Have you ever heard of Ghent? If not, we’re here to introduce it to you. Ghent is the largest city of the Flanders region in Belgium. It’s the rising star in tourism, where most restaurants, shops, venues, hotels, and hundreds-year-old architectures are within walking distance from one another. Due to the large population of students, this city is super vibrant. Ghent will never disappoint, and it’s certainly worth more than a one night stay. There are plenty of things to discover, you can’t possibly do it all in a day. Thus, relax and enjoy every moment in one of the best hotels in Ghent, Belgium.
Where To Stay In Ghent
There are many charming towns in Belgium worth visiting. However, people tend to forget that there are also so many top things to do in Ghent, Belgium. Since it has so much to offer, adjusting where to stay according to your itinerary is important. If you want to be surrounded by endless restaurants and cafés, stay in the city center. Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent Christmas Market, Graffiti Street, and other sites are within reach from most hotels. If you want to take a boat ride, stay near Korenlei quay. It’s on the bank of the Leie river, where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful old buildings, restaurants, and cafés. This is where most travelers will hang out for hours.
To the west of the city center is Hoogstraat district. Although it’s still close to the lively downtown area, this district is more peaceful and it’s a great place to escape the bustling atmosphere. If you stay in one of the hotels in this area, you’ll find a lot of bars and old markets surrounding the property. When you’re in the mood for a stroll through a historical setting, we suggest staying in the Pathershol area. This small and picturesque neighborhood hasn’t changed at all since medieval times. No cars are allowed in this place, so it’s the most ideal place to have a walk.
ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort
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One of the most affordable hotels in Ghent, Belgium is none other than ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort. It’s situated in the Daamport district, less than 1.2mi (2km) away from Ghent Christmas Market, MIAT Museum, and Toreken.
Although it doesn’t offer the most spacious hotel room in the city, you’ll still manage to feel cozy because of the air conditioner and the well-maintained amenities. With the free high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV, you can connect your smartphone to the TV and watch your favorite Netflix show all night long.
After having a delightful continental breakfast, you can rent a bike and cycle around the neighborhood. Since Dampoort is characterized by a bustling mix of travelers and people from different origins, make sure to make some friends too. Who knows, they might show one or two hidden utopias in Ghent.
Hotel Gravensteen
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If you’re looking for cookie-cutter hotels, look elsewhere, because Hotel Gravensteen is one of the most enchanting hotels in Ghent, Belgium. This property is a huge medieval mansion converted into a European-style hotel. Set in the heart of Ghent’s old town, it takes less than 5 minutes to walk to Ghent’s shopping district, Korenmarkt Square, and the Belfry.
In this hotel, each room is fully equipped with standard amenities, including a minibar and a flat-screen TV. Choosing the bi-level room will allow you to chill at the fireplace. To keep you fit and healthy, feel free to hit the on-site gym. After a grueling workout, you can enjoy the intense heat in the sauna.
Every morning you can go down to De Morgenstond, the hotel’s restaurant, to have your breakfast consisting of omelets, yogurts, and a variety of bread. Meanwhile, the Donjon Bar offers a selection of drinks, including the renowned Belgian beers. If you find them not enough, you can go to some of the finest wineries in the immediate surroundings of the hotel.
Ghent River Hotel
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Finding ideal romantic hotels in Ghent, Belgium doesn’t have to be hard. With the beautiful view of Leie River, Ghent River Hotel is a nice option for you. It blends industrial history with modern facilities and contemporary decorations. The building comprised of a house from 1517 and an old cotton factory from 1857. Some parts of the hotel still maintain its original features, such as the high ceilings and wooden beams.
The guestroom offers basic amenities like a flat-screen TV and an air conditioner. You can go online with the free Wi-Fi provided by the hotel to search for some of the best restaurants for a perfect date night. If you have any trouble reserving your spot, a concierge is always ready to help you out. To help make your stay more enjoyable, this property also boasts a sauna and a fitness center.
Best of all, this hotel is located in the central district, which means you can easily experience some of Ghent’s most well-known attractions, like Patershol, Post Plaza, and Laarne Castle. For more recommendations, you can ask the staff at the 24-hour front desk to name you some sightseeing spots.
Getaway Studios Gent
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Providing garden views, Getaway Studios Gent is an all-suite hotel conveniently located in the downtown area. It’s only a short walk away from the Ghent Christmas Market, Ghent City Hall, and Graffiti Street. Like other best hotels in Ghent, Belgium, plenty of shops and eateries are scattered around the hotel’s neighborhood.
If you’re one of those who can’t live without an air conditioner, you might want to skip this hotel because it doesn’t provide any. However, you can request for a ventilator inside your studio. Other standard amenities are available, including a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and a seating area. There’s no need for you to go to nearby restaurants, as there’s a great kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge in your studio. You can just cook simple meals or heat some leftovers whenever you want.
While you’re here, you might as well visit The Castle of Gerald the Devil. It’s one of the most visited landmarks in the city center and just a stone’s throw away from the accommodation. The castle is from the 13th-century and has been many things since it was first built, such as the home of a knight, a bishop’s residence, a lunatic asylum, and even a prison. You won’t regret spending some time here.
NH Gent Belford
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Set in the heart of Ghent, NH Gent Belford is just a 2-minute walk from the nearest tram stop. Some museums are very close to this accommodation, such as the Gravensteen Museum and Castle as well as the Museum of Fine Arts. If you’ve been craving for a great shopping experience, just walk to the Post Plaza Shopping Center.
This hotel features a gym that comes with complete equipment. Afterward, you can go back to your room to have a proper shower. You’ll very much enjoy the private bathroom, as it boasts a bathtub where you can have a bubble bath. We love the little addition of the body care products, ranging from hand cream to soft mask. After a refreshing shower, rest for a little bit on the cozy linen bed before having your dinner.
Speaking of dinner, you have to try the on-site high-end restaurant, Van Artevelde. It serves delectable local and international cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Then, go to the bar for a traditional Belgian beer and some delicious cocktails.
Hotel Harmony
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Situated in two renovated merchant houses from the 18th-century, Hotel Harmony is a stylish accommodation that overlooks the Leie river. Nearby are the Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Gent-Dampoort Station. Since it’s located in the Patershol neighborhood, the oldest district in Ghent, expect lots of restaurants and bars wherever you walk to.
There’s nothing too fancy about this hotel’s design and decoration, but keeping it simple has made this accommodation homey and classy. Similar to other best hotels in Ghent, Belgium, you can find many standard amenities in the room. The addition of tea and coffee makers is nice because we don’t need to go down to the coffee shop to have one. If you can imagine yourself having a soaking bath experience in the whirlpool tub, choose the suite. It does come with a higher price, but for soothing relaxation, it’s worth it.
The biggest draw for this hotel is its heated rooftop pool. Allow yourself to kick-off your morning with a refreshing swimming session before you go to the restaurant for breakfast. There, you can eat the delicious croissants, smoked salmon, boiled eggs, and much more until your hunger is satiated.
Ghent Marriott Hotel
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Ghent Marriott Hotel is one of the most prominent hotels in Ghent, Belgium that’s located in the Korenlei quay. This upscale accommodation combines historic charm with modern design, and it’s just a few minutes’ walks from the must-see Gravensteen Castle. Inside the medieval castle, you’ll see historic weapons, a torture chamber, and a great inner garden up close and personal. Too lazy to walk? Rent a bike and cycle your way to the next attraction.
For a better stay, we recommend staying in the junior suite. It has a perfect size and comes with an additional walk-in closet as well as a meeting space to finish your work. The fridge and coffee maker also come in handy as you can get some snacks and drinks whenever you’re watching the TV that’s equipped with Google Chromecast.
Every morning you’ll receive a complimentary hot breakfast. The on-site restaurant, Midtown Grill, is a must-try. It serves the finest USDA certified steaks and other dishes that are made using fresh ingredients with a local touch. In the evening, you can visit the Poppi Coffee & Wine Bar to try some of the most exotic cocktails in the city.
Hotel Carlton
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This is the perfect example of a boutique hotel. Situated on a tree-lined street 1.2mi (2km) away from the city center, Hotel Carlton is easily considered as one of the best hotels in Ghent, Belgium because of its top-notch service and excellent location. All of the staff speak English and they’re willing to go above and beyond for the guests.
Location wise, this accommodation is very near to the Ghent Saint Peter’s Train Station and ICC Convention Center. Going to the Musem of Fine Arts will only take 15 minutes on foot through The Citadel Park. To travel further, you can rent either a bike or a car. If you own an electric car, the charging facilities will be another reason why you should spend your night in this hotel.
Meanwhile, each cozy room in this hotel is all equipped with a seating area, a big fluffy bed, and a desk. There’s a bar fridge in the room, which is great for your wine. By choosing the double room, you’ll have a bathtub right beside your bed with a clear view of the city. It’s such a treat especially after a long day of walking and traveling. To end your day perfectly, you can visit the bar or nearby eateries that can be found in less than a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
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Located in the Hoogstraat district, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent is just a 5-minute walk away from the buzz of Ghent’s city center. Staying in this hotel won’t give you the magnificent views of the city. However, you’ll have a quiet and peaceful courtyard that makes you feel like you’re in a countryside mansion instead of a city hotel. Local markets and jazzy bars can easily be found in the hotel’s area.
With its marble floors and high ceilings, this ancient building has to be one of the most charming hotels in Ghent, Belgium. The air-conditioned rooms and suites are sleek and modern. Some come with terraces, where you’ll be able to slowly enjoy a cup of coffee that you can make from the Nespresso machine. With the wireless sound system, you’ll have an unrivaled experience when watching movies with high-quality audio.
The wellness area is one of the most sought-after facilities in this accommodation. It boasts a spa pool, treatment rooms for massages, and a relaxation room with a sauna as well as an infrared cabin. After spoiling yourself with the treatment, we recommend visiting the gorgeous restaurant. Expect a romantic ambiance created by the warming candles as you savor the piquant dishes.
1898 The Post
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Are you looking for the iconic hotels in Ghent, Belgium that can easily overlook the city’s medieval center? If so, 1989 The Post might be just the place. This historic building was once a post office, and staying here feels like stepping back in time. Since it’s right in the city center, there’s no need for a taxi. Plus, there are a bunch of old-fashioned beer cafés and restaurants right on the doorstep of the hotel.
There are 37 rooms and suites in this palatial accommodation. Each of them is decorated elegantly with lots of dark hues and antique furniture. There’s no need to worry about the amenities. From the soft king-sized bed to the minibar that provides fresh fruits and Negroni, your stay in this luxurious hotel will be quintessential.
When it comes to the kitchen, this accommodation boasts a shared kitchen with an open fireplace. There, you’ll be able to enjoy the American buffet breakfast, seasonal light dishes for lunch, and homemade pastries for afternoon tea. The highlight of 1898 The Post is the Cobbler Bar, where non-guests can also come to enjoy the hotel’s signature sherry Cobbler cocktail served by world-class bartenders.
Snooz Ap Holiday & Business Flats
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Lies right in the heart of the historical center of Ghent, this hotel offers smartly designed and fully furnished apartments. Unlike other hotels in Ghent, Belgium, the perk of staying in Snozz Ap Holiday & Business Flat over a hotel is the ultimate comfort of having your own living space. There are 8 spacious flats available with a wonderful rooftop terrace to top it off.
When you step into the spotless apartment you’ll be greeted with a thoughtful welcoming note. The double bed has to be the most comfortable bed we’ve ever slept in. We’re sure you’ll feel the same! The bathroom is flawless and comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Our favorite part is none other than the kitchen. It’s fully stocked and perfect for people like us who like to do experimental cooking.
This hotel’s location couldn’t be better. It’s very close to the city’s main attractions, bars, and restaurants. Ghent Christmas Market, Graffiti Street, and Ghent City Hall are all within reach. If you’re traveling by car, we recommend reserving a parking space in advance because it tends to be occupied.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Ghent:
- ‘t Klaverblad – A lovely restaurant in Ghent with lovely ambiance. Among the menus, the hostess is a must-order.
- Maison Elza – Every meal in this eatery is made using only high-quality and fresh ingredients. With the great decoration, fine wines, and fair price, this is a true gem of a restaurant.
- Oak Restaurant – One of the most popular restaurants in the city that serves genuine European cuisine. The collection of amuse-bouche is wonderful.
Recommended Activities In Ghent:
- Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip – Join this 50-minute guided boat trip to discover the city’s most glorious sites. The guide will also tell you the fascinating history of medieval Ghent and its architecture.
- Ghent: 3-Hour Guided Urban Mountain Bike Tour – Discover what Ghent is all about while riding the semi-pro mountain bike. Follow the guide to some hidden spots the city has to offer.
- Skip the Line: Belfort of Ghent Entrance Ticket – With this, you’ll save so much time waiting in line to buy tickets. Travel directly to the top of the 14th-century tower for panoramic views and photo ops.
