Fingal is a beautifully restored luxury floating hotel located in the historic port of Leith, Edinburgh. Formerly a lighthouse tender, this unique accommodation features elegantly designed cabins with modern amenities while preserving its maritime character. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront, dine in the on-site restaurant, and relax in the atmospheric lounge. The hotel is named after the famous Scottish poet Fingal, adding a touch of literary charm to the experience. With its blend of history and luxury, Fingal provides a one-of-a-kind stay for visitors exploring Edinburgh.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 5.0 969
- Google 4.9 568
- Expedia 5.0 383
- Priceline 5.0 3
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Complimentary access to Royal Yacht Britannia Guests receive complimentary tickets to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, a popular nearby attraction. This adds value to the stay and provides an opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history.
- Convenient location with easy access to Edinburgh Situated in Leith, the hotel is near a tram stop, providing convenient access to Edinburgh's city center. The location also offers a quieter atmosphere away from the city's hustle and bustle.
- Delicious dining experience The Lighthouse Restaurant offers amazing food, prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented beautifully. The breakfast is also highly praised, with freshly prepared options and attentive service.
- Exceptional, personalized service Staff consistently go above and beyond, providing attentive and friendly service. Guests are made to feel special through personalized touches and a genuine interest in ensuring a memorable stay.
- Unique and luxurious accommodations The Fingal offers a one-of-a-kind experience with beautifully restored Art Deco interiors and spacious, comfortable cabins. The attention to detail and high-quality amenities provide a truly luxurious stay.
Criticised
- Bathroom extractor fan The bathroom extractor fan may not be efficient enough. This causes mirrors to steam up quickly and take time to clear.
- Expensive Dining While the food quality is high, the restaurant is considered pricey by several guests. It may not be suitable for travelers on a budget or those looking for more affordable dining options.
- Leith Location may not suit everyone Although convenient, the hotel's location in Leith requires a tram ride to reach Edinburgh's city center. Some travelers might prefer staying in a more central location.
- Quirky Room Design Rooms are carved from the ship's interior. While spacious, some may find the small porthole windows and unusual layout a drawback.
- Vacuum Toilets Some guests find the vacuum toilet system noisy and reminiscent of an airplane lavatory. This can be disruptive, especially if other guests use the facilities during the night.
The longer read
Fingal, a luxury floating hotel in Edinburgh's Leith area, offers a unique and memorable experience consistently praised by guests. The hotel is a meticulously restored ship with Art Deco interiors, combining nautical history and modern elegance. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional service, noting the staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a special stay. Guests frequently mention personalized touches such as welcome notes, chocolates upon arrival, and turndown service. The staff is also noted for providing helpful advice on local attractions, transportation, and dining options. The hotel's location in Leith is generally viewed positively, offering a quieter atmosphere away from the city center's hustle, with convenient tram access to Edinburgh's main attractions and proximity to the Royal Yacht Britannia, for which complimentary tickets are often included. The rooms, named after lighthouses, are described as spacious, luxurious, and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds with high-quality linens, luxury toiletries, and thoughtful decor that reflects the ship's heritage. While some rooms have porthole windows instead of traditional windows, the overall comfort and quality of the accommodations are consistently praised. The dining experience at The Lighthouse Restaurant receives high marks for its amazing food, excellent service, and beautifully prepared dishes, though some reviewers find it to be a bit expensive. The breakfast, often included, is described as outstanding, with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a wide variety of options. The hotel's unique features, such as the Engine Room and access to the Royal Yacht Britannia, are highlighted as significant attractions. The Fingal is well-suited for romantic getaways, special occasions, and anyone seeking a distinctive and luxurious hotel experience. The hotel's cleanliness and attention to detail are also frequently mentioned, contributing to an overall sense of luxury and comfort. Transportation to Edinburgh city center is convenient via a tram stop located near the hotel. While some reviewers noted the vacuum toilet system can be noisy, the overall consensus is that the Fingal provides an exceptional and unforgettable stay, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking a unique and luxurious experience in Edinburgh.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 44-01313575000
- Website
- fingal.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=hotel-fingal
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bathrobes
- Bridal Suite
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
- Conference Room
- Family Rooms
- Housekeeping
- Internet
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 5.0 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What makes Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel different from traditional hotels in Edinburgh?
- What types of rooms and amenities are available at Fingal in Edinburgh?
- What dining options and culinary experiences does Fingal offer its guests?
- How convenient is Fingal's location for exploring Edinburgh and nearby attractions?
- What types of travelers or occasions is Fingal best suited for in Edinburgh?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.