{"id":566902,"date":"2025-11-13T04:53:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T04:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/566902\/"},"modified":"2025-11-13T04:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T04:53:16","slug":"the-scottish-luxury-floating-hotel-that-was-crowned-quirkiest-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/566902\/","title":{"rendered":"The Scottish luxury &#8216;floating hotel&#8217; that was crowned quirkiest in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;The restaurant is really romantic too.&#8221;This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/affiliates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_The-crew-of-the-Fingal.jpg\" alt=\"The crew of the Fingal\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Scotland&#8217;s &#8220;quirkiest&#8221; hotel has been named(Image: Jane Barlow \/ PA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The &#8220;quirkiest hotels&#8221; in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/scotland-now\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"ScotlandLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Scotland<\/a> were recently named in a new list and placing first was a one-of-a-kind &#8216;floating hotel&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">On October 25, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes.com\/travel\/destinations\/uk-travel\/quirkiest-hotels-in-the-uk-073wgmh35?ref=ed_direct\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Times published Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Times published <\/a>a roundup of &#8220;21 of the quirkiest hotels in the UK&#8221;. A total of three Scottish hotels are featured, with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1529444&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgb%2Ffingal-edinburgh.en-gb.html&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyrecord.co.uk%2Fscotland-now%2Fscottish-luxury-floating-hotel-crowned-36202536\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"FingalLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Fingal<\/a> in Edinburgh topping the overall list.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">Fingal is a luxury floating hotel situated in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/all-about\/edinburgh\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"the Scottish capital&#039;sLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">the Scottish capital&#8217;s<\/a> Leith district, featuring 22 cabins and decks. A former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, it also includes a multi award-winning restaurant.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/scotland-now\/scotlands-whisky-island-named-top-36199865\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Scotland&#039;s &#039;whisky island&#039; named top travel destination in Europe for 2026Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Scotland&#8217;s &#8216;whisky island&#8217; named top travel destination in Europe for 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/scotland-now\/scottish-city-distillery-launches-first-36197122\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Scottish city distillery launches &#039;first ever&#039; Santa Dash this DecemberLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Scottish city distillery launches &#8216;first ever&#8217; Santa Dash this December<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">All of the Fingal&#8217;s cabins are inspired by its nautical history, and feature king size beds and porthole windows. There are also larger suites, some of which are set out over two levels, that include freestanding baths, dining and living spaces, and more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">Meanwhile, the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar on the top deck has been previously awarded two AA Rosettes. The restaurant serves dinner\u2014with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/all-about\/food\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"dishesLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">dishes<\/a> available including salmon and red deer\u2014as well as breakfast, afternoon tea, and cream tea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The Times praised Fingal for its &#8220;art deco style&#8221; and &#8220;oceangoing grandeur&#8221;. The newspaper also applauded the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar, as well as the private tours that are on offer at an additional <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/lifestyle\/money\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"costLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">cost<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_Fingal-Edinburgh-cabin.jpg\" alt=\"Fingal Edinburgh cabin\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Fingal(Image: Handout)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The Times wrote: &#8220;You may not be able to sail on the Royal Yacht Britannia, but you can sleep on a restored ship moored along the Leith waterfront in Edinburgh. It\u2019s been kitted out in art deco style, with gleaming wood, curvy lines, warm colours and portholes peeping out over the water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">&#8220;The nicest rooms are the split-level duplexes, which really capture a sense of oceangoing grandeur. The restaurant is really romantic, too\u2014and if you want to push the boat out, you can book special packages that include a private tour and dinner on the Royal Yacht.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">Elsewhere, following behind in second place on The Times&#8217; list of the quirkiest hotels in the UK is <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1529444&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgb%2Fthe-witchery-by-the-castle.en-gb.html&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyrecord.co.uk%2Fscotland-now%2Fscottish-floating-hotel-crowned-quirkiest-36202536\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Witchery by the CastleLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Witchery by the Castle<\/a>. Also situated in Edinburgh, it is a five-star hotel housed in a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1595 at the gates of Edinburgh Castle.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_The-Witchery-by-the-Castle-guest-room.jpg\" alt=\"The Witchery by the Castle guest room\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>The Witchery by the Castle(Image: Booking.com)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The Witchery by the Castle features nine suites that each have unique features, such as walk-in dressing rooms, love seats, and tapestries. Meanwhile, its restaurant showcases Scottish fine dining in a 16th century oak-panelled and candlelit dining room.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The Times highlighted The Witchery by the Castle for its gothic interiors and &#8220;peculiarity&#8221;. It singled out features such as candelabras and stone staircases.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The newspaper stated: &#8220;Go for gothic extravagance on the Royal Mile. Run by the restaurateur James Thomson, this place offers nine wildly over-the-top suites straight out of a Bram Stoker story\u2014with tapestries, candelabras, stone staircases, wooden panels and gilded paintings galore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">&#8220;Each suite has its own peculiarity: the Inner Sanctum is stuffed with antiques, the Vestry has a headboard crafted from organ pipes, and the Library has a bathroom hidden behind a secret bookcase. Some also offer fine views of Edinburgh, especially the Turret Room.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The third and final Scottish hotel to be named among the &#8220;quirkiest&#8221; in the UK was the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1529444&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgb%2Fcorsewall-lighthouse.en-gb.html&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyrecord.co.uk%2Fscotland-now%2Fscottish-floating-hotel-crowned-quirkiest-36202536\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel <\/a>in Dumfries and Galloway.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_Corsewall-Lighthouse-Hotel-exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel exterior\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel(Image: Booking.com)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The hotel, set within former lighthouse keepers&#8217; accommodation, features rooms with private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs and a restaurant that serves up a five-course fine dining menu.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">The Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel was praised by The Times for its &#8220;stirring views&#8221; out over the Irish Sea to Ailsa Craig. The hotel&#8217;s friendly and knowledgeable staff were also applauded.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"dailyrecord\">More information about Fingal can be found <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1529444&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgb%2Ffingal-edinburgh.en-gb.html&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyrecord.co.uk%2Fscotland-now%2Fscottish-floating-hotel-crowned-quirkiest-36202536\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"on Booking.comLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">on Booking.com<\/a>. Meanwhile, the full list of the quirkiest hotels in the UK can be found on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes.com\/travel\/destinations\/uk-travel\/quirkiest-hotels-in-the-uk-073wgmh35?ref=ed_direct\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Times websiteLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Times website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"&#8220;The restaurant is really romantic too.&#8221;This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":566903,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8816],"tags":[748,1102,4884,2406,712,5007,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-566902","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-edinburgh","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-edinburgh","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-holidays","12":"tag-scotland","13":"tag-staycations","14":"tag-uk","15":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115540604893529771","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/566902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=566902"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/566902\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/566903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=566902"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=566902"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=566902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}