Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

Restaurant
2 indoor pools, pool loungers
Beach
Front of property – evening/night
Golf

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

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Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore, Scotland, PH22 1PN
  • Place, Strathspey Steam Railway
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Loch an Eilein
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Inverness (INV)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed

7.0 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Twin Bed and 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, Multiple Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Aviemore

With a stay at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel in Aviemore, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Strathspey Steam Railway and 5 minutes by foot from Spey Valley Golf Course. .This family-friendly hotel is 13.9 mi (22.4 km) from Cairngorms National Park and 1 mi (1.6 km) from Dalfaber Neighbourhood Centre.

What's nearby

  • Strathspey Steam Railway - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Spey Valley Golf Course - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Speyside Wildlife - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Loch an Eilein - 6 min drive - 6.2 km

Getting around

  • Aviemore Station - 1 min walk
  • Inverness (INV) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cairngorm Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Glenmore Forest Park Information Centre - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Winking Owl - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Inverdruie Restaurant - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

Family-friendly hotel with 2 indoor pools and a health club
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel offers 108 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Satellite television is provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Aviemore hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

2 indoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include a waterslide, a health club, and a sauna.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or health club without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 108 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea makers.
Treat yourself with massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 indoor swimming pools, a health club, and a waterslide. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, an arcade/game room, and ski storage.
At Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and 10 meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7 AM and 10:30 AM.
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel has a restaurant on site.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: GBP 18 for adults and GBP 12.50 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 2 indoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Archery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's club
  • Children's pool
  • Health club
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Ski passes
  • Ski storage
  • Steam room
  • Waterslide

Family friendly

  • 2 indoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's club (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 10 meeting rooms
  • Business centre
  • Conference centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Lift
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2000
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 28-inch TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Dinner is not included in half board rates for children age 12 and under who share existing bedding with a parent, and can be requested onsite for a fee.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 18.00 for adults and GBP 12.50 for children

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or health club without adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Macdonald Academy Aviemore
Macdonald Academy Hotel
Macdonald Academy Hotel Aviemore
Academy Hotel At Macdonald Aviemore Resort Scotland
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel
Macdonald Aviemore
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel At Macdonald Aviemore Resort Scotland
Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel Aviemore
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel Hotel
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel Aviemore
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel Hotel Aviemore

Reviews

Macdonald Aviemore Hotel Reviews

7.2

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 554 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 173 out of 554 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 136 out of 554 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 82 out of 554 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 554 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Vicky

Travelled with family

Average hotel.

The Macdonald aviemore hotel needs some updating but generally clean and tidy. The reception staff on the day got the job done but he wasn’t very friendly. We asked for a fan to which we got a two word reply ‘no fans’. My daughter left some belongings in a drawer after we checked out and after contacting the hotel several times we have not had any response about getting them back. The housekeeping staff apparently give the room a thorough clean including the drawers and so therefore should have found the belongings. Despite giving our date of stay and room number they haven’t been in touch. This is disappointing and I would have expected more.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Travelled with family
Property was a little dated and the waterpark was small. Our kids age 12 and 14 were too old to enjoy the full experience that younger kids would like. Dinner at Italian restaurant was good as was buffet breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Alastair

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Showing signs of wear and tear outside particularly. Staff very friendly, but overall perhaps a bit overpriced
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Umar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed for the weekend with the family (2 adults & 2 kids aged 8 & 6). Room was a good size and clean. Great amenities on site - playpark, cinema, swimming pool, soft play & amazing pizza at the resort's Italian restaurant.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good

We stayed for a couple of nights for a family getaway. The hotel was really nice, well maintained and needs we're comfy. Breakfast was good. The pool was a little smaller than expected and not very warm, but our 2 year old loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Not a four star!

Hotel is dated and run down. The room had a musty smell. Breakfast buffet is awful. Staff were friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Margaret

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Confusion re what Hotel we were booked into (3 on the property). Paid extra for bunk beds and extra TV received neither ie 2 put up beds instead. Buffet breakfast very disorganised. Food kept running out, butter, milk coffee etc from a H and S prospective dangerous practice to be expected to carry hot tea and coffee from buffet to table whilst children walking about.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Maureen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel is really run down. Facilities are good but in need of a deep clean and upgrade. Room is dated and had a damp smell.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is close to shopping, public transportation, and many sights in the Cairgorm National Park. Dinner options are available to guests with reservations, and the room was as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johanna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a nice stay at MacDonald Aviemore! The staff was friendly and welcoming and the location was central to the shops and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The part of the resort we stayed in whilst cleanliness couldn’t be faulted is beginning to look a bit tired. The food at the Fish Bar on the first night could have been better. There was no table check. We found the fish a little greasy but lovely chips. The room was clean and comfortable. We had breakfast both mornings and would have liked the cooked food to be a little hotter. For some reason (no explanation given) we were shown to a different part of the hotel for Sunday breakfast albeit others were shown through to where we had been the previous day. The ambiance of the Saturday morning room was far better. Again the cooked food temperature was a little wanting. Overall stay was “okay “
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Mari

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Room very small

The room was very small for a family of 4, the bunk bed area tiny and a bad whiff of body odour. Not value for money unfortunately
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brendan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mantas

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dated, certainly not 4 star!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dulcie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

laura

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Sian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Can’t fault the staff and cleanliness of the hotel and facilities but the hotel itself is very tired externally. Flaking paint etc makes the building look awful and doesn’t give a good first impression for tourists. Other negative point is having to pay an extra £2.50 to get a latte out of the coffee machine at breakfast at time. This is rediculous when many low budget hotels have this included with breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Laura, Purley

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Excellent location, liked the concept with plenty of options for dining across the resort and good was good. Resort had good leisure facilities, shared with all accommodation within the complex. Location is ideal for families. Property consistent with type of hotel and age. Beds were very comfortable. Staff pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Abbas

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pool area needs to be improved, walls and floor need to be throughly cleaned
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Angela

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was okay overall but hotel was a little tired looking, bin in room wasn’t emptied and bathroom was dirty
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Travelled with our family for a few nights in Aviemore, we have had a great time exploring the area but the resort really needs a major overhaul. The hotel is extremely tired and cleanliness is of a very low standard. Public areas and bedrooms need a deep clean and updating. We were booked on a B&B package, the hotel breakfast really isn’t up to much so we used local cafes instead. The elevator isn’t working and I assume this has been like this for sometime as we were told at check in it’s broken indefinitely. To give some positive feedback any staff we spoke to were very friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Anna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly and helpful, accommodation is becoming tired, sockets in room not working, no seal on shower screen to stop water going on floor, no hot water one morning so had cold showers, food and pool were good, my children enjoyed the pool toys / floats.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025