Are you looking for the perfect place to stay in Ghent while traveling Belgium?
With its charming cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and picturesque canals, the city of Ghent offers many activities and attractions.
Whether you’re on vacation or simply passing through – let’s face it: everyone deserves an escape! – deciding where to stay in Ghent is essential to having the best experience possible.
To help make your visit both comfortable and memorable, we’ve rounded up our top picks for places to stay in Ghent – so keep reading if you’re eager to explore all this fascinating city has to offer!
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Table of Contents
OVERVIEW: Best Hotels in Ghent, Belgium
- Best hotels in city center: B&B The Verhaegen – B&B De Waterzooi – Design B&B Logidenri
- Best Budget Hotel: ibis Gent Centrum Opera
- Best B&B: B&B The Verhaegen
- Best Boutique Hotel: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
- Best Business Hotel: NH Gent Belfort
- Best for Families: Wooden house with terrace and parking
In this blog post, we will show you where to stay in Ghent, identify the best areas for different types of visitors, and give tips on some of the best hotels in Ghent.
1. City Center – Where to Stay in Ghent for First Timers
There are many things to do in Ghent city center for first-time travelers to this historic hub.
It offers many attractions, including the Saint Bavo Cathedral, known worldwide for the Ghent Altarpiece.
There are many great churches in Ghent with art of this caliber throughout the city center, but it is important to note that Ghent is not a “city museum.” Instead, it feels lived-in and welcoming.
The other important aspect of Ghent is that it is a car-free area. This makes the city center a far more relaxing place to spend time than many other European city centers.
As the primary area in the city, there are plenty of hotels in Ghent and hostels in Ghent to choose from.
If you are doing a weekend trip from Brussels to Ghent, then this is one of the best areas to stay.
For travelers wanting something familiar, Novotel has a hotel in the heart of the city center: the Novotel Gent Centrum. This hotel is close to attractions such as the House of Alijn, but with a charming garden, it is a great place to relax. – Check rates here
Another trusted hotel chain that has a branch located in Ghent city center is NH Hotels. The NH Ghent Belfort sits right next to the historic town hall. This hotel’s primary attraction is its on-site gym and sauna. Access to these facilities is included for all guests. – Check rates here
Best Hotels in Ghent City Center
Budget
Mid-range
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Luxury
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
2. Sint Michielsbrug Area – Where to Stay in Ghent for Luxury
Ghent has plenty to offer for premium travelers, and the height of its luxury can be found on the canal near the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge and Saint Michael’s church.
These are two iconic landmarks in the area that all luxury travelers want to visit.
The stone bridge, built at the start of the 20th century, is the perfect Instagramable location where you can take pictures with some of the most jaw-dropping architecture in Europe.
The late Gothic Saint Michael’s Church is also brilliant.
This location is also an excellent spot for shopping, especially during the festive period when visitors can enjoy holiday shopping in the city center of Ghent.
This area is excellent for luxury travelers because the two most luxurious hotels in Ghent can be found there. The most famous of these is 1898 The Post, which is located in Ghent’s old post office. – Check rates here
The other luxury hotel near Sint-Michaelsbrug is the Ghent Marriot Hotel, where guests enjoy fantastic views of the Lys River. The hotel is well-equipped with a fitness center, shared seating areas, and excellent room service. – Check rates here
This hotel also provides some excellent food and drink. The Poppi Coffee and Wine Bar is known for its cocktails, and the Midtown Grill serves up steaks cooked to perfection.
Best Luxury Hotels in Ghent, Belgium
3. Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai District – Hotels in Ghent for Budget Travel
Many travelers on a budget favor the Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai District for their accomodation in Ghent, considering it a more affordable alternative to the city center with almost as good access to attractions such as the Gravensteen castle.
This is the foremost castle in Ghent and can be found within walking distance of the Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai District.
The district is also known for its variety, and there are plenty of restaurant options for travelers trying to save money.
And if you find you have a little extra cash at the end of the trip, it might be the perfect district to treat yourself to a more upmarket meal.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you cannot stay somewhere charming and historic, as the Erasmus Hotel proves. It is a 16th-century patrician house that is steeped in history. – Check rooms here
Another historical yet budget place to stay in Ghent is Guesthouse PoortAckere which can be found on Oude Houtlei street in Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai. . – Check rates here
Best Budget Hotels in Ghent
Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gent
4. Sluizeken-Tolhius-Ham District – Trendiest Place to Stay in Ghent
Some of the best bars in Ghent are located in the Sluizeken-Tolhius-Ham district, which can be considered the hub of alternative culture in the city.
For example, it is known for housing Graffiti Street. Along this road, artists have historically had free reign to make the walls as colorful as possible.
Many travelers aim for something trendy and authentic in Ghent. Stay in the guesthouse B&B De Waterzooi. Its home is a traditional house built in 1713 and located at the foot of Gravensteen castles, one of the best castles in Belgium. – Check rates here
Travelers on a higher budget who want to experience this trendy spot can stay in the Nonam Boutique Hotel. Outside your room, you can enjoy the terrace, which offers stunning city views. – Check prices here
Best trendy places to stay in Ghent
Budget
Mid-range
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent
Luxury
5. Sint-Pieters Train Station Area – Where to Stay in Ghent for Families
There is plenty to do in Ghent, but visitors with young families might struggle to keep the kids entertained for a more extended trip.
This makes the Sint-Pieters Train Station area perfect for families. Visiting cities like Antwerp and Brussels can be done on a day trip.
Sint-Pieters itself is also a pleasant place to spend time. It has plenty of comfortable cafes and shops to visit, and choosing this location for your accommodation in Ghent is a great choice.
The area has plenty of family-orientated hotels that offer pleasant stays for good value. One primary option for families is Hotel Orion, which is just 0.6 miles from the station and 100 yards from a tram stop.
Another family hotel option is Hotel Adoma, a spacious three-star hotel just 550 yards from the station.
Best holiday apartments in Ghent
Budget apartment
Apartment in the historic center
Beautiful city center apartments
Mid-range apartment in Ghent
Wooden house with terrace and parking
Luxury apartments in Ghent
6. Hoogstraat – Best Boutique Hotels in Ghent
The place to be for the primary boutique hotel in Ghent is on the Hoogstraat, not far to the West of the historic city center.
Everything is within walking distance when you stay on Hoogstraat, but you will avoid the hustle and bustle and stay in a much quieter area.
The top hotel to mention on the Hoogstraat is Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent. This hotel is just 550 yards from the city center.
The hotel was renovated in 2018 to keep up to date with the latest demands of boutique customers.
The hotel is situated in a former coach house and has its own wellness center.
Best Boutique Hotels in Ghent
Mid-range
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent
Luxury
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
7. Brugse Poort Area – Best Bed and Breakfast in Ghent
Often found a little beyond the central city area, B&Bs are a great opportunity for visitors to Ghent to experience what life is like for residents.
Bed and Breakfasts in Ghent, Belgium, are usually hosted by locals. They offer excellent advice and tips to customize your stay to precisely what you like.
The Brugse Poort area is a fantastic place to find B&Bs, with many locals opening up new ones yearly. The port is iconic as it has provided a link between Ghent and the ocean and the world since the 13th century.
There are two excellent B&Bs to choose from in the area. The first is BNB Nest, which can be found on Schommelstraat. All rooms are highly liveable, with a full kitchen, microwave, and private bathrooms.
The other B&B option is B&B 1 uit de 100. Although out of walking distance of most of the Ghent historic landmarks, this B&B is noteworthy for being just a 10-minute walk from STAM Ghent City Museum.
This B&B offers single, double, and deluxe family rooms, making it ideal for any traveler.
Best B&Bs in Ghent
Budget
Mid-range
Luxury
8. Corneel Heymanslaan Area – Hotels near Ghent for Business Travel
Hotels off the Corneel Heymanslaan are the perfect location for those traveling to Ghent for business.
Located just off the E17 highway, these hotels are easy to get to, reach the city from, and travel to other parts of Belgium.
There are two primary hotels to consider in this area, which are very close to each other.
Firstly, the Holiday Inn Express Gent is an excellent choice for travelers with electric vehicles, offering a free charging station to all guests.
The other ideal hotel for business travelers is Residence Inn Ghent by Marriott, which offers a more premium experience for business people.
Best business hotels in Ghent
Mid-range
Holiday Inn Gent Expo, an IHG Hotel
ibis Gent Centrum St. Baafs Kathedraal
Luxury
Residence Inn Ghent by Marriott
Ghent is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium and is one of the best day trips from Brussels available.
I also recommend staying in Ghent city center in case you’re wondering where to stay in Ghent to visit the holiday market, one of the best Christmas Markets in Belgium.
Choosing a hotel will be necessary for longer trips, and this guide has provided options for every traveler. Make sure to consult it before booking your stay in Ghent.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
