Fingal Hotel, a floating hotel on Alexandra Dock in Leith, has been named Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards, beating top-rated stays from across Europe. The five-star vessel has also been crowned Scotland's Leading Boutique Hotel at the same ceremony, becoming the first Scottish hotel to take home the European title.
A Historic Ship Turned Luxury Hotel
The Fingal was originally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1963 and was the last ship built by the Blythswood Shipbuilding Company in Glasgow. After more than three decades of service across Scotland, it retired in 2000.
Following a £5 million conversion, the ship opened as a luxury hotel in 2019, featuring 23 luxury cabins and the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar, which has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
Nominated for Global Prize
Fingal Hotel is also nominated for the World's Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards, a title repeatedly won by hotels in South Africa. Voting for the award is open until October 30.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Fingal Hotel wrote: "Double celebration aboard Fingal! We're delighted to have been named Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel and Scotland's Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2026."
Other Scottish Winners
The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street won Europe's Leading Spirit Tourism Experience, while The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery in the Scottish Highlands took Europe's Leading Whisky Distillery Tour.
Several other Scottish businesses were recognised in the awards, including Glenlivet, Hilton Glasgow, and Rabbie's. Fans of the floating hotel shared congratulations on social media, with one person writing: "Congratulations to the whole team! While Fingal is indeed beautiful, it’s the team who make it that bit more special."
