Are you looking for where to stay in Ghent, Belgium, to make your trip a huge success? From luxurious boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, there’s a wide range of options available.
With its vibrant city center, cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, Ghent is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and definitely worth a visit, whether you’re planning on staying for a weekend or an extended holiday.
One of the best areas for where to stay in Ghent is the historic city center. This is where you’ll find many of the most popular tourist attractions, including The Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo Cathedral and Belfry of Ghent that we included in our one-day Ghent itinerary.
This area is also home to a variety of boutique hotels and guest houses as well as numerous restaurants and bars. For this reason, it’s the area we most recommend for tourists and all of the hotels we’ve recommended below are in this area. But there are other areas that can be good for tourists too. See all our recommendations below.
Planning to visit other nearby cities? Check out our 2-day itinerary for Bruges plus where to stay in Bruges, and our list of best things to do in Brussels.
Areas to Stay in Ghent
The streets around Graslei and Korenlei are especially popular with tourists due to their picturesque views across the Leie River. Here you’ll find luxury hotels such as 1898 The Post, Ghent Marriott, and Pillows Grand Boutique, where you can enjoy all the comforts of home while still experiencing traditional Belgian hospitality.
If you’re looking for a taste of local life then head to Patershol where you will find charming cobbled streets lined with cafes, restaurants and independent shops selling handmade items. In this area there are several hotels and B&Bs where you can stay such as Hotel Harmony, with excellent value for money.
For those who want an even more authentic experience, Dampoort District offers an array of accommodation ranging from budget-friendly hostels to boat-style apartments where you can experience living on one of Belgium’s famous canals.
Sint-Amandsberg is another great option if you are looking for something away from the hustle and bustle. This neighborhood has several small boutique hotels such as Hotel De Flandre within close proximity to all that Ghent has to offer.
Where to Stay in Ghent – City Center Hotels
1898 The Post
In Ghent, I don’t think you can get much better than the 1898 The Post, located in Ghent’s old post office building in the city center. It has an old-world charm that will make you so glad you chose to stay there, plus you cannot beat the location. On Trip Advisor, it’s ranked the #2 hotel in Ghent.
It has a warm style with high ceilings, dark green walls and antique furniture that complements the building’s late 19th-century architecture. Every time you walk into the hotel you’ll be in awe. And they have a lot of different rooms to choose from, including a small studio all the way up to the magnificent Tower Suite.
The views are one of the most spectacular part, with grand window encased with restored wood, and indirect lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere, accented with a modern touch. The Cobbler cocktail bar is a nice hang out in the evening.
- 38 individually designed rooms
- Paid private parking nearby
- Room service
- Sound-proofed rooms
- Bicycle rentals
Read reviews for 1898 The Post on Trip Advisor.
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof
You will definitely be indulging in luxury at the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof. It’s a mansion built in 1724 in Louis XIV style and is located only 500 meters from the Ghent city center, making it a prime location for tourists. It’s ranked the #1 hotel in Ghent on Trip Advisor.
This 4-star hotel has the most elegant, regal exterior, matching Ghent’s medieval character to a T. The interior has contemporary decor, high ceilings, and expansive windows to capitalize on its picturesque views.
There’s plenty to do within the walls of Pillow Grand Boutique Hotel, from a wellness spa with an indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, and a range of treatments. It also has the onsite LOF Restaurant and LOF Cafe serving delicious food and drinks. The Living Bistro is the perfect place to relax while enjoying a drink and a great range of sweet and savory snacks.
- 157 modern rooms and suites
- Sound proofed rooms
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Rooms with refrigerators and private balconies
- Bicycle rentals
Read reviews of Pillow Grand Boutique on Trip Advisor.
Ghent Marriott Hotel
Sitting right along the Korenlei, you can’t ask for a better location. The Marriott Hotel has an incredible fusion of historic charm and modern elegance. Right outside the front door there are people walking along the promenade, boats floating on the river Leie, and gorgeous medieval architecture in every direction. For me, this is quintessential Ghent.
Inside you’ll find a large modern atrium with lots of natural light, plenty of seating, and an inviting atmosphere. The rooms are upgrade and comfortable. There is a tram stop right out front that can take you around the city and to the train station.
You’ll have access to a fitness center, onsite eateries like a coffee and wine bar, Brixx Cellar Lounge, and the Midtown Grill serving the tastiest USDA-certified steaks.
- Paid private parking on-site
- Some rooms have views
- Suites are available
- Bicycle rental
Read reviews of Ghent Marriott Hotel on Trip Advisor.
Hotel Harmony
This luxurious family-run hotel in the city center has 40 unique and modern rooms spread out among three historical buildings in the Patershol area. I particularly like this hotel because it’s family-run and its right next to the canal.
The Patershol area is particularly great for those who want to make great restaurants and bars an integral part of their stay in Ghent. It’s packed with fantastic places, like Roots, Karel De Stoute, and Jigger’s.
The hotel is short walking distance to everything you might want to see in the city center. While you’re relaxing at the hotel, there’s a nicely decorated lounge, bar and courtyard, or terrace on the water where you can hang out and enjoy a beer or wine.
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Some rooms with private balconies and views
- Room service
Read reviews of Hotel Harmony on Trip Advisor.
Hotel NH Ghent Belfort
Enjoy star-rated amenities and minimalist charm at Ghent’s NH Hotel. Located in the Binnenstad, this 4-star hotel gives you easy access to top sightseeing attractions like Graffiti Street and the Belfry.
Start your day with a complimentary buffet breakfast at one of the hotel’s indoor or outdoor terrace spaces before heading down to the gym for your daily workout. You’ll also find a garden lounge bar where you can grab a refreshment after a long day of sightseeing.
- Paid private parking on-site
- Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
- Room service
- Bicycle rental
Book your stay at Hotel NH Ghent Belfort here
Getting Around Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a very walkable city, so getting around on foot is the way to go. Most people arrive via the Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, which is 2.5 km south of the historic center.
You can walk it, but I would recommend taking the tram. Just cross the street to the tram stop and take Tram 1 to the Gent Korenmarkt perron 5 stop. It’s then just a 1 minute walk to St. Michael’s Bridge where our itinerary (below) starts.
The city has a good public transport system. You can get anywhere in the city using buses or trams. The signs are easy to read.
You can buy a ticket at the train station, or where ever you see a ticket machine (at many bus stops), or from the driver. You can also download the app and buy a mobile ticket. They are about €2.50 for a single ride. Just tap your card on the white reader inside the bus or tram.
If you decide to stay for more than a day, consider getting the CityCard Ghent and get access to public transport and top attractions at ridiculously low prices. A 48-hour pass costs about €38 ($40), and a 72-hour pass goes for about €44 ($47).
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest?
FOLLOW US on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook for more great travel inspiration and tips.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.