Ghent River Hotel, Ghent ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

Close to the old Graslei harbour

Great

8.1

8.3

/10

4.2

3.8

Loved by Ghent River Hotel guests

Helpful staff
Spacious room
Delicious breakfast
Prime location

"We stayed in a stunning suite on the first floor of the 15th-century mansion, part of the Ghent River Hotel."

Oleg from Canada

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"Room with old elemen near the river"

Simone van Beek

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"Such a great spot to us as a base to explore the old part of Gent."

Denis

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Dining

Ghent River Hotel offers an on-site dining option at Restaurant FOCUS, where guests can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with local ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal flavors and provides a scenic riverside view, enhancing the dining experience. A bar area complements the restaurant, serving an extensive selection of drinks and cocktails.

Room Types

The hotel houses 77 spacious rooms and apartments, designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Each room includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Select apartments come equipped with a kitchenette, accommodating longer stays with ease.

Location

Located along the picturesque banks of the river, Ghent River Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the historic city center. Nearby attractions include Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral, both easily accessible for guests. The hotel also provides excellent transport connections, including access to public transportation.

Business Facilities

For business travelers, the hotel offers a well-equipped meeting room that can accommodate various functions and capacities. Complimentary coffee and tea service is available, enhancing productivity during meetings. High-speed internet access is also provided to support business needs.

Wellness Area

Guests of Ghent River Hotel can unwind in the on-site wellness area, featuring a sauna designed for relaxation. The wellness space allows for rejuvenation after a day of exploring the city. Fitness equipment is also available, catering to health-conscious travelers.

Highlights

Dining: Restaurant FOCUS with local ingredients

Room Types: 77 spacious rooms and apartments

Location: picturesque banks of the river, 10-minute walk from city center

Business Facilities: well-equipped meeting room

“I found this hotel to be remarkably well-situated for exploring Ghent's historic core, with several rooms boasting memorable canal views. The breakfast buffet is extensive, one of the largest I've seen in the city, and caters to diverse tastes. Its unique blend of industrial history and modern design, coupled with the option to arrive by boat, sets it apart.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Peace

The underground car park was super close. Finding spaces, even on a busy Friday, was easy. It made arrival stress-free.

Oliver from Canada

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DiningBreakfast Views

Breakfast on the top floor offered amazing 270-degree views. The selection was great, with something for everyone.

Mei from China

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Room FeaturesRiver Serenity

The river view from the room was superb. The sound of the water was so soothing; made my stay memorable.

Rajesh from India

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Business FacilitiesMeeting Ready

The meeting room was perfect. They supplied pens, paper, and water. Everything needed for a successful meeting.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Select your room type

Ghent River Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Coffee machine

Heating

room details

Standard Double or Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Executive Double or Twin Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Coffee machine

Heating

room details

Family Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Coffee machine

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Ghent River Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Ghent River Hotel Location

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

Map view

Waaistraat 5, Ghent, Belgium, 9000

City landmarks

Landmark

Belfry of Ghent

2200 ft

Church

Saint Nicholas' Church

2200 ft

Church

St. Bavo's Cathedral

3600 ft

Landmark

St Michael s Church

3000 ft

Museum

Design Museum Gent

2100 ft

Landmark

Rabot

4000 ft

Church

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

2100 ft

Gallery

Belfry and Cloth Hall

2400 ft

Landmark

Graslei and Korenlei

2000 ft

Landmark

Geeraard de Duivelsteen

3200 ft

Bridge

St Michael's Bridge

2300 ft

Museum

Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen

3800 ft

Historic Site

Ghent Cloth Hall

2200 ft

Museum

Museum of Fine Arts

1.4 mi

Square

Graslei

2100 ft

Castle

Castle of Gerald the Devil

2800 ft

Landmark

Saint Peter's Abbey

1.2 mi

Nearby

Sint-Veerleplein 11

Gravensteen

1400 ft

Square

Korenmarkt

1900 ft

Grootkanonplein 5

Dulle Griet

700 ft

Academiestraat 1

Augustinian Monastery

1400 ft

Ghent City Center

2000 ft

Werregarenstraat

Graffiti Street

1500 ft

Museum

Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles

1400 ft

Church

St James' Church

800 ft

Museum

The House of Alijn

900 ft

Vrijdagmarkt

800 ft

Public Building

Ghent City Hall

1800 ft

Historic Site

Great Butchers' Hall

1600 ft

Botermarkt 17

Mammelokker

1600 ft

Restaurants

Himalaya Restaurant

900 ft

Oudburg 1

Osteria Al Sikulo

200 ft

Waaistraat 14

Prince

1000 ft

Oudburg 58

't Klokhuys

900 ft

65 Corduwaniersstraat

Ankara

1000 ft

Oudburg 42

Babbelut

400 ft

Vrijdagmarkt 15

ABA-jour

800 ft

20 Oudburg

Panda

800 ft

38 Oudburg

De Acht Zaligheden

700 ft

Oudburg 4

Sushi Palace Gent

1100 ft

Oudburg 37

Brasserie De Jacob

400 ft

Vrijdagsmarkt 16

Explore Ghent

Gravensteen

5 minutes' walk

A medieval castle with a fascinating history, guided tours bring its stories to life. Experience stunning views from the ramparts.

Belfry of Ghent

8 minutes' walk

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers panoramic views. The 91-meter tower is iconic for its impressive carillon and architecture.

Saint Nicholas' Church

9 minutes' walk

A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this church features intricate sculptures and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Design Museum Gent

8 minutes' walk

Dedicated to design, this museum showcases innovative works and hosts temporary exhibits. Free admission on the first Wednesday of each month.

Bike Tours

10 minutes' drive

Guided bike tours explore Ghent's hidden gems. Rentals are available and suitable for all skill levels.

Kouter Park

14 minutes' walk

Perfect for relaxation and family outings, this park features beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and seasonal flower markets.

City Walking Tours

10 minutes' walk

Experience Ghent's culture with local walking tours. Various themes available, including food and history.

Canal Kayaking

12 minutes' drive

Kayaking on Ghent's canals offers thrilling views of the city. Rentals available; pre-booking recommended during peak seasons.

Himalaya Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Authentic Nepalese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Signature dishes include momo dumplings and rich curries. Vegetarian options available.

Prince

4 minutes' walk

A charming French bistro known for its seasonal menus and local ingredients. Reservations recommended for peak dining hours.

't Klokhuys

3 minutes' walk

Belgian specialties in a rustic setting. Renowned for its local beer selection and hearty dishes like Flemish stew.

Ankara

4 minutes' walk

Delicious Turkish offerings with a vibrant ambiance. Try the mixed grill platter; halal options are also available.

Dulle Griet

3 minutes' walk

A local pub famous for its extensive beer selection. Great vibe with regular live music events on weekends.

KAA Gent Football Matches

15 minutes' drive

Experience local football culture. Matches held at Ghelamco Arena, with vibrant atmospheres; check the schedule for home games.

Cinema Vértigo

10 minutes' walk

Charming independent cinema showcasing indie films and documentaries. Perfect for film enthusiasts looking for unique screenings.

Music Within

10 minutes' walk

A lively venue with live acoustic performances. Family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a variety of genres throughout the week.

Getting around

City Centre

Ghent6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Deurne (ANR)92 min · 38.0 mi

Ostend-Bruges (OST)102 min · 42.3 mi

Train

Trainstation Ghent-Dampoort14 min · 3700 ft

Train Station Sint-Pieters Ghent32 min · 1.6 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of EUR 25 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Dutch

Year renovated:

2011

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ghent River Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the Ghent River Hotel's superb location, which offers a quiet and peaceful environment while remaining conveniently close to the city center. Many appreciate the large and high-ceilinged rooms, some featuring lovely river views and windows that open to let in fresh air. The breakfast, served in a beautiful room, receives high marks for its good selection and quality, though some guests have noted that not all rooms offer the river views one might expect.

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Review score

Based on 896 verified reviews

7.9/10

Very good

83%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Breakfast

8.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.9/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Great location

Friendly personnel

Spacious room

Easy access

Canal view

Cons

Unavailable parking

Unclean bathroom

Penelope from Greece

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 06, 2026

9/10

refurbished buildingbreakfast roomunbeatable location

I adored the completely refurbished building. It feels so modern! the breakfast room is beautiful and the food tasted awesome. i also loved the location. It's really unbeatable.

the staff didn't seem super interested in helping with questions, unfortunately.

0 Helpful

Annie from Canada

Family with children

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 13, 2026

7/10

Satisfactory stay

spacious roomcanal viewhelpful staffsmall bathroomdated bathroomstrange smell

The room was spacious and had a canal view. It was nice to have the minibar. The staff were friendly and helpful. The location was good. It allowed for easy access to many attractions.

The bathroom was small. It also seemed a little dated. The bathroom was not very clean. I noticed a strange smell.

0 Helpful

Matthew from Australia

Couple

Double or Twin Room Canal View

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 21, 2025

8.8/10

Charming Stay with River Views

good locationfast check-inefficient staff

The location proved very good, close to Vrijdagmarkt underground parking, just a short walk. Checking in process was fast. Breakfast was on the top floor, with airy room. It has views, it was a plus. The staff was efficient. I enjoyed a nice food selection at breakfast.

The room shaked from 7am to 7pm. This happened everyday. Coffee machine and cups.

Location

9/10

The hotel benefits from its central position. It made the major historic city sights easily accessible. Many restaurants and bars are also nearby. This allows guests lots of options.

Facilities

8/10

Breakfast happened in a beautiful room. It had a 270 degree view. In warmer weather, there is a terrace. The terrace is a beautiful area to sit, eat, drink, and look at the view.

Rooms

8/10

My room, number 317, was large. It featured a double aspect. The room was nice and neat. It provided a pleasant environment for relaxation after a day exploring.

Service

10/10

Every member of staff seemed helpful. They responded fast when I needed something. I felt supported throughout my stay and the service contributed to my comfort.

0 Helpful

Zoe from Australia

Couple

Double or Twin Room Canal View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 15, 2025

9.0/10

FANTASTIC stay!

great locationbreakfast optionshelpful staffclean room

The location is GREAT for exploring. I easily walked to the main attractions and found many restaurants nearby. The breakfast was AMAZING!!! It had many options. The staff accommodated my need to store luggage after checkout, a helpful service. The room was clean and very comfortable.

Location

9/10

The hotel enjoys convenient proximity to key attractions like Vrijdag Markt and Koren Markt. This central positioning allows easy exploration of the surrounding areas and cultural highlights, with many dining options available. This is a GREAT location for seeing the sights.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel has a breakfast area that offers a copious selection of food. Guests can find many choices for all needs. Luggage storage is available after check-out. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Service

10/10

I found the staff to be friendly and helpful . They assisted with luggage storage. They also provided directions. The personnel addressed all my questions promptly.

0 Helpful

Victoria from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 14, 2025

6/10

acceptable stay

good locationnearby spotcomfortable bedbroken fanconnection faultbroken light

the location was quite good although quiet. lots of interesting spots nearby. it's a good idea to have umbrellas to borrow at the lobby. comfortable beds were available.

our room was not 4 star by any means. the fan in the bathroom was not working. one of the bedside lights had a connection fault and was blinking on and off. these items should have been checked by the hotel before we got there.

0 Helpful