Spending a Night on a Luxury Floating Hotel: A Unique $430 Adventure

For our recent trip to Scotland, my partner and I wanted to indulge in a memorable experience for one of our nights.

We decided to stay on Fingal, a sophisticated floating hotel located at Alexandra Dock in Leith, Edinburgh.

This grand vessel, once a Northern Lighthouse Board ship, was transformed into an upscale hotel through a £5 million investment by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, opening its doors to guests in 2019.

Spending the night in a classic cabin on this ship came to $430. Let me share the experience.

A Comfortable and Inviting Cabin

The hotel has only 22 cabins. Our suite offered luxury despite being the standard option.

Twin portholes filled the room with light, and the door led straight to the deck, where a king-size bed promised comfort.

Splendid Bathroom and Unique Decor

Upon arrival, we found our bathroom prepared with plush robes and slippers.

The ambiance was emphasized by marble details, glossy green tiles, and an expansive walk-in rain shower—stocked with Noble Isle luxury toiletries.

Thoughtful Touches in the Room

The room featured a large TV showing images of the ship with time and date, and offered streaming or satellite channel options.

I appreciated the minibar, neatly built into a mirrored nook above the mini-fridge, perfect for making cocktails.

Culinary Delights at Sea

Dining at The Lighthouse Restaurant was a centerpiece of our visit.

The menu, revolving and featuring local ingredients, included items like smoked salmon and guinea fowl during our stay.

We explored a three-course menu paired with wine, both reasonably priced and exquisitely described by an attentive sommelier.

Non-guests can also book tables in the restaurant.

A Memorable Bar Experience

The bar brought back cruise ship memories in a positive way.

It was comfortable, the staff affable, and our time there included enjoying margaritas while other guests savored mixologist-crafted drinks.

Relaxing in the Lounge

One of my preferred spots was the lounge at the restaurant's far end, perfect for reading or simply looking out over the water from soft leather sofas.

The space's doors opened to the deck, fueling daydreams of seeing distant shores.

Breakfast Onboard

Mornings brought a tableside breakfast service with a menu that catered to a variety of tastes.

We opted for traditional fare, including dishes like haggis, beans, black pudding, and customizable eggs.

The meal was delightful.

Reflections on Our Stay

A $400-plus per night expense is significant, but this stay transcended a typical hotel night.

Fingal embodied a calm maritime voyage without any threat of seasickness.

From rope handrails and portholes to the red carpeted gangway, the ambiance felt properly nautical.

I would highly encourage anyone visiting Edinburgh to consider a stay onboard Fingal.