The Sweet Spot: Finding the Best Mid-Range Hotels in Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. It offers medieval charm and a lively, modern atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds or high prices of some of its more famous neighbors. It's a highly walkable city, which is great, but it's also spread out enough that your hotel's location truly matters for convenience.

When choosing where to stay, you'll generally look at two main areas: the Historic City Centre (Binnenstad) and the area Around Sint-Pieters Station (Stationsbuurt Noord). The Historic Centre is where you’ll find all the iconic sights like the Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Graslei and Korenlei quays. Hotels here are perfect for first-timers who want to step out and be in the middle of the action, though street noise can be a factor.

The area around Sint-Pieters Station is further out but is the city's main transit hub. It's excellent for day trips to Bruges or Brussels and usually offers a slightly better price/value ratio for larger, chain hotels. Crucially, a quick tram ride (usually Line 1) connects the station directly to the city center, making it a very convenient base.

We've done the research to highlight comfortable, well-rated 3-star and 4-star options that give you great value, ensuring you have the perfect base for your trip without breaking the bank.

Top Picks for Value and Location in the Historic Centre

These hotels put you right in the heart of Ghent, steps away from the medieval sights, and consistently earn high marks for comfort and service.

NH Collection Gent

This modern 4-star hotel by a trusted chain sits right next to the historic Town Hall and the famous Belfry. It blends contemporary design with its historic setting, offering spacious, quiet, and recently updated rooms. It's an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize a luxury feel and brand reliability while remaining central.

Pros: Unbeatable, perfectly central location; exceptionally quiet rooms despite being central; excellent and friendly staff; secure on-site parking available; generous breakfast options.
Cons: Can feel a little corporate (typical for a major chain); on-site parking comes with a fee.

Ghent Marriott Hotel

A premium 4-star option that combines a modern chain standard with a prime riverside location directly on the Korenlei. The hotel is a striking combination of new and renovated historic buildings, offering comfortable, well-appointed rooms, with many offering a stunning view of the river and medieval guild houses. It's a reliable choice for a touch of class and an instantly iconic view.

Pros: Superb location right on the river for iconic views; consistently large, clean rooms; high-quality service and amenities expected from the Marriott brand.
Cons: Can be priced towards the higher end of the mid-range; some minor reports of construction noise (check current status before booking).

Novotel Gent Centrum

A highly convenient 3.5-star option located very close to St. Bavo's Cathedral and the main shopping street. Novotel is a solid, internationally recognized brand, offering reliable, functional, and spacious rooms. It's particularly popular for families and those who value hotel amenities like an on-site pool and bar in the city center.

Pros: Very central location for walking to all major sights; includes a small courtyard and outdoor pool (rare for a city centre hotel); friendly, multilingual staff.
Cons: Decor is functional but can be slightly dated compared to newer hotels; breakfast is often noted as expensive.

ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal

A classic 3-star pick with an unbeatable address—literally across the street from St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry. While the rooms are compact (typical of the brand), the location and cleanliness make it a superb value option for travelers whose priority is being in the middle of everything, right where the tram line runs.

Pros: Excellent, central location is the biggest draw; rooms are consistently clean and beds are comfortable; helpful staff.
Cons: Rooms are small; some past guests noted noise from the cathedral bells or the busy central location.

Hotel Onderbergen

A highly-rated gem set in a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse, offering a more boutique atmosphere while keeping prices reasonable. It’s located on a quiet street near the Leie River, a short walk from the historic core and the Veldstraat shopping district. The rooms are described as modern, comfortable, and spacious, and staff reviews are exceptional.

Pros: Great balance of quiet location and central accessibility; very high marks for staff service and friendly, personal welcome; spacious and comfortable rooms.
Cons: Not a major chain (for those who prefer loyalty points); some rooms near the adjacent pub might experience noise.

Hotel Gravensteen

You can't get more historic than this 3-star hotel, which is housed in a stunning 1865 building right next to Gravensteen Castle. Its unique appeal lies in the historic architecture and the castle views from some of its rooms. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a memorable, character-filled stay right in the most picturesque part of the city.

Pros: Unbeatable, historic location directly next to the Castle of the Counts; offers unique historic ambiance and castle-view rooms; includes a sauna and fitness centre.
Cons: Some interior common areas can feel a little dated; reports of limited and expensive parking availability.

Comfort and Value Near the Train Station (Ghent-Sint-Pieters)

These hotels are excellent for travelers coming by train, planning day trips, or driving, as they often include parking and spacious, modern amenities, with quick public transit access to the city center.

Van der Valk Hotel Gent

A modern and stylish 4-star hotel slightly outside the city centre, a perfect option for travelers with a car or those who prioritize a sleek, full-service hotel. It offers contemporary design, spacious rooms, an on-site wellness area, and easy access to the E17/E40 motorways. A quick bus or tram connects you easily to the center.

Pros: New, modern, and very clean facilities; spacious rooms and comfortable beds; dedicated parking and easy motorway access; highly-rated wellness and Skybar facilities.
Cons: Location is a bit outside the main tourist hub (requires a 15-minute public transit ride or taxi).

Residence Inn by Marriott Ghent

This 4-star all-suite hotel is located right next to the Van der Valk hotel, offering a similar location benefit: easy access from the highway and close proximity to Sint-Pieters Station via a short bus/tram ride. As an apartment-style hotel, it’s ideal for longer stays or families, with spacious rooms that include a fully-equipped kitchenette.

Pros: Spacious suites with kitchenettes offer excellent value for families or long stays; highly-rated, friendly staff; complimentary breakfast is a great value-add.
Cons: Located on the outskirts of the city (requires public transport to reach the historic center); some guests find the breakfast area small during peak times.

Hotel Chamade

A well-regarded 3-star hotel with a sleek, modern design located very close to the Ghent-Sint-Pieters train station (about a 3-minute walk). It offers convenience for train travelers and excellent access to the tram line that runs directly to the historic center. Reviews consistently praise the comfortable, contemporary rooms and fantastic service.

Pros: Excellent for train travelers; clean, quiet, and modern rooms; easy tram access right outside the door for a quick ride downtown; high score for comfort and staff.
Cons: Not in the picturesque historic center; neighborhood is quieter in the evenings.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent by IHG

A reliable 3.5-star chain option located near the major transport links and Ghelamco Arena. This is a great choice for value-conscious travelers, especially families, as it includes a complimentary hot breakfast and features modern, bright rooms. Its location just off the E17 motorway is perfect if you are driving.

Pros: Free hot breakfast included provides excellent value; large, modern, and clean rooms; easy access to the highway and on-site parking (for a fee).
Cons: Definitely requires public transit (bus/tram) to reach the center; a more basic, no-frills experience compared to some others on the list.

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

This 3-star hotel offers an exceptionally central location combined with the clean, reliable standards of a modern budget-friendly chain. It’s located in the City Centre, offering the best of both worlds: great value and an enviable position for walking to all attractions, including the Korenmarkt. It’s a favorite for its cleanliness and friendly 24-hour reception.

Pros: Superb, central location for walking to all sights; excellent price/value for the location; new, clean, and soundproofed rooms.
Cons: Rooms are typically more compact; breakfast can be basic compared to full-service hotels.