The best hotels in Ghent

This hostel sits near Dampoort station, about a 15-minute walk from the Graslei. Private rooms are small but clean, with decent beds and fresh linen. The common kitchen is well-equipped and the staff give solid local tips. Not glamorous, but honest value for a city where prices climb fast. Good option for solo travelers watching their budget.

Uppelink sits right on the Korenlei, directly across from the medieval Graslei quay, and the view from the upper floors is genuinely stunning. Private rooms are compact but the location makes up for the size. The ground-floor bar is popular with locals in the evening. Noise from the canal area can carry at night, so bring earplugs. For this price this close to the old center, it is hard to beat.

Hotel Flandria Centrum is on Barrestraat, a quiet street a short walk from Sint-Baafsplein and the Ghent Altarpiece. Rooms are straightforward and clean without a lot of decorative fuss. Breakfast is filling and included in most rates. The front desk staff are helpful about pointing out lesser-known spots around town. A reliable mid-range choice for first-time visitors who want to be central without overpaying.

This hotel occupies an 18th-century mansion on Hoogstraat near the Stadspark, and the historic architecture is well preserved inside. The indoor pool and spa are a genuine bonus for a hotel in this price range. Rooms in the original building have more character than those in the newer wing. Dinner at the in-house restaurant is solid but not essential. A good pick for couples or business travelers who want comfort with some history.

Hotel Gravensteen sits on Jan Breydelstraat directly opposite the Castle of the Counts, and some rooms look straight at the medieval battlements. The building dates to the 19th century and the interiors lean into that with heavy drapes and dark wood. Breakfast in the dining room is an unhurried affair with good local cheeses and pastries. The Patershol neighborhood around it has some of the best restaurants in the city. A strong choice if location and atmosphere matter more than modern minimalism.

The NH Belfort is steps from the Belfry on Hoogpoort, putting you at the absolute center of Ghent. Rooms follow the usual NH chain formula, reliable and functional with good beds. The conference facilities make it popular with business guests during the week. Rates drop noticeably on weekends, which makes it better value than it first appears. The bar area off the lobby is a convenient spot for a quiet drink after a day of sightseeing.

Pillows Grand Hotel is set in a beautifully restored patrician house on Hoogstraat in the quieter southern part of the old city. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings, and the design balances period detail with contemporary comfort well. The wellness area with pool feels like a genuine retreat after a day of walking cobblestones. Service is attentive without being intrusive, which is harder to find than it should be. One of the more polished stays available in Ghent at this price point.

The Marriott occupies a prime position on Korenlei right along the water, with the best canal-facing rooms offering a straight-on view of the Graslei. Standard Marriott polish throughout, with rooms that are larger than average for the city center. The restaurant terrace in warmer months is a great spot to eat with a view of the quay. Loyalty points redemptions are possible here, which loyal Marriott members already know to check. A dependable choice if you want chain-hotel consistency in a spectacular setting.

1898 The Post is housed in the former main post office on Korenmarkt, one of the grandest 19th-century buildings in Ghent. The lobby alone is worth walking through, with soaring ceilings and original iron detailing throughout. Rooms are large, thoughtfully designed, and quietly luxurious without trying too hard. The rooftop terrace and bar give views across the Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church that are hard to replicate anywhere else in the city. This is the benchmark for high-end accommodation in Ghent and it earns that status.

The Verhaegen is a boutique property inside a restored 18th-century mansion on Nieuwe Wandeling, offering just a handful of suites rather than standard hotel rooms. Each suite is individually designed with antique furniture, original fireplaces, and contemporary bathrooms done with real care. Breakfast is served in a private dining room and feels more like staying with a well-appointed host than checking into a hotel. The garden courtyard is a calm escape from the city a short walk away. Guests who discover it tend to return, which explains why availability is often tight.