Ghent Marriott Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its prime riverside location, which provides breathtaking views and direct access to the bustling canal area. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and tourists eager to explore Ghent's historic heart on foot, with major attractions just a short walk away. Business travelers also find it suitable due to its comfortable amenities and convenient setting. The hotel is well-regarded for its overall cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the consistently friendly and helpful staff. For families, the spacious rooms are a significant advantage, while couples can enjoy the romantic ambiance of the canal-front setting. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a canal view for stunning vistas, and be aware that some areas of the hotel are undergoing renovations, which might occasionally lead to noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's impressive lobby and atrium, which are described as luxurious, spacious, and modern, featuring striking glasswork that creates a bright and serene atmosphere. This central area often includes a bar and coffee service, providing a comfortable space for relaxation or casual meetings, with some guests enjoying the large television screen and the pleasant acoustics. The hotel also offers convenient elevators for access to rooms, though some visitors have noted that these can be slow or busy, particularly during peak hours, occasionally leading to longer wait times. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall design and accessibility of the public spaces are highly appreciated, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming environment. The hotel's commitment to maintaining a welcoming ambiance in its communal areas is a consistent highlight for many.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. Many guests highlight the spaciousness of the accommodations and the quality of the beds, ensuring a restful stay. However, a recurring concern is the noise level, primarily due to ongoing renovations within the hotel or adjacent rooms, with banging and drilling sounds reported during the day. Some guests also experienced noise from the street or the hotel's atrium bar. While many rooms are newly renovated and feature modern amenities like walk-in showers, some older rooms are noted as being outdated. Issues with shower drainage and leaks have been reported, along with inconsistent air conditioning effectiveness and peculiar room lighting choices, such as a lack of vanity lighting in bathrooms. Some rooms also lack a coffee maker, which is a minor inconvenience for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are generally well-received, with the breakfast buffet frequently highlighted as a standout feature. Guests consistently praise its variety, quality, and the extensive selection of options, including fresh and hot food, making it a delicious start to the day. The breakfast service is also commended for being efficient and friendly, despite occasional crowding during peak times. The on-site restaurant, Midtown Grill, receives positive feedback for its food quality, particularly its meat dishes, and its pleasant atmosphere, often enhanced by river views. The lobby bar is a popular spot for guests to enjoy drinks and coffee, with many appreciating the attentive service. While most feedback is positive, some guests find the breakfast to be on the pricier side, and there have been isolated comments about slow bar service or specific menu items not meeting expectations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently cited as one of its strongest assets, placing guests directly in the heart of Ghent's historic district. It offers unparalleled proximity to major attractions, including the main square, Belfort, and St. Michael's Bridge, all within easy walking distance. Guests particularly appreciate the direct access to the canal from the hotel's rear, providing picturesque views and a vibrant atmosphere. This prime position makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot, eliminating the need for public transportation for most sightseeing. For those arriving by car, underground parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience in a city center, though many guests note that the parking fees are quite expensive. Some also mention that finding the hotel by GPS can be tricky due to pedestrian zones.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going above and beyond, whether assisting with booking issues, providing local recommendations, or offering medical assistance. The check-in process is generally described as quick and welcoming, though some guests experienced slower service due to staff in training. Housekeeping is noted for maintaining high standards of cleanliness. The team's commitment to providing excellent customer service creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay. This dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the overall experience for many visitors.

Additional Information
A significant point of discussion among guests is the ongoing renovation work within the hotel. While some appreciate that these updates are modernizing certain areas, many express frustration over the associated noise disturbance, particularly from drilling and banging during daytime hours, which has occasionally led to disrupted rest for guests. Some guests felt this should have been disclosed at booking. On a more positive note, the hotel offers thoughtful welcome gifts for guests, sometimes including local beers, chocolates, or complimentary river boat tickets, which are especially appreciated by elite loyalty program members. These gestures add a personal touch to the stay. The hotel also provides convenient underground parking, though its cost is frequently mentioned as a notable expense, and some find the garage space to be quite tight.