Member rate
Sign in to a free ZenHotels account and this lower rate applies automatically at checkout.
Why we love it
The setting
This hotel is on Grampian Road in the centre of Aviemore, directly across from the train station. This makes it easy to reach by train, and local shops and pubs are within walking distance. It is an independently owned Scottish hotel with its own bar and restaurant. The Cairn Lounge hosts trivia nights and live music performances on weekends, as well as broadcasts of major sporting events. Since the town is surrounded by the scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, the atmosphere changes in the blink of an eye—from a lively evening at the pub to a quiet morning in the Highlands.
What to expect
The rooms feature a private bathroom with a shower, curtains that completely cover the windows, and tea- and coffee-making facilities; the windows offer magnificent views of the Cairngorm Brewery or the Craigellachie Mountains. Snug rooms are ideal for solo travellers, while double rooms, twin rooms, king-size rooms, and King Superior rooms offer spacious accommodations for couples and guests planning an extended stay. On Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9:00 PM, you can enjoy a special Steak Night de menu there, along with live music. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and free parking. Dogs are permitted in some rooms upon prior arrangement.
Things to do nearby
Since the Strathspey Steam Railway is right nearby, a trip on this historic train requires virtually no advance planning. The Spey Valley Golf Course is just a few minutes’ walk away, so you can play a round of golf and enjoy the fresh Highland air. Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre is a little further away, but it’s just a few minutes’ walk or drive; there, you’ll find forest hiking trails and a variety of outdoor activities. And the nearby Cairngorm Brewery is the perfect place for a tour and tasting before dinner.
Best for
This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to set out from Aviemore on hiking, ski, or bike through the Cairngorms, as well as take day trips along the Whisky Trail and short excursions to Loch Ness. For families, there is a game room on the property, and dog owners can bring their pets along by prior arrangement. Compact Snug rooms are also available for solo travellers.
How to get to the hotel
Inverness Airport is about a 45-minute drive north on the A9 and is the nearest airport offering regular flights to the United Kingdom and European. Trains on the Highland Main Line, which connects Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, and Inverness, stop at Aviemore Station, which is directly across the street from the hotel. If you are arriving by car from the south, follow the A9. Free parking is available on the hotel grounds.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionDouble room
Room with blackout curtains, a heating, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Parking
- Windsurfing
- Cycling
- Fishing
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews from TripAdvisor
Fantastic central location
The Cairngorm Hotel enjoys an excellent location, literally opposite the bus station and steps from the town centre” — perfect for walkers, hill‑goers, and exploring… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Takes "charming" to a whole other level
This hotel takes "charming" to a whole other level, aided by an excellent, friendly, competent staff. Yes, the stairway squeaks, but even that is just part of the… Read full review on ZenHotels →
An amazing experience at the Cairngorm Hotel
Walked in to this hotel on Friday 12 Jan on the off chance of getting a room for two nights was swiftly dealt with by Craig within half an hour I had my room. The room… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and a Highland welcome
Once you get off the train, cross the street and check in at the hotel. After you drop off your luggage, take a stroll down Grampian Road to look around and pick up anything you need. Before dinner, stop by the Cairngorm Brewery, where you can take a tour of the production facilities and enjoy a tasting. When you return to the hotel, have dinner at the restaurant, and if it’s Friday or Saturday, enjoy live music starting at 9:00 p.m. in the cozy atmosphere of the Cairn Lounge.
Steam trains and forest trails
Back in Aviemore, take the short trip out to Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre for forest walks among ancient Scots pine, with the option of cycling or fishing depending on the season. Stop for lunch at a café along the way. Return for a drink in the bar and dinner in the restaurant.
Golf, mountains and a slow morning
If you play, book a round at Spey Valley Golf Course just up the road. If you don't, drive up to the Cairngorm mountains for a walk with big views, or follow part of the Whisky Trail for a distillery visit. Come back for a late lunch, pack up at your own pace, and cross the road to the platform for your train home.
Where you'll be
Aviemore, UK
FAQ
Is it snowy in Aviemore?
Aviemore sits in the Cairngorms National Park and, thanks to winter snowfall, is a major centre for skiing and snowboarding in Scotland. In early October, when you plan to visit, there may be snow on the mountain peaks, though snowfall is quite rare in the village itself. Since you should expect the cool and changeable weather typical of the Highlands, you should pack warm and waterproof clothing in case you need to bundle up.
Why is Aviemore so popular?
Aviemore is a year-round outdoor resort on the outskirts of the Cairngorms National Park and considered one of the most famous resorts of its kind in Scotland. In this small town, you can go skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, fishing, and golfing; it’s also an ideal starting point for exploring the Whisky Trail and taking trips to Loch Ness. Thanks to convenient rail connections to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, this destination is easy to reach even without a car.
Is Aviemore a nice town?
Yes. Aviemore is a small village in the Highlands, stretching along Grampian Road. Here, independent shops, cafes, pubs, and speciality outdoor stores are all clustered together, and there’s a warm, cozy atmosphere in the air. The Cairngorms rise in the background, and the Cairngorm Hotel, located across from the train station in the centre of the village, continues to uphold the tradition of warm Scottish hospitality.
Is there much to do in Aviemore?
Plenty. Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway, walk or cycle in Rothiemurchus Estate, play a round at Spey Valley Golf Course, or tour Cairngorm Brewery. Further afield you can head up into the Cairngorms for hiking or winter sports, follow the Whisky Trail, or take a day trip to Loch Ness. Evenings in Aviemore mean pubs, live music and quiz nights.
How should you spend a day in Aviemore?
Then the hotel’ll board the Stratspay steam train at the station across from the hotel. Spend the afternoon, you can take a walk in the woods or go for a bike ride around the Rotimurkas estate, and then have lunch there or return to the village for lunch. Spend the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Kerngorm brewery and finally wrap up the day at the Kerngorm hotel, enjoying dinner and a drink. On weekends, you can also listen to live music there.
You might also love
Buckland Manor 🌿 Cotswolds country stay
A 13th-century manor with ten acres of gardens 🫖
The View at The White Horse 🏞️ Peak District stay
Country inn with valley-view balconies near Ogston Reservoir 🌄
Annesdale House 🏡 Quiet Windermere stay
Family-run guest suites with Orrest Head on the doorstep 🌿
