What’s the Fingal vibe?

Opened earlier this year, Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board Ship, has been transformed into a luxury floating hotel on the banks of Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith. The first hotel from The Royal Yacht Britannia’s trading company, Fingal’s 23 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses and are inspired by her rich maritime heritage.

The luxury hotel liner, Fingal

Choose from a beautiful cabin with private deck, a duplex cabin with comfortable living space or the stunning Skeeyvore Suite with extensive outdoor space to relax and entertain. This new hotel is another fun option for weekend breaks in the UK. 

What we love

The decadent ballroom on board Fingal

There’s something uber elegant about stepping aboard this iconic ship and the sumptuous fit-out certainly sets the tone for a city break unlike any other. The miniature luxury liner provides sophistication around every wood panelled corner, with Art Deco detailing, polished teak floors, dappled brass, a curved central staircase and a glittering spherical glass elevator (both nods to lighthouse architecture and form), a double height ballroom and a dining room teeming with maritime accents.

The Leith docks are also a treasure trove of great restaurants, while still being a ten-minute taxi ride to the city centre.

Where to stay

The cabins provide welcome nods to Fingal’s rich maritime heritage without steering close to cliched tweeness. Small portholes offer views out, while above the bed embossed headboards depict the seascape and location of the lighthouse each cabin is named after.

Fingal’s luxury cabin

The décor is keenly curated with a captain’s swivel chair, tactile fabrics and on each bed a custom-made Fingal tartan throw made by local weaver Araminta Campbell. Davy lamps and honey-hued panelling complet the luxury liner look. In the bathroom, the emerald green tiled shower adds a luxurious ocean link, while handsome heavy brass taps and opulent Art Deco lighting provide the glamour.

Where to eat and drink

The highlight of our stay was the Lighthouse Bar, located behind the bridge. With views out along the bow (guests can also sit out on deck when the weather is kind), this elegant dining space feels positively regal complete with a glamorous brass ceiling, cosy booths and an Art Deco cocktail bar.

Fingal’s restaurant and bar

The restaurant is open to non-hotel guests as well and the menu reflects the best of Scotland’s larder – the afternoon tea was a triumph.

What to write home about…

The 237ft Fingal ship sits a stone’s throw away from its sister ship, The Royal Brittania. After sailing the royal family around the world for more than 40 years, The Royal Brittania was decommissioned in the late 1990s and has made its new home in Leith. Several of the crew members on board Fingal are shared with the Brittania, so guests can expect service fit for a king.