BJinHolland

A girlfriend and I are planning an overnight in Ghent in November (travelling from Amsterdam where we live). Has anyone knowledge of the Ghent River Hotel? Recommendation for a good dinner (for 50 something ladies) on a Friday night in the centre without having to dress up? Any tips for the short visit are welcome, this is our first visit to the city.

BJinHolland

Ghent River Hotel was fully booked as was Best Western Cours St. George so we have booked Erasmus. Location was important. Any tips for a nice meal in Gent?

lotje

I suggest you go to the "Patershol" area with plenty of good restaurants where you don't need to dress up, walk around, and just pick a restaurant (full of locals !). Avoid the tourist traps around the cathedral... (as everywhere !).
Enjoy !
Depending on your interests, Ghent offers a lot ! Of course there is the Ghent cathedral with the famous Van Eyck painting, the Gravensteen castle, the Graslei with its old houses, several museums (including the modern art museum, design museum, ...), there are former Bijloke abbey, art dealers, ... have a look at www.gent.be for more information.

PalQ

May not be running in winter but the canal boats present a nice aspect of the city. Gent also has a classic redlight district, not as garrish or touristy as yours in Amsterdam.

Michael

Type Vasterival in the search box and the third or fourth item to appear will be my trip report that includes Ghent. It includes a report on where we stayed (a centrally located B&B), where we ate and what we saw.

joegri

BJin: You'll enjoy the Erasmus; old, rickety, funky, but tons of character; large, well appointed rooms; good breakfast in a pretty dinning room and a very convenient location (easy walk to the Town Center). Musical Society across the street with beautiful music when you open the windows. Views of a small, formal garden from the rooms at the back of the Hotel. We loved the Erasmus.
I'll try to come up with the restaurant we went to. Have a great trip.