This was my second visit to Aviemore and last time I was there I visited a friend who was staying at the Macdonald so I had really wanted to go back.

We stayed in the lower priced building - the academy but could still use the facilities of the other hotels in the resort. The bars in the academy were closed and the family room was like a sports/working mans club with kids toys in. There was also a cockroach on the floor in this room. This didnt stop us having fun though as we used the giant connect 4 and air hockey quite a bit. We also managed to get the TV on and watch the rugby as there was no one else in this room (apart from the roach of course).

The room was adequate and we only paid £25 per person for three beds. It was cold though and one bed only had one blanket on - no duvet. The view from the room was wonderful. We went for breakfast in the four seasons and it was lovely and a class apart from our hotel. The food was nice and it was a self serve scottish breakfast. It was nicer than our evening meal in the italian resturant which has a quite expensive and very very average menu.

The staff were also eastern european and it was hard getting information sometimes.

The highlight is the swimming pool - we had our young neice with us who loved the large slide and wave machine. Its not a pool to exercise in but a holiday style childrens pool. The jacuzzi was broken and we didnt use the steam room etc.

They serve starbucks coffee and have a great shop. There is lots of parking.

The highlands are amazing and stuning but my husband says aviemore reminds him of blackpool. there is some truth in that in a funny way. its made of concrete and has no style. there are few very functional shops - eg tesco and blacks.

Both times I have been the skiing was closed. once - too much snow, this time - too little snow and killer winds...humm not really a ski resort then.

Aviemore is also a very expensive place to visit for food etc.

Tips - stay at Loch Insh watersports and ski lodges - its great and well priced for b&b. They have a sauna and a lovely bar and resturant area. Also visit the house of bruar on the way up to Aviemore its fab for scones and cake and a good shop.