and the cleaning staff.

Cons:

The bar staff. Her name was Amy she had black hair. She was extremely rude. Shut off the kids air hockey and closed the bar at 9pm. Refused us a drink but then decided we could have just 1. Even though it was our first drink at the bar since arriving. She was shaking with angr when my husband called her out for being so rude for no reason other than he asked her for 1 pint and 1 glass of wine. She was also on her phone texting and ignoring us. Slammed the shutters down so hard I jumped out of my seat.

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
J
Jekaterina • family_with_children • gb
4
Disappointed
Pros:

The only things we liked were Aviemore itself, its location, and the beautiful natural surroundings. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky with the weather, but overall the place is truly beautiful.

As for the hotel, we didn’t like it at all. I’ll explain in more detail what we didn’t like in the following sections.

Cons:

We were very disappointed with the hotel. We booked two rooms at Aviemore Hotel for two nights while traveling with our children.
The rooms were very small, dark, and cramped, especially for a family of three or four. There was barely enough space for our luggage and to move around comfortably. The rooms also had an unpleasant smell, which seemed to come from the old carpets that looked as though they hadn’t been properly cleaned in a long time.

The hotel itself felt old and poorly maintained. The walls were dirty, the entrance doors were scratched and damaged, and the hallways and common areas were clearly in need of renovation. The furniture was outdated and worn.

We paid £700 for two nights, and for that price we expected much better conditions, a higher standard of service, and at the very least clean, modern rooms with fresh décor. Unfortunately, the hotel did not meet those expectations at all.

The breakfast was also disappointing. The selection was extremely limited, the fried eggs were undercooked, and there wasn’t even a coffee machine. Instead, coffee was served from a thermos. While these may seem like small details, together they reflect the overall standard of the hotel, which simply does not justify the price.

In our opinion, the hotel offers very poor value for money. The price is far too high for the quality of the accommodation and service provided.

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas Fringeli • solo_traveller • ch
8
Pros:

Sauberes schönes Zimmer. Es befindet sich eine Pizzeria auf dem Gelände mit sehr leckerem Essen.

Cons:

Der Hausflur bei den Zimmern roch sehr unangenehm und das Badzimmer hatte Schimmel an der Decke

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
V
Vladimir • couple • hr
8
2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
N
Nisbet • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

We've stayed at the Mcdonald before and it's just the perfect location, so easy and central for public transport and so many activities.
Breakfast was fab, a great selection to choose from.
Staff were super helpful and attentive. I watched one staff member at breakfast supporting a guest who was not too steady on her feet. Letting her hold on to his arm whilst chatting away and helping her choose her breakfast. So nice to see.

Cons:

I was visiting with my mum and son so I slept on a bottom bunk. It was pretty uncomfortable but to be fair I am six foot tall.

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
C
Coman • couple • au
8
Enjoyed our stay in Aviemore.
Pros:

Good breakfasts. Rooms clean. Close to town.

Cons:

No fridge. Steps to room carrying luggage especially for older people such as us (80+). Confusing to find the correct place as several places within the area have similar names.

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
A
Aaron • family_with_children • gb
3
Place looks rundown and disappointing
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Paint peaking off wall when you arrive by hotel
Sign and rust around windows. Damp smell in room, toilet door broken. Booked a month ago but put in Accessible room and shower not working properly

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
C
Christopher • family_with_children • gb
3
Extremely disappointing.
Pros:

The hotel was central to Aviemore.

Walking distance to all offsite restaurants and bars.

Cons:

The hotel / Rooms and facilities were not well maintained.

The Hotel room was unclean with numerous dead flies on the pillows and window ledge.

The view from the bedroom window (3229) was of an overgrown tree.

Pool the water was very cold.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
M
Marianne • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
J
Joanna • solo_traveller • gb
6
Okay
Pros:

Bed was comfy and the staff were very nice

Cons:

The swimming pool open and shut at awkward times. The shops on site were closed. We went in June surely prime time to Stay.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
I
Irene • couple • gb
7
Staff went out of their way to rectify error of not having a room with two single beds. a role
Pros:

Spacious room well heated with good facilities

Cons:

Pay on entry without seeing room. Despite request twice for two single beds this was not the case. The fact we were expected to go to another hotel on resort for evening meal, swimming pool and spa. This was not clear on website booking.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee