Unique stays in Ghent

The atmosphere of your stay is closely related to the neighborhood you choose. In the Patershol, the city's oldest neighborhood, you'll stay between narrow cobbled streets and gastronomic hotspots. This is the place for those looking for the pure, medieval Ghent atmosphere. If you prefer to be in the middle of the action, choose the area around Graslei and Korenmarkt. From your hotel here you step directly into the beating heart of the historical center.

For travelers who come by car or prefer to dose the tourist crowds, the area around St. Peter's Station is recommended. Accommodations here tend to be more spacious and more accessible, while the streetcar will take you to the Korenmarkt in ten minutes.

Traveling with a family or a larger group? In the center, large rooms are scarce due to the monumental layout of the buildings. A holiday home in or just outside Ghent then offers the necessary space and privacy. Moreover, such a stay serves as an ideal base from which to discover the rest of Belgium. Thanks to its central location, you can quickly reach Bruges or Antwerp, but you can also alternate the city with a nature cottage in the Flemish Ardennes or a unique treehouse overnight stay in the green outskirts.

A boutique hotel is the ideal choice for those who love distinctive design and professional service. These hotels, often located in old warehouses or stately mansions, offer an intimate atmosphere with usually ten to thirty rooms. You'll enjoy hotel facilities such as a stylish bar or extensive breakfast service, but in a setting where historical heritage meets modern comfort.

If you are looking for a more personal experience, go for a bed and breakfast. With often only two to six rooms, the atmosphere here is homely and small-scale. The big advantage is direct interaction with the owner. You get tips that don't make it into the standard travel guides, such as that one hidden coffee bar in the Prinsenhof or the best terrace for a local beer. It's the perfect way to get to know the city through the stories of the people who live there.

Ghent is one of the most romantic cities in Flanders. The illuminated towers and quiet quays are the perfect backdrop for couples. For the ultimate experience, look for stays with extras like a freestanding bathtub in the room or a suite in a renovated monumental building. Tip: Check in advance if you can get breakfast in the room for that extra lazy morning.

There is also room for families and groups, although the stays in larger rooms in the center are more limited. Those traveling with a large family would do well to ask in advance about adjoining rooms or a private area. An alternative is a holiday home in Ghent (or just outside), where you have more space and freedom. Just keep in mind that many special weekend stays have a two-night minimum.

Ghent has two busy periods when early booking is not advice but a requirement. The Ghent Festivities in July last ten days and are the busiest period of the year: the city fills up, prices are higher and the smallest stays are booked up first. If you book during that period, do it at least two to three months in advance. The Winter Festivals in December are quieter but attract many visitors on the weekends before Christmas.

Outside of those periods, book four to six weeks in advance. If you have a specific room or stay in mind, book earlier because at ten rooms, your preference will be gone quickly. Also pay attention to cancellation policies. At most boutique hotels and B&Bs in Ghent, you get no refund if you cancel within 48 to 72 hours before arrival. In any case, always check the cancellation policy before booking as it varies from owner to owner.

Ghent is super central. In less than an hour's drive you are in Bruges, Antwerp or the Belgian Ardennes. That makes the city a perfect starting point to explore the area. Want to get out into nature during your stay? Outside the city you can also find unique nature cottages, treehouses and many more special overnight stays in Belgium.