Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

This resort offers a comprehensive experience, particularly appealing to families due to its extensive child-friendly facilities like the swimming pool with a flume and wave machine. While many guests appreciate the staff's friendliness and the central location in Aviemore, a recurring theme is the hotel's dated appearance and urgent need for refurbishment. The property is well-suited for tour groups and those seeking a weekend outing with plenty of on-site activities. For sightseers, its proximity to local attractions is a significant advantage. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to manage expectations regarding the hotel's current condition and consider booking dinner reservations well in advance, as dining options can be limited or busy. Checking the status of the elevator upon arrival is also recommended, especially for those with mobility concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort boasts a wide array of facilities designed to entertain guests of all ages. The swimming pool is a major highlight, featuring a flume and wave machine that are particularly popular with children, though some guests noted the water can be chilly and the changing rooms occasionally lack cleanliness. A soft play area is consistently praised for being clean and engaging for younger visitors. While a fitness center and gym are available, they are often described as small and dated. Other amenities include an ice skating rink and a cinema, which add to the entertainment options. However, the elevator is frequently reported as out of order, causing inconvenience, especially for guests on higher floors. Wi-Fi is available, but some found it to be slow or insecure.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, with many highlighting the need for significant updates. Rooms are frequently described as dated, with worn carpets, scratched decor, marked walls, and cracked paintwork. While some guests found their rooms to be clean, others reported issues such as dust, damp smells, hairs, and stains on bedding or in bathrooms. Bathroom conditions vary, with some mentioning mould or limescale buildup and issues like leaking showers or non-locking doors. Bed comfort receives varied comments; some found the beds comfortable, while others noted lumpy duvets or soft pillows, and the common setup of two single beds pushed together. Noise from corridors and slamming fire doors is a frequent complaint, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the resort receive varied reviews. Breakfast is typically served buffet-style and is often described as average, with common complaints about lukewarm food, limited variety, and poor coffee. Some guests noted a lack of basic items like hash browns or fresh pastries. The Italian restaurant and the Sunday roast at the Aspects restaurant generally receive positive feedback for their food quality and service. However, other on-site dining options, such as the Fish Bar or Spey Burger, are sometimes reported as closed or having limited hours. The bar areas are occasionally criticized for being poorly stocked and for serving expensive drinks. Room service is advertised but often reported as unavailable, leading to disappointment for some guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Aviemore is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the town center, local eateries, and supermarkets like Tesco and Aldi. This makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Highlands, including attractions such as Landmark Forest Park and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The proximity to the bus and train station also enhances accessibility for those relying on public transport. While parking is available on-site, some guests have noted issues with potholes in the car park and poor lighting, particularly at night. Overall, the location is consistently praised for its convenience and for offering a great starting point for various outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight staff members who go above and beyond to assist with requests and resolve issues. However, the check-in process is a frequent point of frustration, often involving long queues and delays, with some guests reporting uncommunicated room changes or issues with key cards. Housekeeping is inconsistent, with some guests noting that rooms are not cleaned daily or that towels and amenities are not replenished. While some staff are proactive in addressing concerns, others are perceived as apathetic or lacking in basic customer service training, leading to mixed experiences regarding the resolution of maintenance or room-related problems.

Additional Information
The resort operates with a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs in certain areas, though this can sometimes lead to noise disturbances for other guests. A significant recurring issue involves room allocation, with some guests reporting being moved to different hotels within the resort or receiving rooms of a lower standard than booked, often without prior notification. There are also concerns about the overall condition of the resort's infrastructure, including poor lighting and potholes in pathways and parking areas, indicating a need for general maintenance and investment. Despite these challenges, the resort is noted for its ability to host large events and tour groups, providing a suitable venue for various gatherings and festivals.