One of Europe's biggest and most important cities in the Middle Ages, Ghent is now a major tourist draw, thanks largely to its historic centre, pretty docksides and vibrant cultural scene.
While hotels in Ghent are popular all year round, demand for rooms reaches a peak during the ten-day long Ghent Festival, one of the cultural highlights of Belgium as a whole.
Ghent River Hotel
One of the quirkiest of
Ghent hotels, the Ghent River Hotel is located on the right bank of the River Leie in the heart of the city.
Guests arriving by boat - it is the only hotel in the city to boast its own mooring - or else just heading there by taxi or on foot will find themselves checking into a converted Dutch Renaissance house dating back to 1518 as well as an adjoining old sugar refinery dating back to 1857.
As well as the history, the four-star hotel boasts contemporary chic interior design, its own restaurant and bar in addition to a spa and fitness centre.
Tourist highlights within easy walking distance of the boutique Ghent River Hotel include the historic Gravensteen Castle and the stunning architecture of the old Graslei harbour.
Hotel de Flandre
Located in the historic heart of Ghent, the Hotel de Flandre combines the fun of sleeping in a converted 19th century townhouse with the enjoyment of contemporary four-star hospitality.
As well as having a traditional facade and a traditional structure, the listed hotel can also boast that it once served as the home of Johann Strauss when he was in the city to perform at the opera house in the
1830s.
However, while the composer may still recognise the old coach house or the traditional staircases leading up to the hotel's 47 rooms, the interior design is completely modern, with each bedroom fully en suite and offering individually-controlled heating, cable TV and computer facilities.
During the summer months, breakfast is served on the hotel's own outdoor patio, while attractions such as the Belfry of Ghent and St Nicholas' Church are both within easy walking distance.
Hotel Harmony
The ideal choice for those looking to explore the history of Ghent, the Hotel Harmony is located in t'Patershol, the city's oldest neighbourhood.
Made up of two fully-renovated listed buildings surrounding a sheltered garden where breakfast is served when the weather permits, the hotel offers its guests all the amenities they could wish for as well as an enviable central location.
Rooms come equipped with high speed internet connections, bathrooms, personal safes, televisions and in-room phones, while the Exceptional suites boast breathtaking views over the Ghent cityscape, including its famous three towers.
Nearby visitor attractions include Saint Michael's Church and the Saint Bavo Cathedral, home to the majestic Ghent Altarpiece.
