Ghent River Hotel
Ghent River Hotel descritpion
Ghent River Hotel sells fast on our site. This hotel blends an industrial history with elegant décor and modern facilities. Ghent River occupies several former factory buildings, less than half a mile from the Botermarkt. It features a sauna, gym free Wi-Fi and a riverside terrace.
The rooms at Ghent River Hotel have a TV, minibar and a modern bathroom. Some of the rooms include original features such as high ceilings or wood- beam ceilings.
The House of Alijn is only 900 feet from River Hotel. Gent-Dampoort Train Station is a 15-minute walk away. The center of Brussels is 40 minutes away by car.
Each morning a buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room which features panoramic views of Ghent. The buffet includes croissants and pancakes as well as bacon and scrambled eggs.
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Facilities of Ghent River Hotel
Outdoors ：Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Sauna | Fitness Center
Food & Drink ：Bar | Breakfast in the Room
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：No parking available.
Services ：Room Service | Baggage Storage | Laundry | Shoeshine | Meeting/Banquet Facilities
General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken ：Dutch | French | English
Reviews for Ghent River Hotel
Review 1：Location is just perfect, staff and facilities are really good. I was expecting a different room, but I was pleased anyway and I didn't ask for a change. Breakfast may seem pricy if not included, but absolutely worth the money: good variety and quality and the staff is really on the sppt cleaning after and checking food and drink availability.
Review 2：The floors above us made a loud noise when people walked on it. Also, the staff could have warned us that around new year, no restaurants or bars are open.
Review 3：It was very central, most of the staff were helpful.
Review 4：Although the room was spacious with the brick external design made the rooms feel cold. Ensuite wasn't that brilliant flooring in practical and weak flow on shower.
Review 5：Good location easy to find .
Review 6：Great location to walk into centre and close to good restaurants. Executive Riverside rooms are worth requesting. Excellent breakfast in lovely rooftop dining room.
Review 7：the gym consisted of four very old cardio machines that barely worked. and you had to pay nine euros to use the sauna! breakfast quality was poor.
Review 8：we had a free upgrade to the junior suite which was very spacious and full of character.
Review 9：The advertised sauna was tiny and only working on demand and with an extra charge! The rooms were okay but quite small. The breakfast room was over crowded (on a Sunday) and and buffet not quite what I expected.
Review 10：I liked the bath tube.
Review 11：Please could you supply a few more tea bags and milk cartons? The walls and ceiling are thin so you can hear your neighbours quite easily, but that's a downside to any hotel.
Review 12：This is the second time we've stayed at this hotel and both times we've had a superb room overlooking the river. Located just a stone's throw from the city centre - perfect.
Review 13：The walls are paper thin and you can hear conversations from adjoining rooms, woken during the night with people arriving / departing.
Review 14：Location is excellent for walking the city and restaurants etc..
Review 15：The boiled eggs at breakfast were almost uneatable with a thick pansar around the yolk. The hotel info in the room was outdated with inaccurate offers. The room itself was small and humid and we had to keep the window open to get some fresh air.
Review 16：Good location at the end of central town. Fantastic small Italian restaurant (Baccanti) on the other side of the road.
Review 17：- Rooms are too hot in the winter (airco is not working) - Lots of noise outside in the evening and at night if you have a room on the front side - Confusion about payment at the reception (didn't believe that we had already paid. It was a bit awkward)
Review 18：- Rooms are well equipped (safe, water cooker, mini bar) - Location is perfect
Review 19：We were on 3rd floor, same floor as breakfast room so could hear staff in the kitchen stacking/moving cutlery/china and glassware quite early in the morning. Door to that area should have been kept closed.
Review 20：The location, comfortable bed and good selection for breakfast
Review 21：Noise from the bar area and dance café close by on a Friday and Saturday night could disturb light sleepers, depending on location of your room.
Review 22：Nice spacious rooms overlooking the river. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast had wide choice and plentiful. Good value for money
Review 23：No separate shower - just an attachment over the bath with no shower curtain. Our suite had a view over the car park which was a shame.
Review 24：First of all I have to say the staff were excellent, really helpful and kindly organised an upgrade to a suite before I arrived with no hassle. Location is good with only a ten minute walk to the main square/ shops and tram stops. Breakfast was great and a fab way to start the day exploring the stunning city of Ghent.
Review 25：The hotel was incredibly convenient for all the main tourist sites of Ghent but also very quiet (which we liked!). The breakfast room was beautiful with a great choice of food. We loved the styling of the bedroom, comfortable but very contemporary.
Review 26：Only a couple of minor criticisms are that the extractor fan in the bathroom did not work, and that the lighting in the bedroom was dim making the room very dark.
Review 27：Modern hotel with old character features, in a central location near all of Ghent's main sites and an underground public car park. We arrived early and our room was not ready, but the lovely receptionist took our luggage and gave us a map of the city to go and explore. Check in and check out were friendly and efficient, cleaning was done well and we enjoyed our stay.
Review 28：The situation of the room on the third floor - beside the breakfast kitchen and very noisy from early in the morning.
Review 29：The location - right in the heart of town. The breakfast was great. The room was comfortable with extras such as an umbrella, bath robes and a safe.
Review 30：Other reviewers have mentioned it, but it is worth reiterating: sound-proofing is poor. We were able to hear the next door occupant blowing his nose, coughing and snoring, and then in the morning, we could hear the breakfast room being set up.
Review 31：The location is excellent: the hotel is just a few minutes from lots of bars and restaurants, and a comfortable stroll to a number of attractions. Aside from our criticism regarding soundproofing, we were very happy with our choice of hotel and found all staff to be most friendly, courteous and helpful. We arrived during Ghent Film Festival and so were unable to park in the closest car park because it was full, (as were some of the other car parks). After driving around, we made the decision to simply park and telephone the hotel for assistance; this we did and a taxi was sent to collect us. Our room overlooked the river and was both attractive and clean. We also both enjoyed the firm, comfortable bed. Breakfast (included in our room rate) was fabulous! My husband enjoyed the choice of hot foods, whilst I was equally happy with the range of fruits, yogurts, meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, breads, pancakes, waffles, cake, pastries ...!
Review 32：Nothing
Review 33：Very convenient location, yet still quiet and relaxed Nice room. Excellent breakfasts in the bright and airy dining room. Friendly staff. Ghent is a great city - especially the scenic central area which is pedestrianised and relaxed. Ecofriendly Ghent!
Review 34：Had a top floor room which overlooked the canal, Savaged by mosquitoes during the night. Some bites still visible 3 weeks after we got home.
Review 35：Nice Hotel close to town centre and places of interest. No parking on site but underground parking nearby + 30 minutes free parking in small square in front of the hotel. (enough time for checking in & out).
Review 36：Again housekeeping came into my room with out knocking.
Review 37：I have room next to river. The hotel in the center many restaurant and things to see. Staff friendly!
Review 38：We had a wonderful stay in Ghent. It is a beautiful city. The hotel was beautiful,well situated. It was lovely and quiet during our stay, but I did notice what could have been a night club outside our window,so maybe we were lucky. Belgium is a beautiful county with friendly people - well worth a visit.
Review 39：The cleaning staff needs sorting out: one day we got in after 3pm for some rest and the room hadn't been done. The day we left they came to do the room before we had checked out. The carpet in the corridors looked dirty and dated. The safe in our room didn't work. After reporting this to reception one of the handymen tried to fix it without any luck. We were told by reception that it would be changed the following day but that never happened. Opposite our room across the canal was a restaurant / lounge bar called Neuf Mille. The loud music and people laughing and shouting prevented us from sleeping for 2 nights, as the party went on until 4am on both days. Only when it rained it was quiet. Not the hotel's fault but it partly spoilt our visit. This was rather disappointing, as we specifically asked for a room with canal views. So be mindful when you book your room. You may prefer a room facing the street.
Review 40：The young lady in reception in the afternoon - evening was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was very good and varied. The location of the hotel is central and close to everywhere. Our room was on the ground floor and was very pretty.
Review 41：Some reception staff were a bit grumpy.
Review 42：Wonderful breakfast room and impressive selection of hot and cold food. Location was excellent with only a short stroll to the main sights.
Review 43：Nothing.
Review 44：Great quiet location on the canal. [Ask for a canal view for sure.] Right in the center, but on the edge, so no tourist or market crowds to contend with. Grocery store nearby for a few small supplies.
Review 45：Room was fine but a little disappointing compared with most of the advertised photos.
Review 46：Excellent variety at breakfast. Close to the historic part of the city with plenty of good value, good quality places to eat nearby.
Review 47：Excellent hotel with very central location. It is situated next to the river and there are rooms facing the river with good view. The staff was attentive. The room was lovely with typical style. The bed was comfortable. I would go there again for sure.
Review 48：It's a bit remote from the train station which would not have been a problem had the tram routes not been altered due to the festival. We had a minor leak in our room at one point but we were quickly relocated to another room once the management were made aware of the problem.
Review 49：We booked this hotel for its proximity to the historic center of Ghent. Considering that the chaos and partying of the annual Ghent festival was occurring during my visit, this hotel was an oasis of calm in that sea of noise.
Review 50：The facilities were generally adequate, but our sink plug was broken, and no handyman was available to repair it. In fairness, we were offered another room. Cleaning materials and machines were left in the halls almost continually.
Review 51：The location is very central and the staff were quite friendly. The breakfast was good and served from 7am - an advantage for early risers, as most cafes in town aren't open until 9am.
Review 52：we got the room #214 and it has problem with humidity ( one can easily see on the ceiling in the bathroom and in the room). The personnel in the hotel was nice,they suggested us discount on the price of the room,which we accepted. they probably could have also changed it for a better room if we asked the reception immediately upon arrival, but it was rather late and we were too tired.
Review 53：Location and service in the hotel
Review 54：i ordered the room in February asking for a high floor room. I came to the hotel arround 1230 and was told that the check in will be only 1600 insted of 1500 because the festival...i went into the city and enjoy the festival but comming back arround 2300 i got a backyard room facing the parking.
Review 55：Fantastic central location, we had a room overlooking the river. The bed was extremely comfortable. Loved the really powerful shower and the twin heads for my less lofty wife. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very good and the room where we had it was very nice : light, open with great views.
Review 56：No problems, but car parking in nearby underground car park cost 10 Euros per night
Review 57：Very good location near centre of city. Beautifully converted from an old textile mill. Excellent facilities, helpful staff wonderful breakfast.
Review 58：No bath only shower in bathroom and tiles could do with a good steam clean !! Also cobwebs in there. We booked at the same time as our friends and their room was much brighter and included a bath ! Shabby room for 4 star.
Review 59：Close to centre of Ghent. Good breakfast.
Review 60：Excellent location on the river. Staff exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Very good breakfast. Fresh strawberries in the bar. Quality of the refurbishment of the building is admirable.
Review 61：Quarto bastante confortável e uma localização óptima. Pequeno almoço excelente e variado (no entanto, existem elementos que não são repostos, num dos dias fomos um pouco mais tarde, e a variedade era muito menor - fica a dica)
Review 62：The hotel is very well situated in the heart of this beautiful city, within easy walking distance of all the main historical sights as well as good shopping and a wide range of eating and drinking options. Easy access from Gent-Sint-Pieters station by a very frequent low floor modern tram (line 1), ideal for those carrying luggage. The breakfast was excellent, ranging from cereals, a variety of breads and fruit through to sausages, bacon & eggs (boiled and scrambled), smoked salmon plus cakes and pancakes and is served in a lovely rooftop dining room with views over the city rooftops. Gent is very pretty, but also a "real" place with a bustling social, artistic and student scene.
Review 63：No sauna as advertised, gym equipment not set out and 9 euro charge to use 4 peices of equipment. Marketing implies evening restaurant which didnt exist !
Review 64：Location and staff , breakfast was very good. Comfortable modern hotel
Review 65：Had to ask for replacement milk for coffee making and also for toilet roll .
Review 66：Room was 4 star with air con , mini bar , built in safe , coffee making facility and British t.v.
Review 67：It was a Sunday night and loud night club noise that went on throughout most of the night.
Review 68：Very helpful staff, in particular, during fire evacuation. Nice room, nice breakfast.
Review 69：Parking, although close to hotel. Easy to park in underground car park, leave you car there and pay at end of stay.
Review 70：Easy access to centre restaurants, castle and monuments.
Review 71：An alarm, we assume the fire alarm, went off and was still ringing I our ears hours later, long after we tried to get som sleep. During the whole sorry experience, we only saw 1 member of staff and were not given a single instruction or advised what was happening, so after an hour of hanging around the foyer and then outside the hotel, we went back to our room after the fire brigade silenced the alarm by pulling out the wires of all of the alarms in the building. Even at this point we were not told if it was safe to return or not. After we get into bed the alarm went off again but this time we stayed put! THe following morning when we checked out , there was no reference to the previous evenings debacle an it's inconvenience. I was very concerned that we had to sleep in a hotel without a functioning alarm system. Surely this would not have been legal. Good start - worrying ending Ghent River!!! Another guest remarked that this was the third time the alarm had gone off during his stay!
Review 72：Very helpful afternoon/evening reception staff.
Review 73：Fire alarm went off at night and it took just under an hour to solve the bells. Apparent that only one staff on duty that night - not sufficient for safety in my opinion. Also, staff ignored guests and did not speak at all to us. Poor show.
Review 74：Good bed, large room. Good location but it felt a bit seedy at night.
Review 75：Staff unhelpful and rude. Fire alarm at 11pm, all evacuated for over an hour then it stopped , we all went back in, no explanation or apology. Coffee and shower gel wasn't replenished for 2nd night.
Review 76：Room 231. Gorgeous old room, large, seated area with 4 posted bed. Large dark beams spread across the ceiling. Coffee machine. Large mirror. Period windows. Very clean and good value for money. Right in the centre of the old town. Nice bathroom (shower head but no shower). Very hot water. Huge comfy bed.
Review 77：Pretty indiffferent staff, not really there to help or even do any smalltalk. There was no heating when I stayed there, and it got pretty cold one night, so not very comfortable. Rooms are small and there was no tea or coffee maker in the room.
Review 78：Really nice breakfast and great location.
Review 79：The bathroom needs an extractor fan - there is damp in one corner and it would just help if it had a working fan to get rid of the moisture from showers etc.
Review 80：It was a large and comfortable room and fairly close to everything we wanted to do.
Review 81：An unusual amount of extra costs: sauna, parking, water (none offered for free, just mini-bar). We travel a lot and given that this is supposed to be a four star hotel, we were surprised to be confronted with all these extra costs. Especially given that the price for the room was already not cheap. Last but not least, the cleaning lady entered with her key in the morning without knocking first.
Review 82：Perfect location (overlooking river), friendly staff, great historical building with lovely high ceilings.
Review 83：parking very difficult. Breakfast 21 eur p.p.?! Seems way too expensive. Didn't take it. Many good breakfast places nearby.
Review 84：room was light and nice, Wifi fast
Review 85：The hotel was perfectly located, just off the main town square. The breakfast which was included in our room rate, was the best hotel breakfast I have had, super. The bathroom whilst nicely decorated had an extremely slow running bath and manual shower. Our friends room had just a shower which they said was brilliant, so next time I return I will make sure I stay in the ones with the shower only. Still that didn't effect the enjoyment of our stay.
Review 86：Walls appeared to be thin so you could hear next door however after about 10pm that never was a problem. This could have been just our room with exposed beams.
Review 87：Perfect location as a base to explore Gent. Hotel was lovely and clean with the room we had being fantastic. Great views over the river. The breakfast was extensive and tastie. Very good value!
Review 88：Room was on the ground floor and you can hear everything that happens in the bar/reception area even in the early hours of the morning! Bed/mattrass was not comfortable. Almost not worth saying there is a fitness room, a bike and rowing machine only.
Review 89：Location is excellent. Hotel was clean.
Review 90：We found the breakfasts were expensive and as the cooked breakfasts were already cold by nine o'clock & eggs in short supply we did not enjoy the meal.
Review 91：The conversion of old warehouses was interesting - however the ceilings creaked when somebody walked overhead.
Review 92：Our room was right next to the lobby / bar. It was loud long past midnight - music, dishes banging, talking - and I was informed the lobby bar was open til 3 and there was nothing they could do and it may continue to be loud. I begged to be moved to a quiet room. Unfortunately only 1 bed room available - I'm an adult travelling with my mother and we had booked twin beds. We switched rooms anyhow. Considering the noise and the hassle of switching rooms, 130 euros for a twin room by a loud lobby is on the high side. However the other room was very lovely and if you have a room away from the lobby, it's quite pleasant.
Review 93：Pretty hotel in good location, comfy beds
Review 94：THe walls in some rooms are VERY thin (and not solid like concrete or brick) which means sound carries between rooms too easily - we could literally hear a bag unzipping in the next room. We were kept awake until the early hours on both nights due to this.
Review 95：Noise from the corridor could be heard from inside the room No complimentary coffee or tea in the room We did not requested breakfast as 21 euros/person seemed excessive
Review 96：Nice bed Big room and bathroom Location
Review 97：couple of details: shower floor was a bit wobbly and slippery, not great. plus room was quite warm (but some people may like that).
Review 98：we had a very nice comfortable room, next to the water. it's a lovely hotel on a perfect location.
Review 99：The night manager was very polite and helpful. Although we were a bit pushy, But he helped us. As well as the receptionist who was very professional and helpful and nice.
Review 100：Location, close to all main attractions. Friendliness of all the staff - including to room attendant. Beautiful bedroom looking out to the canal with high ceilings - So pleased we choose this hotel!!
Review 101：We booked an executive room through booking.com, however the room was labeled standard room. After talking to personnel, they said that executive meant there was a coffee machine....
Review 102：Great room. Incredibly smiling and helpful staff. Great services. Stayed only one night but felt like being at home. Definitely our place to stay in in Gent.
Review 103：The photos on Booking make this place look spectacular, but we were in a regular room that could've been at any budget hotel. We were looking for a more atypical, loft room for the weekend and I guess that's only certain suites.
Review 104：It was very simple to get around, next to all sorts of restaurants and only a few minutes walk from the castle and other sites. It was quiet and parking was very easy (and not that expensive in the city lot). Breakfast was alright.
Review 105：We were in the old part of the building which was fantastic but the lighting was rather dim, we had to go into the bathroom where it was brighter to read a map! The bathroom had a hand held shower attachment on the bath which was difficult to use as there was no shower screen.
Review 106：We travelled by train to Gent and the hotel is quite a walk from the station BUT Tram No. 1 runs frequently to a nearby square so it's easy to get to. Great location , just a step away from market squares, the river , etc.Great breakfast room with super views over the rooftops of Gent and breakfast great too. Smashing bedroom, more like a suite, in old part of building.
Review 107：The bathroom did not have a shower or even a curtain or a partition for guests to have a proper shower. Since we are not really big fans of the tub, bathing was a little inconvenient. Having said that, we would definitely recommend the hotel.
Review 108：We booked the deluxe double room and it was a huge room and location is also very nice. The breakfast spread was excellent.
Review 109：My bedroom had two double beds in it and an enormous room. It was too big for one person and it felt impersonable. I was then moved to a second room 227 - a lovely room but a dreadful smell. It smelt as if someone had smoked in the room before me. I asked reception to sort it but nothing was done. I had to spend the evening and night in an unpleasant environment. Pity. I used the gym facilities twice and I thought the room/facilities were poor and untidy.
Review 110：Great location, good staff at reception.
Review 111：Breakfast is all self service. Nobody to take dirty plates or replace them when needed. Beds are very hard and bathroom tiles left slightly dirty, some towels are grey and worn looking. So many hotels to choose from, would not stay here again.
Review 112：Location was ok!
Review 113：Lovely hotel in a great location. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Rooms were spacious with nice views of the river. Breakfast has quite a good selection of continental and hot food types.
Review 114：Too expensive for a room that was on the level on say a 3-star room in Romania. Ugly corridors and no premium feeling at all
Review 115：The breakfast and the service at the breakfast saved the experience
Review 116：Nice place but way too expensive: the price of the room was about 50-80 EUR more than value. Breakfast was good, but not worth 21 EUR each. Minibar prices also brought tears to the eyes.
Review 117：View over the river. Friendly staff. Easy walking distance to Ghentish attractions
Review 118：Difficulty in parking, response of a staff member to queries about parking. Initial room allocation was poor, close to the atrium (noise from the bar) and opposite a youth centre (noise and constant presence), though this was remedied quickly the next day.Can't understand why all rooms do not have standard tea and coffee making facilities.
Review 119：Buffet breakfast was excellent with a wide variety to chose from. Staff responded quickly to any concerns raised. Although difficult to locate initially the hotel was well located for the city centre and for the Christmas Market.
Review 120：The only problem was the bathroom heater which appeared not to work.It skipped my mind at the reception so I forgot to mention it.We didn't suffer exposure exactly! We would have appreciated some tea making equipment and not so much of the mini-bar booze.God but I'm sounding British! These are minor quibbles however.
Review 121：It was an attractive room.Pleasant staff.Good location.
Review 122：Nice hotel in city center. As we were staying on rainy day, hotel provides guests with umbrellas, that was a pluss. Breakfast was very good, with fresh orange juice. The room was spacious and nice bathroom.
Review 123：Being a bit picky, heating in room could have been a bit warmer.
Review 124：Nice hotel, very good location easy to find, staff friendly and helpful. Room big, well furnished and clean. Breakfast lots to choose from and well presented. Overall nice hotel good choice.
Review 125：parking was the only difficult problem
Review 126：location, breakfast and staff were all very good, I would return again.I have stayed in other hotels in central Ghent and this one is on par with all.
Review 127：This converted warehouse is a very pleasant, comfortable and unusual ,interesting hotel . The buffet breakfasts were superb on the top floor , overlooking the river and roof tops . The room was spacious and quiet with a big, comfortable bed.
Review 128：The suite was cold and dark, they had no extra lightbulbs available, i think it's too expensive for what it actually is
Review 129：They gave us a big suite, bathrooms were clean, breakfast is really good in a very pretty terrace, location is perfect for eating in nice fairly priced restaurants
Review 130：Breakfast good but totally overpriced; except one person, reception staff quite unattentive and almost rude;
Review 131：Great location in historic center; rooms to canal have nice view and are quiet; good parking options
The Fine Print
Guest are requested to contact (or leave a comment in the Special Requests box) the hotel if they require an extra bed in their room.Breakfast is served during the following hours:6:30 am – 10 am during the week7 am – 11 am on weekends