The Cairngorm Hotel in Highland

Hotel is quaint and well located for our purpose which was hiking in the Cairngorms National Park. Noise from adjacent rooms was a major inconvenience. WiFi service was pretty abysmal and needs upgraded. The room accommodates were otherwise fine with recently updated bathroom, rather small but serviceable.

We ate here on many occasions visiting Aviemore and you won't be disappointed great food and great service at reasonable prices.

Fabulous bar and restaurant.. excellent cooked breakfast choices..staff are very helpful

On behalf of my Mum and Gran, a huge thank you for a lovely overnight stay. They had an overnight stay(with B&B for only £131) and Afternoon Tea (~£25pp) as a Mother’s Day and Birthday gift. The accommodation, quality of food and drink and service from all staff was excellent. Highly recommend!

We’ve been working from home since October and staying locally. The Cairngorm hotel has been the best place out of all to visit. The feel of the place and atmosphere is second to none, but the staff absolutely make it. They really get to know you and make you feel at home. Special mention to Matt, he was the first person to make us feel welcome and get to know us from the get go. He absolutely makes the place and is a credit to the place

Lovely place to stay. The meal at night was lovely and the breakfast was great. Well worth a visit.

They say you get what you pay for. The prices might be high, but you get amazing service, super friendly staff, delicious breakfast included, a spacious ensuite room with plenty of storage to unpack your cases. Tea and coffee making facilities in room along with hair dryer, iron and ironing board. There's also a smart tv allowing you to watch all your favourite streaming services (provided you have a subscription). Can't fault the place. We will be back.

Great hotel would stay again. Had that old fashioned Scottish charm

Long weekend, 3 nights king size room, with the dog. Been here before, expected slightly more, however we did enjoy our stay. Room was spacious, massive bed,huge wardrobes but little drawers. No where in the bathroom to put anything. Has a bath. Tea and coffee facilities. We were room 112 and there was no noise from the busy bar downstairs. Rugby and live music. Dogs cannot go in the bar or restaurant which we were advised before we came. As we had visited before for food, we were bit let down by the restaurant food on this occasion, however breakfast was great and the staff on in the morning were fantastic! Perfect for exploring. Cleaning staff were great, so accommodating with new towels, tea and coffee. Great base for exploring. Love loch morlich, boat of garten and the cairngorms. Nice Indian restaurant across the road is worth a visit.

Absolutely beautiful lunch staff are so attentive food was amazing Fantastic menu to choose from definitely worth going 10/10

We had a one night stay here and had a great time. Hotel was lovely, all staff were welcoming and polite. Our room was clean and warm - it was very cold outside. We ate dinner and breakfast here and both meals were very good. Central to lots of activities, it’s a shame we couldn’t stay another day.

The food here was excellent. Hearty portions and cooked beautifully. The only downside is it's very busy and they dont take bookings so it can be a lengthy wait for a table , but the staff still gave great friendly service throughout.

Not dog friendly. I find it ridiculous that a hotel with dog friendly rooms doesn’t allow dogs in the restaurant. Crazy!

Update - February 2025 Popped in here on our recent visit to Aviemore. Usually love here, but something was missing this time around. Not the usual relaxed atmosphere, we stayed for 1 drink and went elsewhere. Disappointing. ******************************************** This is our must visit place when visiting Aviemore. Service, atmosphere, staff are all excellent.

Clearly the place to socialise in Aviemore; the hotel bar is an institution for it's lively atmosphere, music and with the ever popular Trade Winds on handpump. Be warned, visiting this place can have a significant effect on the time you get up the next morning as you'll probably want to stay in here until they shut the bar. Edit: still brilliant here in 2025 but where has the Cairngorm Trade Winds gone? Please bring it back!

Never stayed overnight here, so don't know what rooms are like, but if anything like the food, I'm sure they are amazing. Always great service.

Another great stay. With my small dog. Welcomed and dog friendly. Warm and comfortable room. Great location. If dogs were welcome in restaurant even better - please. Very happy and highly recommended.

We had two meals here whilst we stayed in the local area - delicious & reasonable priced

Had dinner here and a few drinks the the bar, the food was beautiful, service was amazing and the singer on Friday night was superb! We were lucky enough to have a seat by the fire on sat and it was lovely! Such a great wee place can't wait to come backA

Had a lovely filling lunch .snr lunch special thhi was second time just as good as the last time

The Cairn has always been our go to place for food. Food and staff usually spot on. However, tonight the standard slipped. Had to ask for my drink as it wasn't served, had to chase up for condiments as they never offered and also not once did anyone ask if everything was alright and everything wasn't. Food standard wasn't there tonight, Shame.

Didn't stay here, but stopped into the pub and restaurant. No booking so we waited 40mins and had a few pints in the pub. The food was really nice, better than we imagined! Traditional Scottish dishes, I had the venison-cooked to perfection👌 Only let down was the service, waitress was lovely but they were definitely understaffed. Waiting for ages to be checked on/plates cleared-Never got the water we asked for, and instead of ice cream with the toffee pudding got just cream.

Stayed here for one night. We had the triple room, that was very clean and comfortable. Although the hotel mentions that the room is above the bar and get noisy, we didn't hear any disturbance and had a good sleep. The room didn't have A/C but had a radiator which we can control for adjusting the heating. The bath was very good which had all the toiletries and towels. The staff were helpful and courteous. We had both dinner and breakfast at the Hotel's restaurant. Both the food and the service were excellent. The hotel has parking at the rear and the front, it was busy but we managed to find a space. Location is right in front of the Aviemore railway station. The only minor point is that there is no lift but its just 2 flight of stairs and we didn't mind that.

Food and service was top notch as per! Generous portions and tastes great.

Stopped in for a wee half pint while waiting on our bus,

Lovely atmosphere and lovely food!! Have been coming here for the past 23 years and have always had a perfect experience - thank you!!

My children and I had a lovely evening meal, enhanced by kind and friendly staff, which was particularly welcome given a very poor experience in another Aviemore establishment earlier that evening-thoroughly recommended for good hearty food and pleasant atmosphere.

This was our go to place to eat and drink when staying in aviemore, it was our first time staying at the hotel. Room was OK, would have liked a few more coffees and teas in the room, only had 2 of each, 1 sachet of hot chocolate for 2 people 🤔, comfortable bed, nice hot shower. The food as always been fantastic but this time it wasn't good, husband ordered haggis lasagne as he always does but this time it was inedible, he sent it back as it was covered in chefs gravy 🤢. One young waitress came back with it stating it says gravy on the menu. WAITING STAFF READ YOUR MENUS!!! Haggis Lasagne ……………………………………………………………………...……….£9.50 Pasta sheets, layered with haggis and béchamel sauce and topped with cheese. Served with salad and garlic bread Available as a main course WHERE DOES IT SAY WITH GRAVY. The other haggis dish on the menu comes with gravy. The chick n dip strips were very bland, no seasoning in the batter. Husband had a burger as a replacement but that was very dry and rubbery. Best part was dessert. Breakfast was OK in the morning. Friendly staff throughout the hotel. Would we stay again yes we would but eat somewhere else.

A very Scottish hotel offering very Scottish menu items (along with a good selection of more traditional fare). Service was quirky and the food was quick, freshly prepared and truly delicious. Hotel bar and restaurant open to non residents.

This is our favourite place in Aviemore for drinks, food or both. We stopped here whilst passing through to Boat of Garten. The staff were very friendly and inviting. We had a couple of drinks, sitting by the fire, on a cold winters day, great atmosphere with a mix of people. Sadly, we could not stay longer otherwise, we would’ve been there all night. Would highly recommend

Arrived and were advised we’d be 30-45 minute wait. We ended up being double this and had it not been late we’d have left. During this time we got chatting to a couple who were guests in the hotel and they advised that they weren’t allowed to make s a dinner reservation; that seems really poor! When we did get seated the dining room was half empty. We’d rather have been taken through and wait longer for food than having to sit in the bar so long. Service felt rushed with the exception of one young woman. Suspect there may be issues with staffing. Shame, as old regular staff still there, just not enough of them.

As a group of 7 who had no plan for food for this Saturday evening, we had great service! We asked at 6pm if they had a table available for us all, by 7pm after a few drinks in the bar we were at the table! Fantastic service from all, great food and reasonably priced. Best fish and chips i’ve had and pancakes for dessert. can definitely recommend here and we will be back

Had a fantastic family meal today at The Cairngorm Hotel, had the version casserole which was superb!! The meat was so chunky and tender, big chunks of delicious version!! The service was excellent too, everyone was on 150% on form, quick, efficient, and polite service. The vibe was so nice, a really nice family atmosphere with background music playing. Couldn't fault it.

Turned up to the public bar with my Spaniel and informed that dogs are not allowed. Come on in this day and age and a public bar. Every pub in the Lake District accepts well behaved dogs. Shame on you.

We were disappointed on last night of stay in aviemore. We had been to the Cairngorm hotel 2 nights previous and was great but last night waited 30 mins for main course , obviously forgotten about so left. Not hard to take an order and cook a burger

Great family hotel,plenty of things for the kids to do on site Staff friendly and helpful rooms basic but clean with 3 restaurants plenty of meal options Located in a nice quiet area just on the outskirts of town

We only ate in the restaurant here. The ambience was very classic. There are also a lot of locals here. There are very good Scottish dishes.

Reviewing for the restaurant/pub: Very attentive & competent staff, fair prices, good selection, pleasant ambience and atmosphere, would return

Only went to the pub with live music...every evening...cool music, good atmosphere, nice people

In Aviemore to play golf , popped in for a pint,cosy bar,staff were super.

We had a beautiful meal here, the mussels and the venison casserole were amazing, the others in the group had the burger and it also looked great with no complaints. The menu is varied, reasonable for the quality and the beer choice was also good. Well worth a visit if your in aviemore. I would maybe advise booking at the weekends as it gets busy!

Very nice hotel. Good restaurant with nice service. Recommended.

Fantastic hotel, very cozy with very friendly staff! Very nice pub at the hotel and a restaurant where you cannot make a reservation but where you can eat very well!

Excellent place to escape the rat race, plus staff are great and very welcoming. Beautiful building and grounds. I've stayed here a few times and always had a great stay.. Highly recommend. The only complaint I have is, the self catering kitchen is far too small and has no cooking facilities such as hob and oven....

Top notch food(Big Bobbies Meatballs & Teryaky Salmon.) Absolutely gorgeous. Wonderful friendly staff, and great value for money. 👍 Had the Haggis Lasagne this time...very tasty!!.👍

went for evening meal x it was outstanding delicious food

Great beautiful building, fantastic location, and the biggest bed I have ever seen! staff were Warm and inviting and Fiona our waitress for dinner was an absolute treasure. The bonus of bagpipes and acoustic music In the bar rounded it all off. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic.

Again the Thunder weekend at the Cairngorm Hotel was well organised and welcoming for all us bikers

Great time at Thunder in the Glen

Would be a nice pub if it wasn't spoiled by arrogance of staff.

We popped in here once again for our lunch, great service and atmosphere as usual, we will be back the next time we are in the area.

All things considered, for the price of ~20 quid per meal, the quality doesn't justify the cost whatsoever. Battered haddock and chips for 16£? You get the blandest battered fish possible with some barren chips. Grilled Salmon for 19£? You get a really small slice of unseasoned salmon, three completely bare (only boiled) potatoes, and a few sprigs of green. I know they probably have high overhead cost, but man, the food quality is below that of a Wetherspoons and the cost over twice as much.

Ate here. Atmosphere, staff, price and quality all spot on.

Cracking hotel and restaurant, but unfortunately missing a huge market here. No dogs are allowed in to the hotel, which we were aware of so planned to stop for lunch and sit outside, however they don't allow food outside, so we ordered coffees which they brought out to us and went elsewhere to eat.

Eaten at the Cairngorm hotel multiple times over the years and it's been reasonable. However, this year with a dog has been a different experience. We were aware that dogs were not allowed inside, so sat down outside to have lunch. However, on attempting to order we were informed food couldn't be ordered for outside, yet they could bring our coffees outside?? Needless, to say, we went elsewhere and had a very enjoyable lunch with everyone present

Had a roast, lamb, which was tough, 2 roast potatoes,a tablespoon of veg which was cut so small, it wasn't worth putting on plate, and a bit gravy, not worth £16,wont be back

Great bar, all day good and great staff!

We arrived in Aviemore and hadn’t even checked into our accommodation yet but were so hungry and liked the look of the Cairngorm Hotel. We arrived around 4.30pm and had a 20 minute wait for a table which we didn’t mind. We went to bar for a drink and took in the decor and the heritage on offer, really lovely. The service we had while here was very good and the decor is so homely and cosy. Unfortunately the food did let it down a bit. I agree with the reviewer slightly down the page a bit, because I also had the salmon and it was really underwhelming, just like an oven baked salmon fillet, no tasty crispy skin. My husband had the Cajun chicken and my wee boy had the scampi. All just very average.

Restaurant only. We arrived on a Saturday evening during the holidays without a reservation. We were given a piper and were allowed to wait in the hotel bar until a seat became available for us. The bar staff were very friendly and accommodating. After a short wait we were led into the restaurant. The service was very friendly and good. The food is simply first class. We can only recommend it and would be happy to come back.

If there were 6 stars I would have given! Staff- bar staff were attentive and remembered our order next round! This is priceless in this day and age! Restaurant staff were spot on, chatty, recommending places to visit and food on the menu as well as being relatable in their backgrounds, countries/areas of origin making us feel very welcome. Service- this is a well run establishment in one of the busiest area in Aviemore yet everyone is welcome, no booking system in place but run on a first come first served with the provision of a beeper system once onsite, which was great. Food- having checked menu online we were expecting average bar food, but it exceeded all our expectations, the addition of a “teen” menu was very much welcome and the first we have came across this!? Was perfect for our fussy 12 year old! (Nothing worse than ordering from main menu with the removal of half the meal and paying full adult prices) our mains were delicious chicken with black pudding with peppercorn sauce and a steak pie! Cooked to perfection and once seated delivered very timely. Thanks to all the team we will definitely be back! Value- great value for the quality of food and service!

Quite surprised at great ratings for this place as we had a disappointing visit. Staff lovely but food not so great. Sunday roast was a bit like school dinners and meat very tough. I had to send my burger back as luke warm and did get a replacement which was hot but very average food.

Only the restaurant; good food and pleasant service.

Sign at the front desk says please wait to be seated. Waited to be seated while the man at the desk typed away. No apology no explanation, no acknowledgment of my existence. Decided I was fed up waiting and took my hard earned money to another establishment in Aviemore. They obviously don’t need the business or know what customer service is!

We love this place for food and went back multiple times on our week holiday

Didn’t stay here, but have used the restaurant a couple of times. It’s hearty meals and great service. Would definitely return.

Had a delicious meal for 4 , great selection of meals. Something to suit everyone, reasonably priced. Great service and nice atmosphere. We went early around 5pm and got a table right away but you may have to wait if you go later.

We popped in for a drink on the Saturday night around 9ish as the hotel seemed to be the busiest place in town, then decided to come back on Sunday after a bit shopping to watch the olympic xc mountain biking and F1. Easily got a seat facing the TV and had a few pints while watching the race. Unfortunately the bar man decided to switch to cricket 🤷‍♂️ on the last lap of the MTB so moved seats to the F1 TV and watched the final minutes of the biking on mobile. I feel this is probably the place to come on a night in town as all other places seemed deserted especially on the Saturday night. Drink price was between £6 and £7 for a pint. There's plenty seating inside and also benches outside if the weather is nice.

Very friendly and helpful check-in staff. Nice room with a double-hung window to help keep the room cool. GREAT location. Tasty breakfast...along with generous portions for lunch and dinner. The Cairngorm burger with Bleu cheese was GREAT.

Popped in for a pint! A popular place as it was busy!

Old building that's as cozy as you could ever hope for. I'm so glad my family was able to experience a place this charming. I love that they still use keys for their rooms and the location is ideally located near everything you'll need. Great restaurant, great bar, great staff.

Great food,reasonable price.8 days in Aviemore and has dinner 3 times

This restaurant is probably the most efficiently run place I have ever visited. Great staff and teamwork, friendly and genuine. Brilliant...give them all a payrise!!!👏👏👏

Upon my 2nd return we were disappointed.. Kids meal was reheated breakfast sausages, all the chips were re-fried, our sandwiches were semi stale.. Good service as always, pity the chefs let it down !

We went to the Restaurant within the hotel for some dinner! Got the Cairn Roast, which was turkey! It felt like a home cooked Mel! Just what we needed on our first night in Aviemore! Plenty of parking round the back too, and went to the bar to get some drinks while we waited for our table!

Before you walk in the Cairngorn Hotel looks impressive so it's disappointing that everything you experience once inside just feels like it should be so much better. The decor has character but feels tired, the staff are good but let down by an old and uninspiring menu and the mats the food are served on are so old they are actually curling at the edges. I had the salmon and to say it was basic and uninspired is an understatement. A small sliver of salmon was served literally with boiled and somewhat dry potatoes and some boiled broccoli, that's it. It felt like something your Nan would cook, a long way from a good restaurant standard. That said the restaurant was busy but I figured out this was largely due to limited choices of places to eat in Aviemore now. An opportunity for entrepreneurs to open some decent eating places in Aviemore for sure. Can't recommend this one...

Great location right in the town centre. Went for lunch and the food was incredible, just what you need in a place like Aviemore!

Great food, and friendly staff.

Superb hotel. Very friendly a perfect bed. Bend over a bit and the shower doesn't come out much water, but who cares

Semi modern hotel in central position providing rooms, good food and drink. Our room overlooked the front of the hotel & carpark with mountain views in the distance. Although quite quite a small double room in comparison to other hotels we've stayed in, the room was clean & tidy with a fairly modern small bath & shower. I could hear the person snoring next door from my bed 🤣. The hotel staff were very nice, the restaurant food was good quality with lots of choice (we had dinner and breakfast) and we also enjoyed the live entertainment in the evening.

Nice place friendly staff. Only niggle not sufficient space in bathroom for your toiletries. Another slight downside is not being able to book for evening meal even as a resident. One evening we had to wait nearly an hour and a half for a table making it very late for digesting a meal before bedtime. Tables were only allocated on a first come first served basis meaning it could soon be full with non residents. Not an ideal situation as part of staying in a hotel is to enjoy a meal in the restaurant.

We had a lovely meal here last night. Mussels were fresh and very tasty and for the first time this week the portion was good size and actually filled me up after a 10mile walk. Partner had the haggis, neeps and tatties and said of the many he has had in his time, this was one of the best. Staff were friendly and accommodating as well as attentive. We loved it here and are going back for our last meal tomorrow night, the menu is great, loads of choice and good portions. Would have given 5 stars but you can't book in advance so we got a beeper and were told there was an hour wait! In the end it was about 40mins and the bar was nice to have a pre meal drink so we didn't suffer too much! Dogs are only allowed in the foyer, ours stayed in the car and was happy there but worth bearing in mind. The dining room is lovely and very traditional. When we arrived in Aviemore on Saturday there was a piper playing outside which was an absolutely lovely welcome to Scotland and made us want to try the restaurant. Favourite restaurant in Aviemore so far.

Love it. Beautiful place playing live music. ❣️

Our favourite hotel that we stayed at while walking the Speyside Way recently. The rooms were spacious, spotlessly clean and well appointed. Staff were helpful and very friendly. The breakfast was a notch up on any others we tasted on the walk. Decent live music in the bar, which had a good vibe. Highly recommended all round.

Currently doing a live review, with LG and Jay. Will keep you posted Edit: nothing to note except 5 stars, lovely food, good waiting system, came from Granton for a meal, otherwise we will stay there normally

Nice hotel . Good rooms and good food. Only missed the croissants for breakfast. Nice bagpipe player.

Get place to stay and very nice food

We had the best dinner in the restaraunt...Lamb roast with all the trimmings. 10 star...price was excellent. service great..Piper played outside while enjoying dinner..good beer and cider

A friendly pub to pop in for a drink or two.

Right next to train station. Ideal waiting room. Good bar. People were enjoying football on TV, but there were other places to sit.

Sweet little country hotel. Nice and clean rooms. Very rich breakfast and dinner. Very nice staff. Location great.

Booked king guest room. It was neither king size or nice. Decor needs updating, there was hair on bed and the view from window was of a roof and bins. For £179 was disappointed.

Room was fine, but was really let down by our dinner. Our male server was so rude and snapped at us several times when ordering and we were on edge the whole time. I know it was busy, but patrons paying for dinner don't deserve to be treated so poorly and made to feel like an inconvenience. Really ruined the mood of the evening for us. We won't be returning or suggesting this place to anyone.

We had dinner. Bagpipe player at the front as we entered was really nice, great Scottish atmosphere. Food was good. Service could have been better, they were busy, but it does not take that much effort to be somewhat friendly and make eye contact does it.

Great atmosphere & excellent customer service. Our waiter was very helpful!

Had few drinks lots to choose from always a band or singer on at night so atmosphere great

Great food, friendly staff and good parking in town centre location. No bookings allowed but a good system in place to control the queue.

Didn't stay here but ate and had some drinks in the bar food was good and the lounge bar was nice place for a few drinks. Will visit here again

Surprised to find a senior menu, 3 courses , very nice at this price £14.95.

We stayed here 2 nights. It’s in the middle of town surrounded by everything. It’s the best location. The rooms are dated but in a good way, it’s what you would expect for an older hotel with history. The beds were comfortable and shower had water pressure! The food was amazing, we had multiple breakfasts and dinners. The Guinness was good and if I can give anyone a tip goto The Snug for whisky tasting. It’s a 5 min walk and the whisky is direct from the local Speyside distillery. If all that isn’t enough for you to visit the Cairngorm Hotel I’ll leave you with this, the staff are incredible, we had the absolute best service, everyone has a smile on their face, they give proper service, everyone was so great to chat with and for that reason alone we will be back to see them again.

Came here originally for drinks and then decided to have some food. Our server Alan was a delight. I fancied the lamb and the turkey and he sorted this out for me! It's my girlfriends first time in Aviemore and she has had a lovely time, definitely due to the Cairngorn Hotel and Alan! 10/10.