Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel is a large resort-style hotel of around a hundred and fifty rooms in Aviemore, the main gateway town to the Cairngorms National Park. It has an indoor pool with a children's pool and a waterslide, a gym, sauna and steam room, spa treatments, a restaurant and two cafes, and it sits close to a railway station, with the park almost on the doorstep. For families and active visitors it is one of the most complete bases in the area.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in a wooded setting at the edge of Aviemore, within a short walk of the national park and the Cairngorm Brewery, which is about twelve minutes on foot, and the Aviemore Kart Raceway at about seventeen. The Strathspey Steam Railway and the Spey Valley golf course are about three minutes by car.
Aviemore railway station is nearby, so you can arrive by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness and avoid the road altogether. From here the ski road to Cairngorm Mountain, the forests of Rothiemurchus and Loch Morlich are a short drive.
Facilities
The hotel stands out for its leisure offering. There is an indoor pool, a separate children's pool and a waterslide, plus a gym, sauna and steam room, and spa treatments such as facials, aromatherapy and manicures. The restaurant is called Aspects, and there are two cafes and a terrace.
On site you will also find a golf course, archery and mountain biking. Free WiFi and free self parking are included, and there is an electric vehicle charging station. A full breakfast is available for an extra charge. Details change, so confirm what is open and what is included when you book.
Who it suits
Families with children who want a pool and a waterslide for wet Highland days, couples who want a spa and a comfortable restaurant after a day on the hill, groups of walkers and skiers, and anyone who prefers a full-service resort to a small inn. It is less suited to travellers who want a tiny, quiet village hotel, since a resort of this size has more movement in the public areas. In winter, check road and lift conditions before heading to the ski area, and in summer expect busy weekends and school holidays.
Making the most of a stay
Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway, walk the forest paths to Loch an Eilein, take the funicular or drive to the Cairngorm plateau, and look for red squirrels, ospreys and reindeer on guided outings. Evenings suit a swim and a sauna before dinner. Highland weather changes quickly, so bring waterproofs and layers in every season. Book early for Christmas, New Year, Easter and the summer months, and compare rates with and without breakfast, with flexible cancellation if the mountain forecast looks uncertain.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool and waterslide
- ✓Separate kids pool
- ✓Gym, sauna and steam room
- ✓Spa treatments
- ✓Restaurant and cafes
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Electric vehicle charging
Good questions
Does the hotel have a pool?+
Yes, there is an indoor pool with a children's pool and a waterslide, plus a gym, sauna and steam room. Confirm opening hours when you book.
Can I arrive by train?+
Yes, the hotel is close to a railway station in Aviemore, with services from Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Is parking free?+
Free self parking is available, and there is an electric vehicle charging station.
