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Summary of reviewsMacdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offer a vibrant and enticing experience in the heart of Aviemore. The lodges boast a prime location, nestled on a serene private road while remaining conveniently close to the town center, shops, and local attractions. Guests are treated to stunning natural surroundings, including captivating nature trails and scenic walks, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the beauty of Aviemore. Perfect for families and groups, the spacious lodges provide a comfortable retreat with generous room sizes, clean interiors, and amenities that cater well to visitors' needs. While some minor updates to décor and fixtures could enhance the experience, the overall ambiance remains warm and inviting.
The resort offers a delightful breakfast experience, characterized by varied options and excellent quality that cater to all tastes, including children. Breakfast is served in a clean, well-maintained restaurant with polite staff, further enhanced by the beautiful location. Although some feedback noted occasional lapses in food replenishment and service coordination, the positive aspects of breakfast contribute to the resort's appeal.
Dining experiences at the resort receive mixed reviews, with the Italian restaurant Giovanni receiving praise for its delicious offerings, despite occasional inconsistencies in quality and service. Positive highlights include the Christmas family lunch and personable bar staff. The overall dining atmosphere is complemented by the spacious and cozy lodges, although some guests mention the need for improved maintenance and cleanliness in certain areas.
Guest reviews frequently commend the staff's friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a welcoming and comfortable stay. The coffee shop team, breakfast staff, and attentive waiters at Aspects Restaurant often receive particular praise, though some noted room for improvement in certain areas, including responsiveness and follow-through on issues.
The family-friendly ambiance is enhanced by facilities like an indoor swimming pool with a wave machine and water slide, delighting children. Despite sporadic cleanliness issues and cooler temperatures noted by some guests, the aquatic offerings, including steam rooms and saunas, receive favorable feedback for providing fun and relaxation.
Macdonald Woodland Lodges are well-regarded for their cozy and clean beds, promising restful nights. While some expressed concerns about pillow support, the overall comfort contributes positively to the stay. Additionally, the lodges offer a welcoming environment for guests traveling with pets, ensuring an inclusive experience for families with dogs.
Overall, Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort provide a high-value and enjoyable experience, making them a strong choice for visitors seeking a memorable getaway in beautiful Aviemore, with promising opportunities for relaxation and exploration amidst nature. Show more
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Categories
Lodge near Ski Resorts
Located within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, these lodges provide a comfortable and convenient base for skiing at Cairngorm Mountain. Guests can enjoy the resort's facilities, including dining options and recreational activities.
Lodge with Parking
These lodges are located within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and offer free parking spaces available nearby for guests.
EV charging stations
Lodge with Tennis Courts
Guests can enjoy the tennis facilities available at the broader Macdonald Aviemore Resort. The lodges offer a more private accommodation option with access to resort amenities.
4-Star Lodge
These spacious woodland lodges are nestled in a pine forest and provide a home-from-home setting with access to the amenities of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. The location ensures a relaxing retreat.
Lodge with Indoor Pool
These lodges are part of Macdonald Aviemore Resort, providing access to the resort's main indoor pool complex. The facilities include a heated lagoon pool with a flume and wave machine, a toddler pool, sauna, and steam room.
Lodge with EV Charging Stations
Luxury Lodge
Dog Friendly Lodge
Lodge with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Accessible Lodge
Small Lodge
Lodge with Heated Pool
Room Types
3 Bed Woodland LodgeThis chalet has a kitchenware, sofa and dining area. All rooms are en suite.
Pets can be accommodated at an additional charge by prior arrangement.
Two-Bedroom ChaletThis chalet is a 2 bedroom lodge with 2 bathrooms. It is located a short walk from the leisure facilities.
This accommodation type is not pet friendly - please ensure this is stated.
Deluxe ApartmentProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room's kitchenette is available for cooking and storing food. The spacious double room provides a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Aviemore, the Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offer guests an exceptional experience marked by an unbeatable location. Positioned mere steps away from the vibrant town center, guests find themselves conveniently close to shops, restaurants, and local attractions. The lodges are set in a tranquil, private road, providing a peaceful escape that still manages to keep you connected to everything Aviemore has to offer. The stunning natural surroundings enhance the experience, placing visitors right on the doorstep of captivating nature trails and scenic walks.
The area, characterized by its excellent centrality and accessibility, offers a unique blend of seclusion and convenience. The lodges are directly opposite the train station, making them a perfect choice for those traveling by rail. Families will appreciate the facilities tailored for children, adding to the lodges' appeal. The serene woodland setting ensures guests enjoy a quiet environment with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether exploring the majestic nature reserve or indulging in the offerings of Spey Valley Shopping Centre, guests are enveloped in rustic charm and modern conveniences.
These spacious lodges, ideal for families and groups, provide ample room for relaxation, with comfortable beds and clean interiors that promise a restful stay. While some minor imperfections have been noted, the overall lodge experience remains incredibly positive, bolstered by exceptional breakfasts and impeccable service. Discover Aviemore’s delightful charm with a stay at these lodges, where every aspect of the location contributes to a memorable getaway.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort generally received positive feedback from guests. Many remarked on the excellent quality and delicious taste of the meals, highlighting the wide variety of choices available for every palate, including traditional Scottish options. Families found the breakfast selection especially appealing, noting it as a great option for children. The buffet-style setup in a clean, well-maintained restaurant with polite staff added to the experience. Guests frequently commented on the beautiful location, which enhanced the breakfast setting. Despite some instances where food was not replenished promptly, resulting in queues, and occasional remarks on the temperature of food, most guests appreciated the wholesome and hearty meals. Some reviews mentioned room for improvement in service coordination, but overall, the breakfast contributed positively to the resort experience.
Dinner
Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a range of dining experiences that have received mixed feedback from guests. Many visitors praised the delicious meals at Giovanni, an Italian restaurant that has left a favorable impression on diners. Guests also appreciated the fabulous offerings at the Aspects Restaurant. The Christmas family lunch at the resort has been particularly highlighted as fantastic, accompanied by applause for the excellent breakfast and dinner options.
Unfortunately, some feedback indicated inconsistency in the quality of the food, with reports of a disappointing dining experience at Giovanni, contrasting the positive reviews from others. Additionally, while the bar staff received commendations for their helpful recommendations, there were remarks about some staff being less than friendly. The resort seems to have areas needing attention, such as the maintenance and cleanliness of the lodges, which detracted from the overall dining experience for some guests.
Rooms
Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offer a comfortable and spacious retreat, particularly suited for families seeking a relaxing getaway. The lodges are praised for their generous size, making them an ideal choice for family groups, with many reviewers noting the convenience of having en-suite bathrooms in every room. Cleanliness is generally well-maintained, with visitors appreciating the bright and tidy atmosphere, complemented by the lodges' well-equipped facilities that cater to most needs.
The location is another highlight, providing easy access to Aviemore and the surrounding attractions, adding to the overall convenience and enjoyment of the stay. The layout of the lodges is thoughtfully designed, ensuring ample space and comfort, contributing to a warm and cozy environment. Despite these positives, some guests have pointed out that the decor and fixtures are somewhat dated, suggesting that a refurbishment could enhance the experience further. Complaints about minor maintenance issues, such as missing handles and obsolete fixtures, are mentioned but don't seem to overshadow the overall spaciousness and comfort provided.
Overall, Macdonald Woodland Lodges deliver a high-value experience with a few areas ripe for improvement, particularly regarding updates to their interior and amenities, such as kitchen facilities. Nevertheless, they remain a strong option for those seeking a roomy and family-friendly accommodation in Aviemore.
Beds
Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort consistently receives praise for its comfortable and clean beds, contributing greatly to a restful stay. Guests frequently highlight the coziness and spaciousness of the accommodation, which complements the welcoming feel of the lodges. The convenience of having parking right outside the lodging adds to the overall ease of the experience. While the soft beds are generally appreciated, some guests found the pillows to be lacking in support. These minor concerns aside, the lodges are well-regarded for their comfort, making them an attractive choice for visitors seeking relaxation in a beautiful setting.
Cleanliness
Nestled in a beautiful location, the Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort present a generally positive impression when it comes to cleanliness. Visitors frequently highlight the lodges for their cleanliness and comfort, providing spacious and cosy accommodations that many guests appreciate. Most find the properties well-maintained, attesting to their tidiness and noting that the lodges are equipped adequately to satisfy basic needs.
However, some guests draw attention to issues of dated interiors, pointing out that the lodges could benefit from renovations and updates in decor. While many found the areas clean, there were mentions of instances where certain spaces, particularly kitchens, felt less functional despite their cleanliness. A recurrent observation was about areas such as carpets and entryways looking a bit worn or tired.
Though instances of uncleanliness and wear were noted, these seem sporadic. With comfortable beds and a clean environment overall, the lodges make for a satisfactory stay despite the apparent need for some updates and attention to specific details.
Staff
At the Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the staff have garnered a range of reviews, predominantly highlighting their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend the excellent service provided by the staff, particularly noting the coffee shop team and the attentive waiters at Aspects Restaurant. Many guests express satisfaction with the exceptional check-in experience and the warm demeanor of the breakfast staff, particularly at Giovanni's. Friendly interactions with staff contribute to a comfortable stay, often complemented by comfortable beds.
However, experiences with the staff are occasionally mixed. Some guests encountered less attentive service, remarking on staff disinterest and slow responsiveness in certain areas, including during breakfast. A few noted defensive reception to feedback and dissatisfaction with management's follow-through on issues. Instances of confusion around the site layout and minor lapses, such as missing amenities, were reported, suggesting some room for improvement.
Overall, while there are areas for enhancement, the staff at the resort generally receive praise for their friendliness and helpful support, making them a highlight for many guests visiting the resort.
Pool
Set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the area, the Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offer a range of facilities that cater especially well to families. The highlight for many guests is the indoor swimming pool. Children are particularly thrilled with the pool's wave machine and water slide, making it a hub of activity and fun. Though the pool is often described as clean and enjoyable, some guests note that it can be on the colder side during mornings or chilly days, and there are occasional cleanliness issues in the walkways.
The comprehensive amenities, including a steam room and sauna, generally receive positive marks, despite some mentions of a lackluster spa pool and less-than-warm sauna temperatures. This array of facilities, combined with the quiet ambience on most days, provides an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. The resort complements its aquatic offerings with charming playgrounds and inviting walking areas, enhancing the overall family-friendly atmosphere of the stay.
Dog Friendly
Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with their canine companions. The resort's lodges are pet-friendly and tucked within picturesque woodlands, providing an ideal setting for those who enjoy nature walks with their dogs. Families, including those with furry family members, find the accommodations well-suited to their needs, with ample space to accommodate both adults and pets comfortably. Guests have expressed appreciation for the option to dine with their dogs in designated areas, allowing for a more inclusive experience. Although some areas have limited seating arrangements that may not be ideal for larger meals, the overall ambiance and accessibility for dogs make this resort a great choice for pet owners.
Yes, Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Yes, Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
No, Macdonald Woodland Lodges at Macdonald Aviemore Resort doesn't have a gym.