Families splash in the waterslide pool while adventure seekers test their aim with archery, and everyone can indulge in luxurious body scrub treatments
The Macdonald Aviemore Hotel welcomes active travelers with on-site shopping and cycling opportunities. Children love the playground while adults appreciate the garden's serenity. After a day of activity, the sauna and steam room offer perfect relaxation spaces.
Located in Aviemore, Macdonald Aviemore Hotel is near a train station and near theme parks. Cairngorms National Park and Speyside Wildlife reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Strathspey Steam Railway and Landmark Forest Adventure Park. Travelling with kids? Consider The Lost Labyrinth and Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging. Visit our Aviemore travel guide
Upscale family-friendly hotel near a train station
Take advantage of shopping on-site, a garden and a playground at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel. Active travellers can enjoy amenities, such as archery and cycling, at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or steam room, and indulge in a body treatment, aromatherapy or a massage. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with an arcade/games room and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Other perks at this hotel include:
2 indoor pools and a children's pool, along with a waterslide and sunloungers
Free self-parking
Full breakfast (surcharge), bike hire and express check-out
Express check-in, supervised childcare (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk
Room features
All 108 rooms include amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations and free toiletries
28-inch TVs with satellite channels
Coffee/tea makers, heating and daily housekeeping
Awards and affiliations
Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Tourism Programme – a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
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 and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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 on-site 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: from approximately GBP 18.00 for adults and from 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
Frequently asked questions
Does Macdonald Aviemore Hotel have a pool?
Yes, this property has 2 Indoor pools and a children's pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel?
As of 19 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel on 23 Mar 2026 start from NZ$210, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Macdonald Aviemore Hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel?
Checkout is at 11 AM.
Where is Macdonald Aviemore Hotel located?
This family-friendly Aviemore hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Strathspey Steam Railway and Spey Valley Golf Course. Dalfaber Neighbourhood Centre and Craigellachie National Nature Reserve are also within 1 mile (2 km). Aviemore Station is only a 1-minute walk.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
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.
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
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Lisa
11 Jul 2025
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
Lisa
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Laura
27 Apr 2025
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.
We were on a long drive home from the North Coast to Edinburgh and decided late to give up and spend the night in Aviemore. This was perfect, lovely hotel, great service, excellent filling breakfast included. And perfect location for heading up to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway the next day.
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
23 Mar 2025
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Ok stay
Good: Location, breakfast and swimming pool. Discount on ice skating ring.
Bad: outdated hotel and noisy
Quiet and relaxing place. Lots of activities for kids and adults
Evening entertainment
Angela
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Anna
13 Apr 2025
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.
Room was perfectly fine. Clean and bed was comfortable. Hotel itself looked a little tired..
stuart
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Harry
29 Jun 2025
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 “
Harry
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Sian
28 Apr 2025
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.
Arrived 8.45, no possibility of dinner, surly receptionist, police arrived later, drunk folk in the bar, felt like a run down dump. One barman doing his best, felt for him
Breakfast a far more positive experience, room was adequate, no frills, not even water.
Certainly wouldn’t return by choice
The property is very dated, the cleanliness is not great, the rooms looked clean but were still dusty and musty smelling. The staff however were great, super friendly and helpful. Pool was good the kids really enjoyed this facility, but no information about timings, we were lucky we arrived before it closed! The parking was good lots of space.
farah
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Liam
11 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Needs some care
Its a good hotel its just in need of some TLC simple things like replacing mouldy sealant in the shower in fact some sealant would go a long way thag way water wouldnt be running out underneath the screen.
Its coming into warmer weather.an the rooms are absolutely roasting air conditioning is obviously an expensive outlay so even just provide fans in the rooms. Bar choices are a little lacking but a nice atmosphere great for kids but the pool area does need cleaned more you feel like your sticking to the tiles when you leave to get changed after a swim
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.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Ruth
15 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Pleasant stay need better info from Hotels.com
No stars to Hotels.com who send the wrong information about which MacDonald Hotel we were staying in. I was sent details for a hotel which is currently closed at the MacDonald resort. The resort has three hotels, one of which is currently closed for renovation and we wasted some time looking for the correct hotel. The actual hotel, the MacDonald Highlander was very comfortable though in need of some updating. Very tasty buffet breakfast.
Horrible stay!!! Breakfast was late stood for ages for refill of eggs, bacon, sausage etc!! Bathroom had paint coming of the shower ceiling!! Mould around the shower! The only thing that was positive was house keeping came back to clean room. Thumbs up for house keeping!!!! The rest is horrible service