EDINBURGH’S FINGAL CROWNED AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH’S FINGAL CROWNED AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR SCOTLAND

Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel, Fingal, has been crowned AA Hotel of the Year Scotland.

Permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront, Fingal has sailed to the top of the AA’s prestigious list of hotels in Scotland for the first time.. 

The AA Hospitality Awards span 15 categories, each curated and judged by AA inspectors to select the best hotels and restaurants across the UK.

This year’s AA Hospitality Awards were staged at JW Marriott Grosvenor House and were hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster, Claudia Winkleman. 

They singled out Fingal for the top accolade and praised the exceptional quality of the ship’s stylish interior design, meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience.

Opened in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender was developed and is managed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Fingal is now a world-class foodie destination with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance. 

An AA Inspector said of Fingal: ‘Fingal was built on the Clyde and has a rich history of service as a support vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board. 

‘Now permanently moored in Leith and owned by The Royal Britannia Trust, the ship was lovingly restored and converted into the luxury hotel it is today with this process being respectful to the history and service of this ship. 

‘Unique luxury bedrooms cater well for the needs of the modern guest. Award-winning food with fantastic surroundings from a professional and skilful team. 

‘Great hospitality is shown as well as warm and genuine customer care. This is a hotel experience unlike any other that Edinburgh can offer.’

Fingal’s hotel manager Mari-Nel Scorer, said: ‘It’s with great pride that Fingal has been recognised by the AA as Scotland’s Hotel of the Year for our commitment to offering a world-class visitor experience to all our guests. 

‘This prestigious title is a real testament to the dedication and professionalism of our entire crew, who work tirelessly to ensure everything is shipshape.

‘The inspectors paid particular attention to the exceptional quality of Fingal’s stylish interior design, our meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience in the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.’

Read more news and reviews on Scottish Field’s food and drink pages, in association with Cask & Still magazine.

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