Ghent River Hotel, Ghent ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

Ghent River Hotel, a 4-star accommodation, combines historic charm with modern amenities, featuring an elegant design melding a renaissance house from 1518 and an old cotton factory from 1857. It is known for its large breakfast buffet and stunning views from the top-floor breakfast room. This hotel is unique as it is the only hotel that can be reached by boat.

Rooms & Amenities

The rooms at Ghent River Hotel offer a TV, minibar, and modern bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms retain distinctive features from the old factory, while others provide views of the river. The hotel has 77 air-conditioned accommodations providing a comfortable stay with essential conveniences.

Dining Options

Dining at Ghent River Hotel is highlighted by a breakfast buffet featuring croissants, pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs, served in the panoramic breakfast room. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the cozy bar or on the quiet terrace. Local dining options are available within walking distance.

Leisure & Business

Leisure facilities at the hotel include a sauna and fitness center, providing guests with relaxation and workout options. For business travelers, two onsite meeting rooms are available. Safety features include a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and a security system for guest reassurance.

Location & Attractions

Ghent River Hotel is conveniently situated near numerous historical attractions, such as St. Nicholas' Church and Gravensteen. Public transport options include nearby bus stops at Gent Ottogracht and Gent Sluizeken, providing easy access to the city center and other landmarks. Guests can explore local sites like the Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles, less than half a mile away.

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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

Deluxe Room

Max:

2 persons

30 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Coffee machine

Heating

room details

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Family Room

Max:

2 persons

30 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Coffee machine

Heating

room details

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Standard Room

Max:

2 persons

20 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Ghent1700 ft

Airports

Deurne (ANR) 38.0 mi

Ostend-Bruges (OST) 42.3 mi

Train

Trainstation Ghent-Dampoort3700 ft

Train Station Sint-Pieters Ghent 1.6 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Lovely Terrace!

“I thoroughly enjoyed the ground floor terrace, which was perfect for relaxing. It had plenty of tables and chairs, allowing for a comfortable outdoor experience.” view full review

Spotless Room!

“The room was impeccably clean and well-maintained, with comfortable bedding that ensured a great night's sleep.” view full review

Luxury Bath Products

“I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the bathroom amenities, including a variety of luxurious bath products that made my stay feel indulgent.” view full review

Rich Breakfast!

“The breakfast offered an impressive selection of options that catered to all tastes, making it a good start to my day.” 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
Baggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Elevator
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center

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 center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cribs

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
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

Location

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

Map view

street view

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

City landmarks

Sint-Baafsplein

Belfry of Ghent

2200 ft

Church

Saint Nicholas' Church

2200 ft

Church

St. Bavo's Cathedral

3600 ft

Sint-Michielsplein Open from 14.00 to 17.00 only

St Michael s Church

3000 ft

Museums

Design Museum Gent

2100 ft

Opgeëistenlaan 2

Rabot

4000 ft

Church

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

2100 ft

Gallery

Belfry and Cloth Hall

2400 ft

Graslei en Korenleih

Graslei and Korenlei

2000 ft

Geraard de Duivelstraat 1

Geeraard de Duivelsteen

3200 ft

Bridges

St Michael's Bridge

2300 ft

Museums

Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen

3800 ft

Historic Site

Ghent Cloth Hall

2200 ft

Museums

Museum of Fine Arts

1.4 mi

Square

Graslei

2100 ft

Castle

Castle of Gerald the Devil

2800 ft

St-Pietersplein Tweekerkenstraat

Saint Peter's Abbey

1.2 mi

Nearby

Sint-Veerleplein 11

Gravensteen

1400 ft

Square

Korenmarkt

1900 ft

Grootkanonplein 5

Dulle Griet

700 ft

Academiestraat 1

Augustinian Monastery

1400 ft

Ghent City Center

2000 ft

Werregarenstraat

Graffiti Street

1500 ft

Museums

Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles

1400 ft

Church

St James' Church

800 ft

Museums

The House of Alijn

900 ft

Vrijdagmarkt

800 ft

Public Building

Ghent City Hall

1800 ft

Historic Site

Great Butchers' Hall

1600 ft

Botermarkt 17

Mammelokker

1600 ft

Restaurants

Himalaya Restaurant

900 ft

Oudburg 1

Osteria Al Sikulo

200 ft

Waaistraat 14

Prince

1000 ft

Oudburg 58

't Klokhuys

900 ft

65 Corduwaniersstraat

Ankara

1000 ft

Oudburg 42

Babbelut

400 ft

Vrijdagmarkt 15

ABA-jour

800 ft

20 Oudburg

Panda

800 ft

38 Oudburg

De Acht Zaligheden

700 ft

Oudburg 4

Sushi Palace Gent

1100 ft

Oudburg 37

Brasserie De Jacob

400 ft

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

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 of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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.