The Ghent River Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city. Nestled in a tranquil street just a stone’s throw away from the main area, it provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion with many rooms revealing a tranquil view of the river, a picturesque sight to behold.
The hotel boasts of an easy parking option as well. An underground car park is available just about 30 seconds away from the hotel, moderately priced at 11 Euros a day. This aspect was a pleasant surprise as finding parking in crowded city centres can often prove to be a herculean task.
Accommodation: A Tale of Comfort and Disappointment
My stay was in a ‘deluxe’ room, which was impressively spacious. In fact, it was one of the most sizeable rooms I have ever stayed in. The room was immaculate, neatly arranged, boasting a colossal bed that provided maximum comfort.
However, my excitement was slightly dampened upon realising that the rooms portrayed on the hotel’s website were not a true reflection of what was provided. I was expecting to see wooden beams, exposed brick walls and period features as shown in the images online. Instead, I found myself in a room that felt generic, reminiscent of a more premium version of a Travelodge.
The furniture seemed a tad outdated and the toiletries provided were not replenished, leaving me without shampoo on the second day. The building itself felt dark with narrow corridors, lacking the detailed period features that I was expecting. To add to the disappointment, the wifi was inconsistent, seldom working inside the room.
If I were aware of the true state of the room beforehand, I would have likely chosen a different accommodation. If the price was on the lower side, I might reconsider staying at the Ghent River Hotel. However, given its premium pricing I would probably opt for a different hotel on my next visit.
Dining: A World of Options
I chose not to have breakfast at the hotel, primarily due to the price being on the higher side. But fret not, as the vicinity is teeming with local bakery shops that offer an array of delectable options.
In terms of dinner, there are numerous dining establishments within walking distance from the hotel. One of the main squares is literally seconds away, providing a variety of cuisines to satiate your taste buds.
The overall experience at the Ghent River Hotel was average. While the location and size of the room were impressive, the discrepancy between the images online and the actual room, coupled with inconsistent wifi and outdated furniture, left much to be desired.
That being said, Ghent is a city I would highly recommend. Its rich history, vibrant culture and warm people make it a destination worth visiting. And while my experience at the Ghent River Hotel was not the best, it was a small blemish on an otherwise splendid trip.