Macdonald Woodland Lodges

We are just back from holiday and I'm disappointed to say the least. The lodge is incredibly expensive to stay in and like what other guests say, they are desperately needing updated with worn carpets and furniture. We had to complain about a couple of things during our short stay- no water coming from the bath (we were travelling with young children so I had to boil the kettle to bath them !) damaged and unsafe decking, door handle falling off in the kitchen... Not exactly 4* to say the least! We also went swimming a couple of times and on both occasions there were no towels. I could go on but the biggest disappointment is you can tell the staff and management simply don't care if you complain as people are going to book up anyway.

Stayed for a few days visiting Aviemore. The lodges are in a nice area away from main resort. Nice and quiet, literally no passing traffic. Lodges are large, 3 bedrooms each with an en-suite. Loads of heat in them too, perfect for when the temp turns cooler. Kitchen area is tight and no oven makes life a bit difficult for cooking in accommodation. The lodges could be really good, loads of potential but need freshened up and a bit more maintenance around simple things (cracked tiles, silicon, chips in wall ect) Good base and use of facilities in main resort, particularly the swimming pool which kids loved. Again a bit of tlc around changing areas would really bring place up a bit

We had booked for six nights coming in at over £1,800, which is alot of money and in our opinion, not worth it. That did not even include breakfast! Which it should have at this price. The location of these lodges is outstanding and nestled within the woods, but the lodges are in a major need of refurbishment. This is the sixth time we have stayed in these lodges. I will note, however, that the lodge we were in this time (fifteen) did have a new kitchen, but the rest of the lodge is desperately needing updated in order to reflect the prices they are charging. We never received our log burner starter pack, so make sure you call reception and ask for it if there is no kindling, logs or matches there. We called and it was delivered. We got married on the Macdonald Aviemore resort three years ago. Not even a nod to this from the resort, even tho they did last year, kindly provide a bottle of fizz. We sadly had to leave a day early due to a family bereavement. I asked the man at reception if we could have a credit for a future visit or a refund. He said he would look into it and call me back. Not heard a peep, and that was over a week ago. Not the best customer service. They seem to favour large and constant coach parties, causing utter chaos each day rather than their many loyal guests who have been using them for years for special occasions and holidays. Disappointing Aviemore Resort.