A good hotel makes all the difference, and I love to spend hours online searching for the perfect home away from home. Ghent is compact enough to walk everywhere, which means a well-located boutique hotel puts everything within reach: the best restaurants in Ghent, the best brunch spots, Gravensteen Castle and the canals, all on foot. These are the best boutique hotels in Ghent I recommend, based on research, local tips, and my own stays at a selection of favorites.

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Boutique hotels in Ghent: my top picks

Ghent has a surprisingly strong boutique hotel scene for a city of its size. Historic buildings converted into atmospheric stays, design hotels with rooftop terraces, and smaller guesthouses with real character. These six are the ones I recommend without hesitation.

NH Collection Ghent Belfort

My personal favorite, and the hotel I always come back to. The NH Collection Belfort sits right in the heart of the city, walking distance from Gravensteen, the Graslei and all the best restaurants. The building houses one of the two best-preserved crypts in Ghent, the rooms are large by Belgian city center standards, and the hotel has 120 underground parking spaces, which matters more than you think once you have driven into a Ghent low emission zone by accident. Breakfast is one of the best in the city center.
Check rooms and rates at NH Collection Ghent

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel

The hippest stay on this list. Yalo is a 4-star design hotel on Brabantdam, just east of the old center, with 92 rooms divided into Uptown and Downtown vibes. Every room has a vinyl player or vintage USB radio, a Nespresso machine, Grown Alchemist bathroom products and an XL box spring bed. The cocktail and wine bar is one of the better hotel bars in the city and the rooftop terrace is the only one in the Ghent center. On weekends a resident DJ plays downstairs, which is either exactly what you want or a very good reason to request a higher floor. Restaurant by head chef Jasper Maatman serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Check rooms and rates at Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel

NH Collection Ghent | Best Boutique Hotels in Ghent 

1898 The Post

A former post office on Korenmarkt, converted into one of the most atmospheric hotels in Ghent. The building is spectacular, the rooms are spacious and the location could not be more central. The Porter’s House cocktail bar in the basement is worth a visit even if you are not staying here. Book a room facing the square if you want to wake up to one of the best views in the city.
Check rooms and rates at 1898 The Post

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Set in an 18th-century mansion with a courtyard garden that feels like a well-kept secret in the middle of the city. The Pillows hotel group does warmth well; the rooms have a richness to them that most design hotels at this price point manage to miss. The hotel bar is one of the nicest in Ghent and the garden terrace is the place to be on a warm afternoon.
Check rooms and rates at Pillows Reylof Ghent

Chambre d’Amis by Alix

A smaller, more personal option in the Stationsbuurt Noord district, a little further from the old center but with its own distinct charm. The name translates to “room for friends,” which gives you a sense of the atmosphere: more guesthouse than hotel, with attention to detail that larger properties rarely manage. A good choice for a quieter stay or a longer visit to Ghent.
Check rooms and rates at Chambre d’Amis by Alix

ONE TWO FOUR Hotel and Spa

The option for trips where you want to balance city exploration with actual downtime. ONE TWO FOUR has a full spa, indoor pool and rooftop terrace. It sits a little further from the medieval center but has its own tram stop right outside. If a weekend of museums, good food and a Sunday morning spa session is what you are after, this is the one.
Check rooms and rates at ONE TWO FOUR Hotel and Spa

Best things to do in Ghent

A good hotel is only part of the equation. Ghent has enough to fill three days without repeating yourself: a medieval castle in the city center, world-class art in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, canal walks, street art and a food scene that punches well above its weight. My complete Ghent city guide has the full picture.

BOOK: GUIDED BOAT TRIP MEDIEVAL CENTER

Activities worth booking ahead in Ghent

The best way to see Ghent from the water is on a guided boat trip through the medieval center; spots fill up fast in summer. For a food lover’s introduction to the city, the guided city tour with food tastings covers the best spots in one afternoon. And the Belgian chocolate walking tour is exactly what it sounds like, and better than it has any right to be.

BOOK: GUIDED URBAN BIKE TOUR IN GHENT

Getting to Ghent

Ghent is easy to reach by train from Brussels (35 minutes) and Bruges (25 minutes). For routes and tickets across Belgium, check NS International. Note that Ghent city center is a low emission zone; register your car before driving in or use the hotel parking where available. The Citycard Ghent covers unlimited public transport, a free bike rental day and entrance to all the main sights.

Boutique hotels in Ghent: frequently asked questions

What is the best boutique hotel in Ghent?

It depends on what you are looking for. For central location and reliable quality, the NH Collection Ghent Belfort is my top pick. For design and atmosphere, Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel is hard to beat. If you are looking for historic character, 1898 The Post on Korenmarkt is the one.

Are boutique hotels in Ghent expensive?

Prices vary. 1898 The Post and Pillows Reylof are at the higher end, while Yalo and NH Collection offer strong value for a 4-star stay. Chambre d’Amis by Alix is the most affordable option on this list and suits longer stays well. Booking in advance always helps, especially for summer and the Gentse Feesten in July.

Which boutique hotel in Ghent has the best location?

NH Collection Belfort and 1898 The Post are both on Korenmarkt, which is as central as it gets. Yalo is on Brabantdam, five minutes east of the old center and a good base for exploring the city. ONE TWO FOUR is further out but has a direct tram connection to the center.

Is there a boutique hotel in Ghent with a spa?

Yes. ONE TWO FOUR Hotel and Spa has a full spa with indoor pool and rooftop terrace. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof also has wellness facilities.

What else should I do during my stay in Ghent?

Quite a lot. Read my complete Ghent city guide for sights, activities and tips, my restaurant guide for where to eat, and my brunch guide for slow mornings.

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