Honestly, the Trossachs is one of those places that feels like a cheat code for relaxation. You drive an hour out of Glasgow, the air gets thinner and colder, and suddenly you’re staring at Loch Ard. Right there, tucked into the hillside, sits the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa. It’s a bit of a local legend. If you’ve spent any time in central Scotland, you’ve probably heard someone rave about the views here, but there is a lot more to the place than just a nice window seat.
People come here for the quiet. That’s the big draw.
The hotel itself has this weirdly perfect mix of old-school Scottish charm and modern resort vibes. It isn't just one building; it’s a sprawling estate that includes the main hotel and a bunch of self-catering apartments that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of a Swiss alpine village. It feels grand. It feels expensive, even when you snag a deal. But most importantly, it feels like it belongs in the forest.
What You’re Actually Getting at Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa
Let’s talk about the rooms because that is where most people start their search. If you book into the main hotel, you’re getting that classic Macdonald Hotels aesthetic. Think heavy fabrics, solid furniture, and beds that are basically clouds.
Some of the rooms overlook the gardens, while the "feature" rooms aim right for the Loch. If you can swing the upgrade, do it. Waking up to the mist rolling off Loch Ard is genuinely transformative. It makes you want to start a garden or write a novel.
Then you have the resort side. These are the apartments. They are great for families or groups who don't want to deal with the formality of a hotel lobby every time they want a coffee. You get your own kitchen, a balcony, and enough space to actually breathe. It’s a different vibe—more "home away from home" and less "pampered guest."
✨ Don't miss: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
The Spa and Why It Matters
The "Spa" part of the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa name isn't just marketing fluff. They take it seriously. There is a 18-metre pool that is actually big enough to swim laps in, which is a rarity for many highland hotels that usually offer something more like a glorified bathtub.
They use Elemis products. If you know, you know.
The thermal suite is where you’ll spend most of your time. Saunas, steam rooms, and those "experience showers" that either blast you with tropical mist or ice-cold needles. It’s glorious. You can feel the stress of the M8 motorway just evaporating off your skin.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets busy. On Saturdays, it can feel a bit crowded with day-passers and wedding parties. If you want the "silent sanctuary" experience, try to hit the pool before 9:00 AM or stay on a Tuesday. The difference in energy is night and day.
Eating Your Way Through the Trossachs
Food is always a point of contention in Scottish hotels. You either get world-class local produce or something that feels like it came out of a microwave. Thankfully, the Garden Restaurant here leans heavily into the former.
🔗 Read more: Why the Nutty Putty Cave Seal is Permanent: What Most People Get Wrong About the John Jones Site
They do the whole "provenance" thing properly. We’re talking Scottish beef, hand-dived scallops, and cheeses that have names of farms you can actually visit.
- The breakfast is a beast. Full Scottish, obviously. Stornoway black pudding is the star of the plate.
- The Rafters Bar and Bistro is the more casual spot. Go there for a burger or a pint of local ale after a hike.
- Afternoon tea is a whole event. Scones, clotted cream, the works. It’s very "Sunday afternoon with the parents," but in the best way possible.
The service is usually spot on, though, like anywhere in the Highlands, it operates on "Scottish time." It’s relaxed. Don't go in expecting a three-minute turnaround on your steak. Sit back, look at the trees, and have another glass of wine.
The Activity Hub: Not Just for Sitting Around
If you get bored of the sauna, the hotel sits right on the edge of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This is prime hiking territory. You have Ben Lomond nearby if you want a "Munro" to brag about, but even the low-level walks around the hotel are stunning.
There’s an activity center on-site too. You can do archery, fly fishing, or rent mountain bikes. They even have some water sports on Loch Ard during the warmer months. It’s one of the few places in Scotland where you can be genuinely active during the day and then fall into a high-end spa circuit by 4:00 PM.
The Reality Check: What to Watch Out For
Look, no hotel is perfect. The Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa is a large estate, and that means some parts of it feel a little more "lived-in" than others. While the common areas and the spa are generally top-tier, some of the older apartments can feel a bit dated if you’re expecting ultra-modern minimalism.
💡 You might also like: Atlantic Puffin Fratercula Arctica: Why These Clown-Faced Birds Are Way Tougher Than They Look
Parking can also be a bit of a scramble if there’s a wedding on. And there is almost always a wedding on. It’s one of the most popular venues in the area for a reason—the backdrop for photos is unbeatable—but it does mean the bar can get loud and the lobby can get hectic.
Connectivity is another thing. You’re in the middle of a forest. The Wi-Fi is fine for checking emails, but don't expect to stream 4K video without a hitch. Honestly, you should probably put your phone away anyway. That’s kind of the point of coming here.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
If you're planning a trip, don't just book the first room you see on a travel site. Here is how you actually do it right.
- Check for Macdonald "Leisure Breaks": They often run deals that include dinner, bed, and breakfast plus a spa treatment. It’s almost always cheaper than booking everything separately.
- Request a High Floor: If you're in the main hotel, the views get significantly better the higher you go.
- Book Your Spa Slots Early: Don't wait until you arrive. The treatment rooms fill up weeks in advance, especially for weekend stays.
- Explore Aberfoyle: The nearby village of Aberfoyle is charming. It’s got some great little shops and is the gateway to the Duke’s Pass, which is one of the most scenic drives in the UK.
The Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa isn't trying to be a hip, trendy boutique hotel in the center of Edinburgh. It knows exactly what it is: a comfortable, slightly grand, very peaceful retreat for people who need to get away from the noise.
Whether you’re there to hike the hills or just sit in the steam room until you turn into a prune, it delivers. It's a solid, dependable piece of Scottish hospitality.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your travel dates: Aim for a mid-week stay if you want to avoid the wedding crowds and save roughly 30% on room rates.
- Check the weather: The Trossachs are beautiful in the rain, but if you plan on hiking, ensure you have waterproof gear as the trails around Loch Ard can turn into muddy streams quickly.
- Call the spa directly: Sometimes the online booking system shows no availability for treatments when there are actually cancellations. A quick phone call can often squeeze you in for a massage.