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Ghent River Hotel, Ghent
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Key details
About the Hotel
Waaistraat 5,
Ghent,
Belgium,
9000,
East-Flanders
The Ghent River Hotel combines two historic buildings: a renaissance house from 1518 and an old cotton factory from 1857. It is the only hotel in Ghent accessible by boat, offering a unique experience for visitors. The hotel features an elegant design that marries its industrial heritage with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the stunning breakfast room located on the top floor.
Location
The Ghent River Hotel is centrally located, just a short walk from significant cultural attractions like St Bavo's Cathedral and the old Graslei harbor. It is conveniently situated 15 minutes from Ghent-Dampoort train station and 40 minutes by car to central Brussels. Notable nearby sites include the Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles, and numerous historical buildings, making it an ideal base for city exploration.
Rooms
The hotel has 77 air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions and minibars. Many rooms retain architectural details reflecting the site's industrial past, providing a unique stay. Private bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries for added comfort. Some rooms also offer scenic river views, enhancing the overall experience.
Eat & Drink
Breakfast is served daily in the hotel's top-floor breakfast room, known for its extensive buffet featuring items like croissants, pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. The buffet operates from 06:30 to 10:00 during the week and 07:00 to 11:00 on weekends. Guests can also relax in the lobby bar or on the quiet patio while enjoying a drink. The breakfast experience is noted for its variety and quality, making it a highlight of the stay.
Leisure & Business
The hotel provides recreational amenities including a sauna and fitness center for guest leisure. Two onsite meeting rooms are available, accommodating business travelers with modern facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. A cozy bar invites guests to unwind after a day of exploration or meetings. Safety features include surveillance and fire safety measures, ensuring a secure environment.
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Bright and Airy
The top floor room we stayed in had windows covering two walls, making it wonderfully bright and airy, which really enhanced our relaxation.view full review
Delicious Breakfast!
The breakfast buffet was phenomenal, featuring a wide selection of tasty options that set us up for our day exploring the city.view full review
Cozy Comfort
The bed in our room was incredibly comfy, providing us with restful nights after busy days of sightseeing.view full review
Charming Atmosphere
Staying in an old building added to the charm of the hotel, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere throughout our stay.view full review
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Location
Waaistraat 5,
Ghent,
Belgium,
9000,
East-Flanders
Map view
street view
Waaistraat 5,
Ghent,
Belgium,
9000,
East-Flanders
City landmarks
Sint-Baafsplein
Belfry of Ghent
650 m
Church
Saint Nicholas' Church
670 m
Church
St. Bavo's Cathedral
1.1
km
Sint-Michielsplein Open from 14.00 to 17.00 only
St Michael s Church
910 m
Museum
Design Museum Gent
630 m
Opgeëistenlaan 2
Rabot
1.2
km
Church
Saint Bavo's Cathedral
620 m
Gallery
Belfry and Cloth Hall
710 m
Graslei en Korenleih
Graslei and Korenlei
600 m
Geraard de Duivelstraat 1
Geeraard de Duivelsteen
960 m
Bridge
St Michael's Bridge
700 m
Museum
Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen
1.2
km
Historic Site
Ghent Cloth Hall
650 m
Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
2.2
km
Square
Graslei
620 m
Castle
Castle of Gerald the Devil
840 m
St-Pietersplein Tweekerkenstraat
Saint Peter's Abbey
2.0
km
Nearby
Sint-Veerleplein 11
Gravensteen
420 m
Square
Korenmarkt
550 m
Grootkanonplein 5
Dulle Griet
210 m
Academiestraat 1
Augustinian Monastery
410 m
Ghent City Center
600 m
Werregarenstraat
Graffiti Street
430 m
Museum
Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles
400 m
Church
St James' Church
220 m
Museum
The House of Alijn
270 m
Vrijdagmarkt
Vrijdagmarkt
230 m
Public Building
Ghent City Hall
540 m
Historic Site
Great Butchers' Hall
480 m
Botermarkt 17
Mammelokker
480 m
Restaurants
Himalaya Restaurant
250 m
Oudburg 1
Osteria Al Sikulo
40 m
Waaistraat 14
Prince
300 m
Oudburg 58
't Klokhuys
250 m
65 Corduwaniersstraat
Ankara
290 m
Oudburg 42
Babbelut
100 m
Vrijdagmarkt 15
ABA-jour
240 m
20 Oudburg
Panda
240 m
38 Oudburg
De Acht Zaligheden
210 m
Oudburg 4
Sushi Palace Gent
330 m
Oudburg 37
Brasserie De Jacob
100 m
Vrijdagsmarkt 16
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
76%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Central location
Great view
Noise at night
Parking challenges
7.6/10
Very good
Rooms
7.5
Location
8.5
Service
7.4
Dining
7.5
Guest reviews
7.6/10
based on 11 reviews
7.8
7.8/10based on 3492 reviews
Dave
United Kingdom,
April
2024
6.8/10
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The room, though spacious, had some cleanliness issues like cobwebs, and the number of steps up to the door made it challenging with a toddler or stroller. However, the service was good overall, with friendly staff and assistance like arranging a taxi. The location was perfect, close to main attractions but could have been cleaner considering the modern standards. The dining experience offered a good variety but ran out on the first day. Overall, it was a decent stay with room for improvement.
Rooms
6.0
The room was very spacious, but cleanliness could be improved.
Service
7.0
The service was good overall, with friendly staff and helpful assistance.
Location
8.0
The location was perfect, easy walking distance to main attractions.
Dining
7.0
The dining had a good variety but ran out on the first day.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel offers decent facilities, but cleanliness needs attention.
James
United States,
January
2024
8.0/10
The hotel had a lovely view of the river and was close to all the main attractions in the center, making it an ideal spot for a short stay in Ghent. The rooms were clean and calming, meeting our expectations. However, there were discrepancies between the room's description on the booking and reality. The location was convenient, but parking could be challenging and noise at night was a bit of a drawback.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were clean and calm, providing a nice view. However, they didn't fully match the description on the booking site.
Service
7.0
The service was friendly, with some hiccups like not being warned about the lack of nearby open restaurants during the New Year period. Nevertheless, the staff was helpful and attentive during our stay.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location next to the river and near all attractions in the center was great for exploring the city. Although parking was a bit tricky, the area was lively and perfect for a short stay in Ghent.
Dining
8.0
Dining in the morning was a pleasant experience with a great view over the rooftops of Gent and a variety of options.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were sufficient, offering what was needed for a comfortable stay, without additional details provided on pricing or value for money.
Central location
Noise at night
Andy
United Kingdom,
January
2024
7.6/10
Staying at this hotel felt like being in a cozy barn with exposed joists and floorboards, which oddly made the room more comfortable. The free WiFi, minibar, TV, hairdryer, coffee maker, and air conditioning were convenient, although the room being randomly set to a very hot temperature initially was a downside. The location just above the river added to the charm of the stay.
Rooms
7.0
The room with exposed joists and floorboards had all the necessary amenities including free WiFi, minibar, TV, hairdryer, coffee maker, and air conditioning.
Service
6.0
The staff was helpful in guiding us around the city, but there were some miscommunications about our room and amenities. Leaving the bathroom door open due to a smell was also a bit off-putting.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location in the center of the beautiful city of Gent on a quiet street just minutes from the main attractions was fantastic. Being right on the canal enhanced the overall experience.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was incredibly good with a good selection of hot and cold foods, but having the same options every morning could be a bit monotonous.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel had excellent facilities, and the bar/reception area was lively even in the early hours. The proximity to local amenities was also a plus.
Leslie
United Kingdom,
December
2023
8.8/10
I had a great stay at this hotel. The rooms were large and clean with good facilities, although they could use a bit more edge cleaning. The service, especially during breakfast, was very nice and accommodating. The location is excellent, connecting an old factory with another old city house, making it perfect for a city trip. The dining experience in the stunning rooftop glazed atrium was amazing. Overall, a pleasant place to stay with a few minor drawbacks.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms during the day were large and clean with good facilities, but could use a good edge cleaning.
Service
9.0
The service for breakfast was very nice. The staff switched our room for us, showing great hospitality.
Location
9.0
The location is excellent, connecting an old factory with another old city house. It's perfect for a city trip or visit to Gent city Center.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience in the stunning rooftop glazed atrium was just amazing, offering a choice of heavy or lighter options with an assemble-your-own plate concept.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities in the hotel are superb, especially the rooftop restaurant with a view over the river and rooftops.
Phil
United States,
December
2023
7.8/10
I had a wonderful stay at the hotel. The rooms were clean and felt safe, equipped with amenities like air conditioning, a mini bar, and a coffee making facility. However, despite trying different settings, the room remained a bit cold. The service was nice overall, though there was a disturbance from a shouting incident during a fire evacuation. The location was very good, perfect for exploring Ghent, close to the town center, and within walking distance to everything. The dining experience was good with a variety of choices, but at 21 euros, it felt a bit pricey. Overall, a comfortable stay with some minor drawbacks.
Rooms
8.0
The room was clean and felt safe, with a 4-star feel and amenities like air conditioning, a mini bar, and a coffee making facility.
Service
7.0
The service was nice, turning my trip into an excellent experience, but there was a disruptive incident of shouting during a fire evacuation.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was very good, ideal for Ghent exploration, near the town center and within walking distance to city attractions.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good with a variety of choices, but the price at 21 euros seemed a bit high for the offerings.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offers self-vending options for coffee and tea, with a nice breakfast hall that provides great views over the canal.
Great location
Room temperature control
Clark
United States,
December
2023
8.2/10
My stay at the hotel was a delightful experience overall. The rooms were spacious and clean, offering a comfortable bed for a good night's sleep. The service was friendly and helpful, but could be more engaging to enhance the guest experience. The location was ideal within the old town, but slightly challenging to reach with luggage from the train station. The dining was excellent, offering a variety of choices, although prices were a bit on the high side. The facilities were well-maintained and added to the overall enjoyment of my stay.
Rooms
9.0
The room I stayed in was very comfortable and clean, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Service
7.0
The staff, although pleasant, could have been more engaging with the guests to create a more memorable experience.
Location
8.0
The hotel's central location in the old town was convenient for exploring the city on foot, but a bit far from the train station for easy access with luggage.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience at the hotel was very good, with a variety of options, but slightly on the expensive side.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities at the hotel were well-maintained and added to the overall comfort of my stay.
Richard
United States,
December
2023
8.2/10
I had a wonderful stay at the hotel. The rooms were beautiful and modern, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. However, there was a bit of an issue with soundproofing. Overall, the bed was super comfortable, and the shower was powerful, making my stay very enjoyable.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were beautiful, modern, and sufficiently spacious.
Service
7.0
The staff did their utmost to make our long weekend thoroughly enjoyable. They were always ready to help, although some lacked enthusiasm. However, they did address our room issue promptly.
Location
9.0
The location was absolutely perfect for everything I had planned to do and more. Right next to the river the Leie, with a feel like a business hotel and stunning views of the city rooftops and canal.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience had quite a good selection of continental and hot food types, and the warm dishes were good and served from 7 am, which was an advantage for early risers.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel had a wide choice of facilities available for guests, making the stay even more enjoyable.
Nick
United Kingdom,
December
2023
7.0/10
My stay at the hotel for a Romantic Break was a bit mixed. The rooms were quite cold and challenging to heat up, plus extremely noisy, making it hard to relax. However, the friendly service and convenient location were definite highlights.
Rooms
5.0
The rooms were standard and very noisy; I could hear every word of my neighbor's phone calls. Heating was also an issue.
Service
7.0
The staff had a row in the corridor near our room, which was concerning, but overall they were super friendly. However, the confusion regarding room reallocation was a downside.
Location
8.0
The hotel is just near the center, within walking distance to all Ghent attractions, offering a beautiful view. However, coming with luggage through cobblestone streets from the train station was not easy.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience on the third floor was good with buffet style and great views over the canal. Breakfast was enjoyable with the best scrambled eggs I've had, but it was crowded with tourists.
Facilities
8.0
The dining area on the third floor offers a buffet with a great view over the canal. The hotel provides tours/ticket assistance.
Central location
Noisy rooms
Christian
United States,
November
2023
7.6/10
The hotel boasts a top of the building location with great views of the canal and high ceilings in the rooms, offering a mix of spaciousness and character. However, there were some noise disturbances in the room, and a wardbrobe without a handle was noted. The convenient city center location may pose parking challenges and nighttime noise.
Rooms
7.0
The room was very spacious and full of character.
Service
8.0
The service was particularly helpful throughout our stay.
Location
8.0
The hotel is excellently situated in the city center of Gent, allowing for easy access to various places, although parking can be tricky and it might get noisy at night.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience offers various options, though the value for money might be a concern for some.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel provides all basic necessities for a comfortable stay.
Jack
United Kingdom,
July
2023
8.4/10
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel. The location was stunning right on the river, and the rooms were charming and very comfortable. The service was exceptional, always there to help throughout my stay. The dining experience was excellent with a wide variety of delicious choices, although a bit pricey. The overall value for money was worth it due to the fantastic location and amenities available.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were beautiful and right on the river.
Service
9.0
The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Location
9.0
The hotel is centrally located in the city center of Gent, handy to all tourist attractions.
Dining
8.0
The dining was excellent with many choices available, although slightly on the expensive side.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offers all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
Alfred
United Kingdom,
June
2023
7.2/10
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The rooms were spotless and cozy, but the location was unexpectedly loud due to children playing nearby. On the bright side, the room provided a good vantage point and a wide choice of breakfast options, including the option to dine on a small terrace. The service, though mostly pleasant, took a turn when I was rudely told about the noise in the city. The overall location was convenient for exploring the city center attractions, but lacked a bit in style. The dining experience had its ups and downs, with a rich variety of options but some disappointments in certain aspects. The facilities, however, were up to par, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spotless and provided a good vantage point with a wide choice of breakfast fare.
Service
7.0
The service was a mix of helpful and pleasant interactions with a slight hiccup regarding noise in the area.
Location
7.0
The location was within easy reach of all Ghent attractions but lacked a bit of style.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience offered a surprisingly rich variety of options but had some disappointments.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel facilities were adequate and provided all necessary amenities.
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