Aparthotel Castelnou

This hotel offers a distinctive aparthotel experience, characterized by its spacious rooms and integrated kitchenettes, providing a comfortable, home-like atmosphere for guests. This setup makes it an excellent choice for families seeking ample space and convenience, long-stay business travelers who appreciate the self-catering options, and sightseers looking for a quiet base within walking distance of the city's attractions. A consistent highlight is the exceptionally helpful and friendly staff, who go above and beyond to assist guests. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to book the secure on-site parking in advance, especially if traveling by car, and to fully utilize the kitchenette facilities for added flexibility.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's aparthotel design is a significant draw, with most rooms featuring a well-equipped kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, kettle, and hob, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. While some guests noted that the kitchenware could be minimal, the overall provision is appreciated. The hotel offers secure on-site parking, including a covered garage with EV charging, though some larger vehicles might find the entrance passage tight. Guests benefit from reliable free Wi-Fi throughout their stay and the convenience of a large elevator. Additionally, the property features a pleasant courtyard area and a dedicated bar and restaurant space, contributing to a comfortable and convenient stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and immaculate. The beds are widely praised for being comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often complemented by thick and plump duvets. Rooms are notably spacious, frequently featuring a separate bedroom and living room or sitting area, along with ample closet space and storage. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, offering good water pressure, though some guests found the shower in the bathtub to be slippery and noted the absence of comprehensive toiletries beyond a soap dispenser. While most reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet environment due to effective soundproofing, a few guests reported minor issues such as visible mold in isolated instances, early morning housekeeping disturbances, or finding the sofa and beds less comfortable than expected.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent and offering a brilliant buffet selection with a good variety of choices, including fresh bread, cheeses, meats, fruits, and hot options like eggs and bacon. Many guests particularly enjoyed the hot chocolate and the availability of fresh ground coffee. While the selection is generally extensive, some guests suggested a desire for more diversity, and a few noted that popular items like croissants might run out if not arriving early. The on-site restaurant, Dali, is frequently highlighted for its tasty and delicious food, with the local stew being a particular favorite. Most guests found the restaurant staff friendly, though a few experienced understaffing during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, offering a pleasant walk of approximately 10 to 25 minutes to the city center and its main attractions. It is also well-situated for access to public transportation, with a bus stop nearby and reasonable walking distance to the train station, making it an ideal base for exploring Ghent and taking day trips to other cities. The neighborhood is generally described as quiet and safe, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. For guests arriving by car, the availability of on-site parking is a significant advantage, and the hotel provides helpful assistance with the necessary Low Emission Zone (LEZ) registration for vehicles entering the city.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests particularly appreciate their willingness to provide travel advice, detailed directions, and assistance with various requests, including quick check-in processes and help with Low Emission Zone (LEZ) registration for vehicles. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with room changes for accessibility needs or helping with forgotten items. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated reviews mentioned instances of unhelpful or rude behavior from specific individuals, and some noted that restaurant staff could appear understaffed at times.

Additional Information
Guests traveling by car should be aware of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) registration requirement for Ghent, a process the hotel staff are highly praised for assisting with, often completing it on behalf of guests. The hotel offers on-site parking for an additional fee, which is considered a valuable amenity given the city's parking situation. While most amenities are included, guests should note that there may be a small charge for additional coffee pads beyond the initial supply in the room. The hotel's restaurant typically closes its dining service by 10 PM, which is a consideration for late-night meals. For those with bicycles, secure bicycle storage is also available, adding to the convenience for active travelers.