The Macdonald Highlands Hotel is located in the Aviemore resort area in Cairngorm National Park. It's a traditional 4-star hotel that is highly suitable for couples and families because of its proximity to amenities. From indoor fun with the large indoor lagoon pool to outdoor hiking in Cairngorm National Park, there is something fantastic for everyone. But what about the actual stay? In this article, I will review the Macdonald Highlands Hotel based on quality, activities, and price.
Features
Let's start with a couple of the features offered by the Macdonald Highlands Hotel.
- Leisure centers
- Restaurants and bars
- Room service
- Fully Accessible
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dog-friendly hotel
The different rooms at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel
Now, let’s focus on one of the most important parts of a hotel; your room. The Macdonald Highlands Hotel is a large hotel with 149 rooms in total. There are 4 types of rooms for you to choose from. I will walk you through them.
Standard room
The name 'standard' doesn't do justice to the room in my opinion. It's a fantastic room suitable for 2 guests with either twin or double beds. The interior is in classic highland colors and it feels very cozy. There is enough room to spend a bit of time in the room, the beds are comfortable, and the en-suite bathroom is top-notch. You'll be completely rested and ready to explore everything the resort has to offer.
Deluxe room
Looking for more luxury? The deluxe room at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel is more spacious and you get a king-size bed. It’s more comfortable and you get a nice sitting area where you can read a bit or watch TV. Furthermore, you get to enjoy enhanced Elemis toiletries, mineral water, and bathrobes with slippers.
Family room
Are you traveling with your family? The family room at the Macdonald Highlands hotel can host up to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 kids). But if you need more space, then it’s possible to link up to 3 rooms. Make sure to let the hotel know your specific link request. Not all rooms are suitable and therefore it would be a shame if you missed out. The staff is very friendly and they will help you to get the best experience.
Highlands suite
Are you looking for maximum comfort, space, and luxury? Then you have to go to the Highlands suite. You get your personal lounge with a couch, sitting area, large flatscreen TV, and a spacious bedroom. Furthermore, the bathroom has a shower and bath. This room is perfect to maximize your comfort and relaxation after a day of even more relaxation. Are you looking for the ideal getaway? This is it.
Macdonald Highlands Hotel pricing
The prices differ strongly per season, and there are often packages with discounted prices. Therefore it's wise to check the latest prices via availability button below.
Dog-friendly hotel in Aviemore, Scotland
A holiday isn’t complete if you are missing a vital part of your family; your dog. Luckily, the Macdonald Highlands Hotel thinks the same. And I love this about the hotel because most hotels don’t bother. The Macdonald Highlands Hotel is a dog-friendly hotel in Aviemore. One of the few, just make sure to check with the staff that your room is a dog-friendly hotel room. And that’s it! You can put your dog's chewing toys in the baggage and prepare him/her for the trip.
8 on-site restaurants and bars in Aviemore resort
There are more than 8 different restaurants and bars to choose from. From Italian cuisine to a traditional Scottish burger, there is something for everyone.
- Aspects Restaurant
- Giovanni's Italian
- Spey Burger
- Lagan Whisky Bar
- The Coffee House
- Afternoon Tea at Aviemore Resort
- Scottish Steakhouse
- The Clubhouse
Personally, I had a great time at the Aspects Restaurant with a variety of food at affordable prices. But to be honest, there are plenty of good places to eat at and around the Aviemore resort. Whatever you choose, make sure to try the local dishes. They are fantastic!
Aviemore resort entertainment
One of the reasons to choose a stay at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel is the access to entertainment due to its location in Aviemore resort. Plenty is going on, including entertainment teams for your kids, a swimming pool, golf breaks, hiking paths, mountain biking, beauty treatments, and there is even a cinema. So, as I said, plenty to do!
Swimming pool in Aviemore resort
It's the largest indoor pool complex in the Cairngorms. There are saunas, a heated lagoon, and a steam room for the adults. And of course, there is a massive pool with flume and wave machines for the kids. Other visitors are highly appreciative of the pool. There is an area for toddlers and enough pool toys. And the wave machines guarantee excitement for the young (and also adults to be fair).
Golf breaks in Aviemore
If you love golf, then it’s probably not new to you that the Macdonald Aviemore Resort is home to the Spey Valley championship golf course. It’s a famous course designed by Dave Thomas and it’s very remarkable because of its scenery combined with a challenging course. The fifth hole is one of the longest holes in Scotland. Multiple challenges ask the most of your accuracy. For more information, check with the resort.
Beauty treatments
Are you looking for total relaxation? At the Aviemore Macdonald hotel, you get to experience how it's to be treated by ELEMIS-trained beauty experts. There are two dedicated therapy rooms where you enjoy privacy and get to choose from a wide range of beauty treatments. Fun to do with your loved one or with a friend. You can organize a beauty treatment via the reception at the hotel.
Spey Valley Cinema
And there is even a cinema at the Aviemore Resort named Spey Valley Cinema. It's a large cinema with 600 seats and state-of-the-art equipment. It's located next to Giovanni''s and it's very close to the hotel. You can also hire the cinema for a private occasion if you want. Furthermore, there is a bad with popcorn, soft drinks, and more. The cinema is open to guests and local residents.
Pros and cons of staying at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Macdonald Highlands Hotel is a great hotel for families or couples who want to get away and relax for a bit. There are many fantastic amenities for a fair price. The staff is friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean, and the scenery is stunning. If you are not too big on kids, then it might be wise to book around the holiday periods. The vintage look: you either love it or hate it. Personally, I love it and it gives a nice Highlander feeling to the rooms. Put this all together and I rate this hotel a 3,8 out of 5 stars. A great place to stay.
After our Macdonald Highlands Hotel review
Now that you know all there is to know about the Macdonald Highlands Hotel, you surely want to know more about Scotland and everything it has to offer. Therefore, take a look at the following articles:
