Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort - Aviemore, United Kingdom     

I've stayed at three of the four hotels in this complex, and although all have been refurbished on the outside, the interiors aren't seen until it's too late. There are no smoking rooms, which is fine if you don't smoke. If you do, then it's hypothermia time as you stand outside in the howling winter gales, a plot to rid the world of our filthy addiction. Drinks are extortionate, so stock up at Tescos, and save 90%. We were charged ?16 for 4 bottles of Miller, the coffee was also well over-priced, and not all that good. The owners of this resort seem to take their customers for granted, but there are alternatives that offer far better value, better service, better food, and lower prices. Never book on line, as this gives you the list price. Phoning for a room has always given me a very substantial discount, especially if staying for more than one night. The rooms tend to be shabby, and the Four Seasons in particular has a deathly feel about it, with grubby old furnishings, and a stink of stale food. Because the resort has a centralised reception area, what used to be the reception in the Stakis days, is now a sad dark and dismal area, sometimes manned by a sad, dark and dismal security guy. Not at all welcoming, and the rooms reek of the need for refurbishment, with sad and broken fittings, and grubby bedrooms and bathrooms. The Aviemore Inn was a little better, but has no restaurant, so you have to walk across the freezing square to reach the communal dining area, which is set up like a motorway services, with a self service counter for breakfast and other meals. It was busy when we were there, and they had not nearly enough breakfast items available. I had to ask them to get about 40 fried eggs out, as there was a queue of about 30 people behind me. by the time you reach the till, your breakfast has congealed on the plate. On the plus side, the scenery is stunning, but this isn't provided by the Resort, so enjoy it more by staying elsewhere, and use the money you save to eat out in the town. Roos, The Skiing Doo and the Winking Owl, all provide acceptable bar/bistro food at reasonable prices, as do many of the hotels, and the Italian restaurant at the South end of the town does an excellent value for money eat all you want buffet.. I only stay there because of events that are booked there, otherwise I'd use the Cairngorm for a family style hotel, or the Hilton at Coylumbridge, both of which are better and offer superior value for money IMHO.

Lovely location, opposite the train station, the facilities were outstanding, the hotel was clean, the food excellent and the staff could not be more helpful. Thoroughly recommend this hotel for a restful vacation. We also used the Spa facilities which were well run.