Last updated on May 16, 2019
Ghent is often overlooked by visitors to Belgium. Other cities, Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp often grab the limelight. But in terms of beauty, architectual magnificance, and unique places to visit and hangout, Ghent has a lot of things going for it.
Partly due to urban renovation and the fact that nearly 25% of the population are students, the city has a cool, modern feel which runs beautifully along side the medievil, historical grandue of the place. Ghent covers a whole host of attractions, from historic castles and buildings, riverside restaurants, and unique art installations.
It’s a wonderful place to visit, with history and modernity sitting comfortablly side by side.
The 10 Best Hotels in Ghent
1. Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof – Luxury
The recently renovated elegant hotel occupies a magnificent 18th-century manor house.It has retained some of the original features like the high ceilings and long windows and combined them with tasteful, modern interiors to offer a comfortable and relaxing stay. The manor house built in 1724, has been restored to include a luxury spas and wellness centre, rain showers, top restaurant, and champagne bar. It is an elegant and indulgent destination where guests can relax and take advantage of unbeatable service in a stunning and historic setting.
Located in the historic Patershol district of Ghent, this beautiful boutique hotel boasts some incredible views of the old town and River Leie. The hotel, which was once a 19th century town house, has been lovingly restored and retains some of the original features. The juxtaposition of these original historic details like exposed wooden beams and a carved wooden banister, against the moden, contemporary design, complement each other beautifully. Hotel Harmony has a outdoor heated pool and a central courtyard. All the rooms are gracefully appointed with up to date amenities and impressive city views from the exterior facing rooms.
3. Hotel Carlton – Great Value / Affordable
The Carlton Hotel is located just a couple of minutes from the main train station, Sint-Pieters, in Ghent, where you can catch connections to the rest of Europe. The old town is easily accessible by tram or bus and is only 15 mins walk away. The hotel has 21 tastefully decorated rooms and is set on a quiet street in a residential area. The breakfast and service of this charming hotel are second to none. There is a bar to relax in and coffee available in the lobby.
The position of the Marriott Ghent can’t be bettered, it’s situated on the banks of the River Leie, right in the heart of Ghent The views are incredible, overlooking historic townhouses on the riverfront areas of Graslei and Korenlei. It is within easy reach of the shopping district and the university area. It is 2 minute from the Design Museum of Ghent and close to the Castle of the Courts (Gravensteen). The hotel was originally a 16th century merchant’s house but has been entirely renovated, including a superb restaurant with a waterfront terrace and a trendy bar. The contemporary rooms have modern furnishings and compliment the ancient building’s background.
The NH Gent Belfort is situated right in the centre of Ghent, opposite the town hall and beside the Saint Bavo Cathedral and within easy walking distance of The Belfry tower, Gravensteen Castle, Korenmarkt and Designmuseum as well as shops, cafes and restaurants.The 174 rooms are bright and contemporary, with modern decor and bold accents. There are 10 function rooms for business travellers, a gym with a sauna, and an exercise room, and a terrace. There is a top quality restaurant where chefs use fresh, seasonal vegetables and a bar that serves a range of Belgium beers.
6. Hotel Onderbergen – Affordable
The Onderbergen is a charming boutique-style hotel with a stylish interior. It has some of the original features like the high ceilings, and exposed wooden beams. It is located in the heart of Ghent’s historic centre. Hotel Onderbergen is situated on a quiet street just 500 metres from Saint Bavo Cathedral and Graslei and the shopping district is only a 2-minute walk away. There is a tram stop, Zonestraat,250 meters from the hotel that connects you to Ghent Saint Pieter’s Train Station. The 24 rooms all have private bathrooms and there is free wi-fi throughout the hotel. Breakfast is available at the hotel and there is an adjoining restaurant and Irish bar.
7. Hotel Astoria Gent – Affordable
The Hotel Astoria Gent is a family hotel which is located only 5 minutes walk from the train station. There is a beautiful garden with terrace at the rear. There are 27 rooms which are delightfully decorated. The breakfast provided is excellent,(and extensive) including homemade, local produce. It is served either in the breakfast room which overlooks the garden or on the terrace when weather is agreeable.There is a bar and a lounge to relax in and free wi-fi throughout.
This 3 star hotel is conveniently located in the city centre. Surrounding the hotel, visitors can find the entertainment district with cafes, bars and restaurants, and within a 10 minutes walk are The Vlaamse Opera, Huis van Alijn and Gravensteen. The multilingual staff are able to help arrange any tours or activities. It features a sauna, rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and gym. All the rooms have a in room private dining area and mini bar. The restaurant have some fabulous medieval arches on the ceiling.
9. Best Western Hotel Chamade – Affordable
This hotel is located close to the historical centre of Ghent, close to St. Pieters International Train Station and the E17 motorway. It is in a few minutes of the Convention centre and Castle of the Counts. It is particularly close to golf and tennis courts. The rooms are well appointed and have a classy combination of modernity, with the high speed wifi and satellite tv. There is underground parking for guests and bicycle rental.
10. Hotel Gravensteen – Affordable
Hotel Gravensteen is just a few minutes from the Castle of the Courts, the shopping district of Ghent and the Belfry. It is located in a building that dates back from 1865. It features a sauna, fitness centre, bike rental service and WiFi. A breakfast buffet can be taken in the hotel breakfast room. There is a bar at the hotel serving a range of drinks including a vast range of Belgium beers. Surrounding the hotel, there are plenty of other dining options and bars to relax in.
The 4 Best Boutique Hotels in Ghent
The Post dates back to the end of the 19th century and thankfully much of the character has remained during renovation. What was once a post office is now a sumptuous boutique hotel. Nestled between the Graslei grain port and St Nicholas Church, on the river Leie right in the historical heart of Ghent.There are 12 categories of rooms, named after various postal services. The Stamp room is the smallest and coziest room, while the Letter rooms are more spacious and sprawling. All the top rooms are decorated with dark hues and quirky accessories. This is one of the best hotels in Ghent and a perfect base to explore the city.
An award-winning deluxe destination in a canal-side 18th century carriage house. With an opulence in both its decor and the featured objets, the Pand Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World. Privately owned and exuding the superbly eclectic style of its owner, The Pand is also perfectly located, a short stroll from Market Square. Ralph Lauren fabrics feature in some of the 26 individually designed guest rooms. An AGA cooker is the real star of a full Belgian breakfast.
A true Bruges legend, with just 16 deluxe rooms, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce wows guests from the outset with its stained glass windows and a timbered facade over the meeting point of two serene canals. Highly personal service is the key here. Guest accommodation is sumptuous and rooms are individually designed, featuring ancient wood beams, floral detailing or the simplicity of sparkling white walls. Walk to the main attractions after a buffet breakfast indoors or on the private terrace. There’s covered car parking.
With delight around every corner, Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage is set in a building that was the work of a distinguished Bruges architect. A husband and wife team have transformed it into a hotel which melds old style elegance with highly contemporary colourful decor to guest accommodation. There’s also the pace-setting cuisine of the hotel’s Restaurant Le Mystique to enjoy in opulent surroundings, also strikingly updated. Step down to the basement, now a wellness centre, to breathe in authentic 13th and 14th century history.
The Best Cheap / Affordable Hotel in Ghent
This Ibis hotel delivers just what you would expect from the company. Inviting, comfortable and affordable rooms with mod cons and classy decor. Rooms include wifi, satellite tv, desks and ironing boards. It is positioned close to a whole host of attractions, like the St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. There is a snack bar/ deli, serving snacks throughout the day and a bar offering drinks and comfortable chairs to lounge in.
Ghent City Centre
Ghent was once of the most influential and powerful cities during the middle ages. It was considered the 2nd most powerful city, after Paris, north of the Alps. This impact is obvious when you consider the buildings that are still standing. Imposing churches, grand museums, medieval towers and bridges that span the canal dot the landscape. Together, these immaculately preserved buildings make an awesome sight, especially when you add the meandering canal footpaths. The city centre is now free of motor vehicles, making a visit there even more pleasant. you can find treasure like the Cathedral of St. Bavo, a majestic granite and brick structure which dates back to the 13th century. It contains one of the most renowned pieces of Flemish art, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Gravensteen on the River Leie, is an impressive moated fortresses. It was built in the 13th century. The Groentenmarkt (Old Market) originates from 1406 and began life as a fish market, then as a vegetable market. It was restored in 1912. Along the side, there is a fine dining restaurant which is worth visiting even if you are not thinking of eating.
Best Hotels in Ghent City Centre
Ghent Sint-Pieters Train Station and Surroundings
The area surrounding Gent-Sint-Pieters station, is welcoming, green neighbourhood. It was built a few decades before the World Exhibition in 1913. It is full of large, grandiose avenues and great architecture. It is famed for its Art Nouveau style, as many well known, local architects designed fancy villas for the elite. At the end of the street, visitors will find the Citadelpark, which is dotted by trees and makes a welcoming peaceful area, away form the buzz of the city.The SMAK museum and The Museum of Classical Arts are both located here and are a must for art lovers. It is mainly a residential area, but it does have a large range of local stores and great places to eat. Things to do and see around Sint-Pieters include the STAM Museum. This interesting place follows the history of Ghent. St Michaels Bridge makes the perfect place to take photos of the beautiful scene of houses and canal. Spades 4our is a small, friendly, hot tub, and sauna, perfect for relieving the stresses of the day. Bike Ghent is a great way to see the city. Bike tours take you to the bestparts with a local guide.
Best Hotels near Ghent/Gent Train Station
- Hotel Carlton
- Hotel The Lord (Cheap Hotel)
- Best Western Hotel Chamade
