The 8 BEST Loony Dook Hotels in Edinburgh 2026
Discover handy hotel options for reaching the Loony Dook and enjoying South Queensferry’s New Year celebrations. Finding a hotel near the Loony Dook can be tricky as Hogmanay crowds fill nearby rooms. This list helps you find convenient stays for the New Year’s Day dip.
The Hawes Inn, 7 Newhalls Road, Queensferry
A fireside pub stay beside the Loony Dook shoreline. You’re right beside the Forth Bridge in a historic inn with characterful rooms and river views. After the cold-water dip, head for the attached pub’s log fire and seasonal dishes. Hawes Pier, by the Loony Dook shoreline, is right beside the inn. It’s a welcoming, down-to-earth stay for dookers who want the warm-up close at hand.
17 High Street, Queensferry
Waterside rooms and relaxed bars in the heart of Queensferry. You wake in a stylish room by the Firth of Forth, with many rooms looking out over the water. When you’re ready to warm up, choose a relaxed meal or drink at the hotel’s Antico Café Bar or Samphire seafood restaurant. Hawes Pier, a Loony Dook gathering point, is about a 10-minute walk away. This is a lively waterfront stay for you to celebrate the dip in town.
Ferrymuir Retail Park, Queensferry
A polished South Queensferry stay with a fireside bar. Soft bedding and rainfall showers make it easy to settle in after a bracing morning by the water. Later, the hotel’s bar invites you to warm up by the fire with a cocktail or coffee. South Queensferry’s cobbled High Street is about a 15-minute walk away. You get a comfortable, contemporary stay with a cosy place to toast your Loony Dook.
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh
A heated pool, sauna and steam room for post-dip comfort. After the cold-water plunge, you can head straight for the indoor pool, sauna or Turkish steam room. Grand rooms and relaxed drinks at Bar Prince make the return to dry land feel like a celebration. Edinburgh Waverley Station is about a five-minute walk away, with direct trains to Dalmeny. This is a luxurious, restorative city stay for you to pair the Dook with a spa-like reset.
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1TH, Edinburgh
A heated indoor pool and sauna after a chilly Forth dip. A heated indoor pool and sauna offer a welcome way to warm up after the Dook. You can follow the swim with seasonal Scottish food and a drink at the hotel’s bar overlooking the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Waverley Station is about a five-minute walk away, with direct trains to Dalmeny. It’s a comfortable, central stay for you to trade the river’s chill for a proper recovery.
20 North Bridge, Edinburgh
A grand old newspaper building beside Waverley Station. Curved window bays, marble bathrooms and Egyptian cotton linen give you a cosy retreat after the cold-water challenge. The hotel’s cinema and Scottish restaurant add an easy-going evening plan without leaving the building. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just across the road, with direct trains to Dalmeny. You’ll love this character-filled city stay if you want comfort and a quick rail link to the Dook.
6 Market Street, Edinburgh
A rooftop champagne bar and Waverley just steps away. Thoughtful contemporary rooms give you a calm place to thaw out after your Forth-side adventure. Later, Nor’ Loft, the hotel’s rooftop champagne bar, brings skyline views and a celebratory drink into the evening. Edinburgh Waverley Station is a one-minute walk away, with direct trains to Dalmeny. This sleek, sociable stay suits you if the Loony Dook calls for a city-centre toast.
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh
A welcoming bar and a five-minute walk to Waverley. Warm, modern rooms give you a comfortable landing after a cold start on the Firth of Forth. The hotel bar makes an easy spot to settle in with a drink once you’re back in town. Edinburgh Waverley Station is about a five-minute walk away, with direct trains to Dalmeny. It’s a relaxed, well-placed stay for you to keep the Dook simple and Edinburgh close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to book a hotel in Edinburgh for the Loony Dook festival?
It is best to book your hotel several months in advance, as the Loony Dook festival attracts many visitors. Aim for early fall to secure the best accommodations.
Which hotels are closest to the starting point of the Loony Dook?
Look for hotels in South Queensferry, such as the Hawes Inn or the Queensferry Hotel, which are within walking distance of the event's starting point.
Are there any hotels that offer special packages for the Loony Dook festival?
Some hotels may provide special packages that include event tickets or meals. Check with local hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh or the Edinburgh Marriott for any festival deals.
What amenities should I look for in a hotel during the Loony Dook festival?
Consider looking for hotels that offer warm showers, on-site dining, and easy access to public transport for post-event convenience.
Can you recommend family-friendly hotels near the Loony Dook event?
Yes, the Holiday Inn Edinburgh and the Marriott Edinburgh are both family-friendly options with amenities and activities suitable for children.
What transportation options are available from my hotel to the Loony Dook event?
Edinburgh has various transportation options, including buses, trams, and taxis. Check with your hotel for the most convenient public transport routes.
Are there any local dining options near Loony Dook hotels?
Yes, you can find several local restaurants near the event. The Bridge Inn and the South Queensferry restaurant are popular choices for traditional Scottish cuisine.
What should I pack if I am staying in a hotel for the Loony Dook festival?
Pack warm clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. After the event, you will likely want to change into dry clothes, so consider bringing a change for comfort.
Are there any hotels that provide early check-in or late check-out during the festival?
Many hotels in Edinburgh offer flexible check-in and check-out options. It is advisable to inform the hotel in advance of your needs, especially during busy festival times.
What local attractions can I visit while staying near the Loony Dook festival?
Take advantage of your stay by visiting attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the picturesque waterfront at South Queensferry.
