Ghent is the middle child of Belgium. It's not as flashy as Brussels and it doesn’t have the "Disney-on-ice" perfection of Bruges. But honestly? That is exactly why you should go. It is a city that feels alive. You’ve got students biking like maniacs over 12th-century bridges, graffiti alleys tucked next to Gothic cathedrals, and a food scene that makes Antwerp look a bit sleepy.
Deciding ghent where to stay is basically a choice between living in a medieval fairytale or a gritty, ultra-hip urban dream. If you pick the wrong neighborhood, you’ll end up in a generic hotel row near the train station, wondering what the hype was about.
Don't do that.
The Historic Center: Living Inside a Postcard
If it’s your first time, you’re probably looking at the Binnenstad (the city center). Most people think staying here is a "tourist trap." It’s not. Unlike Bruges, which can feel like a museum that closes at 6:00 PM, Ghent’s center stays rowdy and real.
The Ghent Marriott Hotel on the Korenlei is the heavyweight champion here. You’re looking at a facade that dates back to the 1500s, but the inside is all glass and modern steel. You walk out the front door and you’re staring at the Leie river. It’s expensive. But if you want to wake up and see the guild houses reflecting in the water before the crowds arrive, this is the spot.
A few blocks away is 1898 The Post. This place is legendary. It’s housed in the old post office right by the Korenmarkt. The rooms are dark, moody, and full of wood and slate—sorta like a luxury version of a Sherlock Holmes set. Even if you don't stay there, the bar, The Cobbler, serves a cocktail that will make you forget how much you spent on the room.
Patershol: The Culinary Heartbeat
You want the "local" vibe? Go to Patershol. It’s right across from the Gravensteen castle (the big one with the moat). This used to be a slum for leather workers. Then it got "Ghentrified." Now, it’s a maze of brick alleys so narrow you can barely fit a bike through them.
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Hotel Harmony is the go-to here. It’s family-run and split across two historic buildings. They have a heated outdoor pool, which is a bit of a flex for a medieval neighborhood. Staying here means you’re steps away from some of the best food in the city. You’ve got traditional Flemish stews (waterzooi) and tiny Japanese izakayas all in the same block.
Actually, the best part of Patershol isn't even the hotels. It's the feeling of being hidden. You’re five minutes from the main towers, but at night, it’s dead silent except for the sound of someone’s fork hitting a plate in a nearby bistro.
Kunstenkwartier: The Arts Quarter Vibe
Maybe you aren't into the medieval stuff. Maybe you want high ceilings, industrial windows, and a lot of concrete. That’s the Arts Quarter (Kunstenkwartier).
This is where the university is. It’s where the museums like S.M.A.K. (contemporary art) and the STAM (city history) live. It’s a bit more spread out. You’ll see more locals and fewer "where is the castle?" tourists.
The Hide is a standout here. It’s more of a luxury "aparthotel" vibe—very minimalist, very cool. It feels like the apartment of your most successful, artistic friend. If you’re staying for more than two nights, this is the smart move. You’re closer to Citadel Park and the botanical gardens, which is where you go to escape the cobblestone-induced foot pain.
The Budget Reality: Stay Near Dampoort, Not Sint-Pieters
Here is a pro tip that most guides miss. Most people arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, the main train station. They see hotels nearby and think, "Convenient!"
It’s not.
Sint-Pieters is a long, boring walk or a tram ride away from the stuff you actually want to see. If you want to be near a station, look at Gent-Dampoort. It’s a 10-minute walk into the historic center, and the hotels there, like the Aparthotel Castelnou, are much better value.
For the true budget crowd, Hostel Uppelink is the only answer. It is right at the foot of St. Michael's Bridge. The view from the common room is better than the view from most €300-a-night suites. It’s a hostel, yeah, but it’s clean and the location is literally unbeatable.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often ask: "Should I stay in Bruges and just visit Ghent for the day?"
No. Absolutely not.
Ghent at night is a different beast. The city has a world-class lighting plan. They don't just throw up some streetlamps; they light the buildings like a stage set. It’s cinematic. When the day trippers leave for Brussels or Bruges, the city settles into this cozy, dimly lit magic. If you aren't staying overnight, you're missing the best part of the experience.
Actionable Tips for Booking
- Check the Ghent City Card: If you stay in a participating hotel, you can get a card that covers all your museum entries and public transit. Do the math—it usually pays for itself in a day.
- The "Friday Market" Rule: If you stay near Vrijdagmarkt, be prepared for noise on Friday mornings. The market setup starts early. It’s charming, but not if you’re hungover on Belgian beer.
- Skip the Breakfast: Honestly? Ghent is a brunch powerhouse. Don't pay €25 for a hotel buffet. Go to a local spot like Luv L’Oeuf or Pain Perdu instead.
- Book the Water Side: If a hotel offers a "canal view" for an extra €30, just pay it. In Ghent, that view is usually the difference between a memorable trip and just another hotel stay.
The best way to experience this city is to pick a spot in Patershol or the Binnenstad, drop your bags, and immediately get lost in the alleys. Don't over-plan the itinerary. The city is small enough that you'll stumble into everything eventually.
Next Steps for Your Ghent Trip
Check the availability for 1898 The Post or Hotel Harmony at least three months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the Gentse Feesten in July—the city fills up completely during this ten-day festival. If those are booked, look into the Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel for a trendy, mid-range alternative that still puts you right in the thick of the action near the Brabantdam shopping district.