Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gent

This hotel serves as a highly practical choice for road travelers and those seeking a convenient stopover, primarily distinguished by its ample free, secure parking and direct motorway proximity. Many guests consistently highlight the genuinely friendly staff and the surprisingly good breakfast as significant positives, often noting that the hotel offers value for money despite its somewhat dated appearance. It is also well-suited for solo travelers and pet owners due to its accommodating policies. For business travelers working in the nearby industrial area, its location proves particularly advantageous. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request a room not facing the industrial factory, as some guests have noted noise and odors from that side. Additionally, guests should verify restaurant operating hours, as they can vary, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of a kettle in the room for hot beverages. However, several common amenities are noted as lacking or problematic. Many reviews mention the absence of a fridge in the rooms, which some guests found inconvenient. A significant number of guests also reported that there is no air conditioning, leading to discomfort during warmer periods. The hotel also lacks a lift to the first floor, which can be an issue for guests with mobility concerns or heavy luggage. Some guests experienced issues with the EV charging points not being functional. The bar area is often described as uninviting or having limited hours, and the room doors are frequently mentioned for being noisy when closing. Furthermore, the thin walls contribute to noise transfer between rooms, impacting guest privacy and rest. The scarcity of outlets near the bed is also a recurring point of feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Most guests find the rooms to be generally clean and well-maintained, with some describing them as spotless. However, a notable number of reviews mention instances of rooms being dirty, with reports of mold in bathrooms, hairs on surfaces, or dust under beds. The overall room condition is consistently described as old, dated, tired, and basic, with some rooms being quite small. Regarding bed comfort, many guests praise the comfortable beds and report a good night's sleep, while others found the beds uncomfortable or noted feeling springs. A common complaint is the significant noise levels from the adjacent industrial factory, thin walls, and doors that slam loudly, which can disturb rest. Some rooms also lack proper blinds or curtains, leading to privacy concerns and unwanted light. The bathroom areas are frequently cited as being old and tired, with issues such as mold, cracked sinks, small baths, and problems with showerheads or toilets.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests describing it as delicious, well presented, and extensive, offering a good variety of options. It is frequently highlighted as a superb and plentiful start to the day, though some guests note it can be expensive if not included in the room rate. A minor suggestion from some is the addition of plant-based milk options. Feedback on the restaurant and dinner service is more mixed. Many praise the food quality, describing meals as excellent and tasty, with some even calling it a "top kitchen." However, several guests report that the restaurant closes too early or is closed on weekends and holidays, limiting dining options. Some also experienced being refused dinner without a prior reservation, or found the menu limited to pizza on certain occasions, which was sometimes described as poor quality or overpriced. The bar area is generally not considered inviting and also has limited hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is primarily praised for its motorway proximity, making it highly convenient for road travelers and those needing a quick stopover. A significant advantage is the free, secure parking with ample spaces, and the convenience of parking directly outside some rooms. While some guests describe the hotel as being close to the city center of Ghent, others note it is quite far away, requiring a walk of up to an hour or reliance on public transport. There is a bus stop close to the property with routes directly to the city center, and a tram stop is about a fifteen-minute walk away. The surrounding area is consistently described as an industrial area, with a chemical factory nearby, leading to reports of noise and smells for rooms facing that direction. Despite this, many guests find the location practical for their travel needs.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests. Many describe the team as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and helpful, contributing significantly to a positive stay. Guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests, with some highlighting the staff as "top-notch" and providing "excellent service." The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient, with staff available even for late arrivals. Specific services mentioned include assistance with taxi organization and secure bike storage. While the overall sentiment is very positive, some minor issues arose, such as the inability to obtain additional coffee sachets beyond the initial allocation, and some confusion or perceived inflexibility regarding the towel policy. Despite these isolated instances, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme in reviews.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a somewhat confusing towel policy, with notes in rooms indicating a charge for missing towels, which caused some guests concern. The provision of coffee sachets in rooms is noted as being limited, with no easy way to obtain more without charge. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals. However, some non-smoking rooms were reported to have a persistent smell of smoke. A few guests were advised not to drink the tap water in their rooms. Additionally, some guests who booked using gift cards or vouchers experienced issues with breakfast not being included as expected, leading to unexpected charges. It is also worth noting that rooms typically do not include an iron for guest use.