These best hotels in Ghent, Belgium, ensure you have a memorable visit to East Flanders.
Nestled in the Flemish region of Belgium, Ghent’s medieval architecture and riverside locale are a major draw to this sprawling city. Many come to enjoy the picturesque cobblestone streets of Ghent. This historic port city also rocks something fun to do for everyone from foodies, history buffs, and anyone seeking a lovely city break away.
Before you venture off to Belgium, check out where to stay and some pretty neat Ghent hotels that should be on your radar!
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Best Time to Visit Ghent
The best time to visit Ghent in terms of weather is in the summer and fall, between May and October. Outside of these months is shoulder season and sees colder and rainier weather, but it also sees smaller crowds.
What’s Ghent Known for? A Glimpse of the Best Things to do in Ghent
Belgium’s third-largest city is a gorgeous travel destination known for its medieval architecture and pretty downtown streets. It’s also a very vegetarian-friendly city with a fantastic culinary scene!
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the best things to do in Ghent:
- Tour the Gravensteen Castle, aka the Castle of the Counts
- Stroll Graslei and Korenlei along the Leie River, Ghent’s most beautiful streets
- Snap a photo of Ghent’s three medieval towers from St. Michael’s Bridge
- Climb the Ghent Belfry for 360-degree views
- Eat your way through Ghent: I’m talking waffles, fries, chocolates, Jenever, etc.
↠ Read More: 17 Incredible Things to Do in Ghent + Where to Eat, Stay, and More!
Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Neighborhoods
Patershol
Patershol is a neighborhood in Ghent best known for its historic architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and “folksy soul,” as described by the Visit Ghent website. It’s a more off-the-beaten-path to stay in Ghent and is only a short walk away from the main downtown streets.
Historic City Center
The historic city center is definitely the best place to stay in Ghent for those who enjoy being in the heart of the action. It’s here that most of the best attractions in Ghent are easily accessible by foot, and the city’s fantastic restaurants are close at hand.
Leie River
The Leie River runs through the city center, but to get even more specific, it’s one of the best places and highly sought-after locales to stay in Ghent. It’s a beautiful and iconic view of the city and is lined with excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. Ghent hotels on the Leie River will be pricier than other neighborhoods
Het Zuid
Het Zuid is another buzzing place to stay in Ghent that’s excellent for those seeking a more unique place to stay in Ghent. The district is home to some of Ghent’s best shopping and dining. The area is about a 20-minute walk from the Gravensteen Castle, on the furthest, opposite side of downtown.
11 Best Ghent Hotels and Airbnbs
1. 1898 The Post
Why stay here: A trendy boutique hotel in a historic building right on the Leie River with a cool cocktail bar and restaurant onsite.
1898 The Post is definitely up there as one of the best hotels in Ghent and rocks some pretty good reviews. Located on Graslei, striking neo-Renaissance and ornate spires greet you as you approach the hotel.
Inside, moody decor, high ceilings, and antique accents really send home the message that you’re staying in a beautiful medieval city. The hotel offers many different guestrooms, and grabbing a craft cocktail from the hotel’s Cobbler bar is a must!
Rates start around $231/night.
2. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Why stay here: An upscale boutique hotel in a beautiful old mansion a five-minute walk from Korenlei and the riverfront.
The Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent is a four-star hotel that provides guests with posh rooms housed in an 18th-century mansion. Each room features minimal yet elegant decor and is equipped with a Nespresso machine and tea-making supplies so you can start your mornings right.
Upgrade options include balconies or jacuzzi tubs. The hotel also features plenty to entertain guests, including a garden seating area, multiple restaurants, and bars.
Rates start around $190/night.
3. Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel
Why stay here: A modern and colorful hotel with “not-so-standard” rooms near the Het Zuid district.
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel takes modern sensibilities and combines them with fun retro pops of color, pattern, and art. You’ll find this Ghent hotel on the edge of the historic city center near Het Zuid, which is actually another great place to stay in Ghent.
Aside from well-appointed rooms with fun amenities like a coffee maker and Bluetooth speaker, the shared spaces can’t be beaten. Be sure to make time for a drink at the eye-catching bar and the rooftop terrace.
Rates start around $164/night.
4. B&B Achilles
Why stay here: A cozy bed and breakfast next to the Citadel Park in Ghent’s Art District, about a 15-minute walk from Ghent’s Opera House.
The B&B Achilles is a homey getaway that oozes charm within an art nouveau building designed by famous architect Achilles Van Hoecke-Dessel. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with seating areas and a work desk.
A fresh and high-quality continental breakfast is served daily in the lounge for all. The hotel also features an Honesty Bar serving complimentary coffee, tea, water, and other beverages for an additional fee.
Rates start around $150/night.
5. Ghent River Hotel
Why stay here: A red-brick hotel with a sunny interior nestled along the banks of the Leie River, a short walk to the heart of Ghent.
The Ghent River Hotel can be found in an old warehouse building and perfectly blends the historic industrial vibes of the building with modern decor. While the rooms are lovely, some of which feature original architectural elements, the hotel’s amenities make this a unique pick.
Each morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast in the cozy breakfast room, a spacious dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and a sauna.
Rates start around $120/night.
6. Hotel Gravensteen
Why stay here: A tasteful, mid-range hotel situated right in Ghent’s Old Town feet from the Gravensteen Castle.
Hotel Grevensteen is a fantastic hotel that provides guests with the option to pamper themselves if desired. Every room comes equipped with a minibar and coffee maker, and there are suites available with seating areas and fireplaces. During your stay, take advantage of the hotel’s room service, onsite bar and lounge, and relaxing sauna.
Rates start around $90/night.
7. ibis Gent Centrum St. Baafs Kathedraal
Why stay here: A classic hotel chain with a 24-hour front desk that you can trust to be clean, conveniently located across from Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
Ibis Gent Centrum St. Baafs Kathedraal is managed by a hotel brand you know and trust, and what’s even better is that their nightly rates are beyond reasonable. For those driving or traveling with pets, the hotel offers private parking for your convenience and allows furry friends too. A decent breakfast is served daily in the lounge for an additional rate. Other amenities onsite include a bar, cafe, and a business center.
Rates start around $90/night.
8. Room&Moor
Why stay here: A budget-friendly hotel with minimal rooms but a cozy and stylish ambiance 400m from the Great Butcher Hall.
Room&Moor’s colorful decor and exposed red brick make this a fun place to stay in Ghent. The rooms are more on the simple side, no doubt which is reflected in the reasonable rate. However, this Ghent hotel offers a lovely terrace seating area and a cool cafe. Not to mention, it’s hard to beat the location for such a cheap rate.
Rates start around $80/night.
Incredible Ghent Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals
If you’re like me, you’re probably also researching what the coolest airbnbs in Ghent are too! We actually stayed in an Airbnb during our visit, so here’s where we stayed, plus some other Ghent vacation rentals that I thought looked cool while doing my travel planning!
Ghent Loft: This charming loft apartment is in the center of Ghent. The interior is spacious with homey touches like a fireplace and full kitchen. It sleeps up to 9 people making it an excellent choice for large groups and families.
Apartment in Medieval Ghent: This beautiful listing is on Airbnb and Booking and is a fabulous apartment for two in a gorgeous historic building. It’s also conveniently located a four-minute walk from Gravensteen Castle.
The Hide: This urban apartment complex in a historic building that operates as a hotel! There are various studios to choose from, all of which are stylish and require a two-night stay.