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
I
Ian • couple • gb
9
Good value in Dalfaber but please review prices.
Pros:

Location always great. Spa facilities superb. Bed a little high & soft.

Cons:

Didn't like the drinks prices £1 for 2 medium red wines is obscene. In general prices in Aviemore far too high & quality unacceptable.

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
A
Adelle • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
M
Murdina • extended_group • gb
8
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
J
Joanna • family_with_children • gb
10
Amazing!
Pros:

I was quite sceptical after reading the reviews, but oh my dear, what a lovely place! We were located in villa number 3, and nothing will ever beat the view. Absolutely stunning location. The villa itself was very charming, enormous so we really had plenty of room, the glassed terrace was lovely. The house was really clean and had everything we needed. The furnishings is a bit outdated but it gives this cosy vibe and has its charm. Beds were comfortable, each bedroom has its own bathroom which was amazing.
Swimming pool was clean and water warm enough. There is also a playground for children and pools next to the bar. I honestly really recommend this place. Lovely wee village in stunning location. We will definitely come back!

Cons:

The only thing we didn't like was the service we received from receptionist on the arrival (17th of May). She was not polite nor helpful. The next day there were different ladies and they were lovely and kind, so it was just one off situation.

2026-05-20 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
M
Marion • extended_group • gb
8
2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • extended_group • gb
7
Great place. Would stay here again.
Pros:

Great location. Chalet was well equipped and suited our needs perfectly. Peaceful place to stay. We didn’t have time to use the facilities.

Cons:

Person on check in was a little abrupt. It didn’t bother us but might bother others.

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
S
Spencer • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

The easy of check in, good value for money, appartment clean and tidy.

Cons:

Poor information on how to use oven and microwave

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
F
Fiona • couple • gb
9
A lovely break and nice place
Pros:

We like the space of the patio apartment

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • family_with_children • gb
6
2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • family_with_children • gb
6
Relaxed holiday
Pros:

Really like No. 7 bungalow and just 5 mins walk to our family who have timeshare in resort.
Can't fault the size throughout

Cons:

There was dirt and dust in the twin bed room in which my daughter found when sorting the bed.
The drawer that is under oven when opened was full of crumbs along top and also in the drawer

2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
D
Daryl • couple • gb
6
Enjoyable but lodge needs updating
Pros:

Spacious . Good location .
Enjoyed the swimming pool and steam room .

Cons:

Lodge very dark and dated . Needs a refurb. Freezing cold on arrival, no heating on and no logs provided for log burner.

2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
C
Cunningham • family_with_children • gb
10
Stayed October and April. We had a great time despite the Scottish weather!
Pros:

Warm, cosy and clean

Cons:

A bit dated. Toilets/Shower could do with upgrading

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
V
Vladimir • solo_traveller • kz
10
2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
L
Louise • solo_traveller • gb
9
Large , spacious prooerty
Pros:

Huge apartment for the price, dog friendly, comfy bed, nice patio, location close to Aviemore, nice conservatory

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
L
Leah • couple • gb
5
Pros:

Location, the view from our chalet.
Nearby walks
Having access to the pool

Cons:

The chalet was in need of a deep clean and we found the bedrooms incredibly small with limited space.
The jacuzzi was out of order.

2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
M
Marianne • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
R
Ronald • solo_traveller • gb
3
Sadly becoming run down
Pros:

Aviemore is a fabulous area, but we found that all of the activities have become very expensive.

Cons:

The Dalfaber resort is showing its age. We were once timeshare owners at Dalfaber, sadly the facilities are being run down. The pool requires attention. They have a filter on the pool floor that catches your toe as you walk past. The jacuzzi wasn't working and sadly the sports hall doesn't appear to have been maintained, the sports surface being riddled with holes held together with gaffer tape.
The 9 hole golf course was once a jewel in the crown of the resort. Sadly now it has the appearance of a dog walking field.

Our accommodation was fine, but one of our lodges had a leaking conservatory roof.

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
C
Campbell • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
G
Garry • family_with_children • gb
10
1st class
Pros:

Everything

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee