I checked into these 5 Leith hotels and checked out (very) happy!
Exhausted by overpriced hotel rooms, a lack of sea views, or disappointing breakfast services? Been there. For my family, our hotel experiences should be different from the comforts we have at home. Not the same, but better. Otherwise, what’s the point?
I travel a lot to write, and sometimes bring my sons in tow. This is why I’ve somewhat become a getaway guru, sifting through the best and worst accommodations in the city. My most recent trip was to Leith, and I’m surprised by the lovely options I had!
So whether you’re a weekend traveller, city-break couple, or luxury seeker, I’ve got you covered with my review of the best Leith hotels below.
How I Chose The Best Leith Hotels
1. Fingal Hotel
Address: Alexandra Dock, Edinburgh
Phone: +44 131 357 5000, [email protected]
Business hours: Mon-Sun: 12:30pm – 9:30pm
Two miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, the Fingal Hotel is a unique, 5-star hotel offering a luxurious time. I’m in awe that this is basically a fancy, refurbished ship permanently docked in the Port of Leith!
Moreover, I think its location is convenient for travellers, given that it’s 10 mi (approx. 16 km) from the Edinburgh Airport. I also love that it’s only a mile (approx. 1.6 km) from the Trinity House Maritime Museum if you want to sightsee.
For me, its cabins look lavish with their brass fixtures. Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, porthole windows, and even underfloor heating for a comfier stay.
If you want more space, I suggest going for the duplex cabins since these include separate living areas. Or if you want to amp it up, I believe the penthouse suite is the best with its separate dining area and private deck.
Likewise, it has a restaurant serving a full Scottish breakfast, and I appreciate that this is already included in the price.
There’s also a posh cocktail bar with outdoor seating and port views—wonderful for a romantic date night, I say. Should you like to dance, it’s got an Art Deco-style ballroom too!
However, its premium cabins are highly popular with limited availability. If interested, I recommend booking weeks to months in advance so you can secure a slot.
Absolutely Exceptional
“Our stay at Fingal was absolutely exceptional. The service was impeccable from start to finish. The food at The Lighthouse Restaurant was the best we had in Edinburgh – truly unforgettable. The hotel itself is quiet, quaint, and beautifully restored, offering such a unique experience on this historic boat. We loved the thoughtful touches – a champagne bottle waiting in our room upon arrival and nightly turndown service with chocolates. Everything felt special and carefully curated. This hotel is a must-stay in Edinburgh. Highly recommend!”
– Ms. Myeasha Burgess, Google Review
Excellent Service
“Stayed at The Fingal in luxury duplex room…….upon arrival we were greeted by a meticulously attired crew who went out of their way to be helpful…… The room and facility’s were exceptional…. The evening meal, and breakfast were excellent and once again the service was excellent…….. the way that the ship is structured with viewing gantry of the old engine room etc is SO well done…… for a stay with a difference this experience is A MUST…. The level of service of the staff should be used as a measuring stick to other establishments ……. Well Done……. A very impressed Aussie family thank you!!”
– Mr. Rick Bruce, Google Review
2. Ocean Mist
Address: 14 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh
Phone: +44 131 322 3330, [email protected]
Wishing for water views? Ocean Mist is a boutique accommodation converted from an elegant 1919 boat! I adore its panoramic sights over the Water of Leith, and I think this amplifies its charming, early 20th-century vibe as well.
I also find it handy that guests can sneak in some exercise by walking to the nearby attractions. This hotel is a 4-minute walk from The Shore tram stop, a 10-minute walk from the Royal Yacht Britannia, and a mile (approx. 1.6 km) from Newhaven Harbour.
As for the rooms, I bet many would love the Art Deco-style furnishings. And in addition to the complete amenities with Wi-Fi, coffeemaker, and sitting areas, you can get separate living rooms when you upgrade to a suite.
Prefer light meals in the morning? I reckon you’ll enjoy the continental breakfast. There’s also a cosy bar offering leather Chesterfield sofas and a terrace, as well as great views of the Victoria Sing Bridge and Edinburgh Castle.
That said, this hotel doesn’t have a spa or gym, in case you need these wellness spaces. This option mainly focuses on cabins and dining.
Beautiful
“Beautiful hotel in a converted ship. Spacious well appointed rooms. Close to many good restaurants and cafes. Far enough away from hustle and bustle of city center, but still easily accessible via nearby tram or bus. Crew was amazing. Highly recommend!”
– Mr. Dustin Morgan, Google Review
Different and Interesting Experience
“Staying on the Ocean Mist is an experience in itself. It’s different and interesting. The location is incredibly convenient and there are nice places to walk and good local restaurants.”
– Ms. Barbara Mccullagh, Google Review
3. Malmaison Edinburgh
Address: 1 Tower Pl, Leith, Edinburgh
Phone: +44 131 285 1478, [email protected]
Malmaison Edinburgh is a modern 4-star hotel on a cobblestone street in the trendy waterfront Leith district. I reckon history buffs would love this, given that it’s set in an 1883 building with a rich maritime background.
I also adore its elegant rooms with sophisticated, tartan (a traditional crisscrossed pattern of interwoven stripes) accents, as well as mood lighting, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.
In my opinion, its suites are pretty chic too! Aside from the seating areas and 4-poster beds, they have high-quality Bose stereos and stunning harbour views.
Those who want to chill out can enjoy the swanky bar or a brasserie (casual French restaurant) with a terrace. You can also choose private dining to celebrate a special occasion.
For those going on a shopping spree, I believe it’s helpful that this accommodation is only about a 3-minute walk from the shops on Princes Street. Plus, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Royal Yacht Britannia and 2 mi (approx. 3.22 km) from the city centre.
Even better, I’m delighted by the fact that this hotel welcomes dogs! It’s got pet-friendly rooms, so you don’t have to leave your pups out of your fun getaway.
Still, it can get a tad noisy here due to the nightlife nearby. For me, it’s best to contact the staff in advance so you can be placed in a quieter room.
Would Stay Here Again
“We loved being on the water and the tram is a five minute walk and will take you straight into town and even to the airport. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would stay here again. And they greeted us with hors d’oeuvres!!”
– Ms. Linda Munoz, Google Review
Had a Great Stay
“We had a great stay during our business trip. All the staff were really nice and helpful, and a special thanks to Hana who took care of us every morning at breakfast,she was so kind and made our mornings better! 🌟”
– Ms. Reema Rsh, Google Review
4. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront by IHG
Address: Britannia Way, Ocean Dr, Edinburgh
Phone: +44 371 902 1610, [email protected]
If you want to spend more on shopping than on your accommodation, Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh is a 3-star hub that I think is worth exploring. For one, it’s only about a 2-minute walk to Ocean Terminal’s indoor shopping mall.
The rooms might also look simple, but I think they’re functional enough with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and Wi-Fi. And you’ll have to ask the staff about this, but some rooms include pull-out sofas!
Additionally, I find it helpful that guests can get a complimentary cooked or continental breakfast. But if you want to dine outside, I like that this hotel is just a 5-minute bus ride to a casual dockside pub.
Other things are also available at a cost. This includes laundry facilities and the option to bring your pet.
Just note that some rooms might lack standout views. It’s wise to ask the staff for assistance and to get better options available.
Very Clean and Great Rooms
“Very clean and great rooms. Very comfortable bed. A very nice breakfast but very crowded as well. On the water front, very close to the Britannia ship. Easy to walk along the waterfront and some wonderful restaurants at the pier house. there is a fee for parking with a discount as a hotel guest”
– Mr. Anthony August, Google Review
Clean Rooms and Polite Staff
“I have stayed there many times for work, nice clean rooms and polite staff. 👍”
– Mr. Jonathan Horsley, Google Review
5. Sandaig Guest House
Address: 5 E Hermitage Pl, Edinburgh
Phone: +44 131 554 7357, [email protected]
Feel like stepping back in time through your getaway? Sandaig Guest House is an upscale, family-run bed and breakfast occupying 2 Victorian townhouses bordering Leith Links Park.
I also bet tourists would love to explore outside, given that it’s only about 1.4 mi (approx. 2.25 km) from the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the official royal residence in Scotland!
For me, its rooms are quite immersive with their traditional atmosphere and modern touches of en suite shower-only bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. I love the flat-screens with DVD players too, taking many guests back to a simpler, nostalgic time.
Although, only some rooms showcase 4-poster or sleigh beds, while some provide park views. It’s smart to weigh your priorities in advance.
Depending on your preference, you can also have your complimentary breakfast served in-room or in the fancy dining room. Other perks include a lounge and free parking.
But the way I see it, this B&B isn’t as modern or trendy as other bigger or boutique hotels around. There aren’t that many other on-site facilities either, but I reckon you’re in for a treat if you want that snug, cosy feel.
Lovely Stay
“Lovely stay for first trip to Scotland. Close to the centre. Team were all so friendly and welcoming and really set the tone for the stay. It was clean and comfortable and had small quirks to it such aa biscuits and sherry complimentary. The rate was higher than I expected for this kind of stay but I imagine that it is due to seasonality and occupancy, I also would’ve loved an option of breakfast as we would definitely have had it if so but otherwise an amazing stay. Thank you.”
– Mr. Dominick Wiseman, Google Review
Such a Wonderful Time
“I highly recommend The Sandaig if you’re going to be in Leith or Edinburgh, we had such a wonderful time there. Check in was seamless and Luke was so nice, gave us a jug of orange juice when we went out for the day and had another ready for us on our return. An all round wonderful experience. I highly recommend this place. The rooms were also really clean and comfortable. They also had a cot in our room ready for our baby. Beautiful experience.”
– Ms. Aina Oluwasegun, Google Review