About the award

Introduced in 1992, this award is the AA’s ultimate accolade for hotels in the UK. It is awarded to hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market. From the small family-run hotel to the most ambitious commercial ventures, hotels of every size and style are potential winners.

Fingal, Edinburgh 

It’s not often that a truly unique hotel comes along, but Fingal is just that. This former lighthouse tender ship had a long career around the wild Scottish coasts, ferrying lighthouse keepers and essential supplies for the Northern Lighthouse Board. Now retired to Leith Docks and transformed into a luxury floating hotel, it marries glamour and elegance in a way that only yachts or ships can.

Fingal is operated by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, while HRH Princess Anne is a former passenger and now visitor to the hotel, which has 22 cabins and suites named after Scottish lighthouses. All show no little maritime ingenuity in their use of space. Plenty of luxury touches include rich cotton linens and quality toiletries. The high staff to guest ratio means lots of interaction and personalised service. Guests can explore the preserved engine room and enjoy lots of relaxation space on the decks.