Macdonald Lochanhully Resort

We had lodge 25 overlooking the 'lake' ... it's a bit tired but served our purpose. If you are looking for boutique accommodation this is not for you! If you are looking to explore what the Highlands have to offer ... lochs, trails, outdoor activities ... then this resort makes a good base. Travelled to Cullen to sample the 2024 national winning Cullen Skink at Lily's Kitchen Cafe and do a circular walk of Cullen Bay. Had a boat tour of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Walked Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie. Walked to see An Lochan Uaine aka The Green Loch ... a hidden gem ... then did a circular walk of Loch Morlich. Drove to Grantown-on-Spey for a woodland and river walk and to visit the art galleries. We live in Scotland so brought our own food, but did have dinner in the newly opened restaurant, Murdoch's Bar and Restaurant ... Fish & Chips, Cajun Chicken Burger and shared a Sticky Toffee Pudding. We cleared our plates so the food was quite acceptable! The staff ... reception, bar and restaurant ... are all friendly and accommodating. We did not use the pool, nor the small gym ... but we did walk just under 33 miles during our stay. We were lucky, though, as it was sunny with clear blue skies during our entire stay.

Felt compelled to come and write a review. I booked, I read the reviews after and I was very nervous about my family of 5 spending 3 nights here BUT is was ok. Yes the cabin was dated, furniture and carpets could do with a revamp. However kitchen and bathroom was new and very clean, shower was actually excellent. Agree that the wooden panelling wasn't very clean and I had to go round it myself but it was fine. It was a great base for exploring surroundings, the resort itself was lovely. Friendly ducks and peacock coming to your cabin each morning. This was a good base for us, we didn't spend much time at the resort and we were straight to bed when we got home each evening. We used pool, steam and sauna and it was fine. Kids had a ball. I think you get what you pay for in Aviemore. I seemed to get a discounted last minute rate and would have been disappointed if I had to pay more for what we got, because it is very basic and in need of a bit of TLC but you don't go there to hang around and look at the dated interiors. 2 bed cabin was a squeeze for 5 of us but again not an issue as it's just some where to sleep. I would go back, we had a great October week in Aviemore and a great night sleep each night.

**Review: McDonald Lochanhully Resort** Our recent stay at McDonald Lochanhully Resort had its ups and downs. The location is absolutely fabulous, set in the stunning Scottish Highlands. The natural beauty and peaceful surroundings are perfect for a relaxing escape. However, the cabin was a disappointment. It felt basic and tired, with outdated furnishings and visible wear and tear. The double bed was particularly problematic—it was so small that we had to sleep in separate rooms. Fortunately, there were only two of us, but this cabin would be far too small and uncomfortable for a group of six as advertised. Despite these issues, the resort's beautiful setting is its greatest asset. The tranquil environment and breathtaking scenery provide a wonderful backdrop for a getaway. With significant updates to the cabins, especially more adequate sleeping arrangements, McDonald Lochanhully Resort could be an outstanding destination.

Good value and good location but we were four adults. It’s only really big enough for three adults or two adults with two children. Had to make up a bed for the fourth person in the small room and it was cosy to say the least. Couldn’t check in until 5pm but the cleaning left a lot to be desired. Dirty grill pan and a piece of sausage left under the sofa ( we only moved it to see if it might make a more comfortable double bed!) Limited plates and kitchen equipment. OK for a couple nights but don’t expect too much. Good bathroom and heating was effective. Seemed to be popular with tradespeople looking for an inexpensive night

We arrived at 335pm, we thought check in was 4pm like ALL the other McDonald's resorts, to be told it was not till 5pm from a less than welcoming receptionist. As we had 2 small kids we asked if we could please get in slightly earlier as they eat around 5pm? He told us yes if we paid an extra £29! We used the toilet at reception which was disgusting, blocked sink and dirty toilet. There was no help or hi how are you from this receptionist just staring at us and rude! As soon as we got in to the lodge the smell of dampness was overwhelming. We could see at the side of the beds the wood panels had been sanded to remove damp spores recently as the varnish was off these areas! Check in at 5pm and out by 10am is something we've NEVER had on holiday either. All of us have been unwell since getting home and off work. ALL our clothes and jackets stank of DAMPNESS.

We love coming here its the best location we have ever found we have been coming here for years and spent thousands of pounds coming and totally fell in love with the place the children even call it there second home… The staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome swimming pool all day every day is amazing kids love this… play parks for younger kids tennis court with free use of tennis bats what more could you want! You dont even need to leave resort to have a great holiday…Games room also on sight. BUT BUT BUT unfortunately over time we have noticed the lodges and swimming pool going down hill but we are just a normal family with no high expectations in life BUT the last time we visited October half term we found the lodge disgusting with dirt and i mean disgusting!! Our view from lodge window/conservatory was onto a dumping ground!! A mean wooden lodge in woods shouts peace and romance not a dumping ground!! The swimming pool and sauna was just as bad! A think steam room conditions keep its self clean thats why that looked not bad… Games room had nothing to play apart from giant 4 in a row… Pool table was all smashed with missing balls and balls flying out of hole in side and flying across room! Surely this is out of order!!!! kids used to love playing pool for £1… No board games only jigsaws with missing pieces tv and dvds great BUT tv didn't work and dvd cases were empty!! Laundry room is fantastic spending 5 days with young kids is great as can not possibly bring there hole wardrobe and very well priced as well and even get powder on sight amazing BUT was there in October and the place was also very dirty floors covered in spilt powder, window sill gross! Sign states empty filter before use shouldn't it state empty filter after use. I wouldn't dare leave my lint for someone else to clean out! Reception staff spend long hours in the complex area why is nothing getting done about this? This place could be thee best place in Scotland but its wasted with lack of effort or maybe money getting put into it, its so sad to see this wonderful place going down the pan… and i think we have been totally put off this time to the point we wont be returning… We dont ask for alot in life but when you save money for these treats you expect cleans and not dumping grounds.