Ghent River Hotel

This hotel, housed in a historic building with charming river views, offers a unique and memorable stay in the heart of the city. Its signature feature is its blend of modern comfort within an old cotton mill, providing guests with a distinctive atmosphere. The central location, coupled with generally quiet surroundings, makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples looking to explore the city's attractions on foot. Tour groups and those on business trips also find the hotel well-suited to their needs due to its accessibility and comfortable accommodations. Guests frequently highlight the excellent breakfast and the helpfulness of the staff as key positives. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room overlooking the canal for picturesque scenery, and be mindful that some rooms may experience internal noise, so earplugs could be beneficial for light sleepers.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several convenient facilities for guests. A small bar and lounge area offer a pleasant space to relax, though some guests found the bar area not very inviting. A fitness center is available, equipped with basic machines like a running machine, nordic ski machine, and bike, along with some dumbbells, though many found it to be tiny and limited. While there is an elevator, some guests noted it can be old and slow, leading to wait times. Thoughtful touches like umbrellas available for loan are appreciated, especially given the local weather. Guests also value the presence of ice machines and vending machines for added convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are generally described as spacious and clean, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and well-maintained conditions. Some rooms feature charming brick walls and high ceilings, adding to the historic ambiance. However, feedback on cleanliness and comfort is mixed; a few guests reported issues like cobwebs, stains on carpets or beds, and a musty odor in some rooms. Noise levels are a recurring concern, with many guests experiencing disturbances from thin walls, neighbors talking, technical rooms, or the restaurant located above some rooms. The heating and air conditioning systems received varied comments, with some finding them ineffective, loud, or even disabled, leading to rooms being too warm. Bathrooms are often described as spacious, though some lacked proper ventilation, had leaks, or issues with shower overflow or empty soap dispensers.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from most guests, described as excellent, wonderful, and extensive. Served in a light-filled room on the top floor, often with rooftop views, it offers a wide variety of options, including fresh food, cooked eggs, bacon, sausage, cold meats, cheeses, fruits, and good coffee. Staff are noted for continually topping up items to ensure availability. However, some guests found the breakfast to be costly if not included, and a few mentioned issues with tasteless eggs or undercooked bacon. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus is that the breakfast provides a delightful start to the day with ample choices for all tastes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of major attractions like the Vrijdag Markt, Koren Markt, and various cathedrals and churches. Situated by the river/canal, it offers picturesque views and a generally quiet atmosphere despite its proximity to the bustling city center. Public transportation, including light rail stations and bus stops, is easily accessible, providing connections to the train station and other areas. Parking is available in nearby underground garages, such as the one at Vrijdagmarkt, which is a short walk away. However, guests should be aware that parking can be costly and the area is part of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which may affect vehicle access.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with flight cancellations or accommodating special requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient. Housekeeping is noted for daily room cleaning and refreshing towels and toiletries, with some guests appreciating the thoughtful gesture of leaving fresh supplies outside the room. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of staff being perceived as less friendly or unhelpful, particularly regarding specific room issues or billing inquiries. Overall, the team's commitment to providing excellent service significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel's unique character stems from its conversion of an old industrial building, with some rooms featuring historic elements like exposed wooden beams and brick walls. Some guests noted specific room design quirks, such as loft-style rooms with rooftop windows that can make them feel dark, or the presence of an old metal factory part above a bed. Guests should be aware that water bottles in the room are subject to a charge, and there may be a fee for late check-out. While the hotel offers a sauna, its use also incurs an additional charge. Some guests reported minor maintenance issues in their rooms, including non-working power sockets or safes, and a heater cord that was too short to reach an outlet.