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Bustling Gent's accommodations are often sleek and modern, and there are several stylish hotels in historic buildings. However, hotels generally target weekend and short-term guests. The tourist office can help you make reservations for some of the inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Gent as well as in the surrounding countryside.
This 18th-century manor house makes charming use of its setting, with an elegantly finished interior and delightful terrace and garden. Rooms are decked in light-wood floors with a crisp grey-and-white design that gives the overall impression of simple, chic elegance. Brunch, breakfast, high tea, dinner can all be arranged.
A truly unique B&B crafted by a pair of interior designers and antiques dealers, Jan and Marc, with a reverence for the past that borders on the zealous. This beautiful mansion house dates mainly from the 18th century, built by the Lord of Leeuwerghem, who began fashioning it in the style of the day: elegant salons decorated in huge canvases and Chinese-print wallpaper. The current owners have worked wonders in restoring as much of that era as possible, with the manor house (where they live and share their space) almost like a living antique. A magnificent courtyard parterre garden separates the main living area and the recently renovated servants' quarters to the rear. There you'll also find a converted workshop where a vast, original glass-and-lead window pours light into the more modern kitchen-apartment space. There is nothing else like it in Belgium.
Get a different perspective on Ghent by staying aboard this restored riverboat, which dates from 1953 and has been docked on the Leie since Portus Ganda opened. Cabins are large and bright, with bathtubs available in rooms on the upper floor. The wood-floored, sunny breakfast room also doubles as the evening gathering spot. Free parking is available on the road nearby. Just bring your sea legs: even though it's tightly anchored to the shore, the boat does tend to rock a bit.
Sitting across from the 19th-century church of Sint-Aldergondis, on the cobbles of Duerle's tiny main street, its five bedrooms have a rustic gentility and make a fine base for those exploring the trails and museums of the area. It's a quiet spot, with little to do but eat and drink in the evening. Downstairs, the brasserie (open Thursday–Monday) does a fine line in classic Belgian fare, from eel in green sauce to stoofvlees (stew) with a side of mashed apples.
This small B&B with just three guests rooms and a studio is instantly recognizable from the street thanks to its bright, colorful exterior; things are more subtly finished on the inside, while the studio comes with a small balcony and modern kitchen. The owners are happy to help arrange a number of day trips. There's even storage for bikes; handy given what a cycling mecca this is.
There aren't many places to stay in Dendermonde, which makes this B&B on the banks of the Dender something of a precious rarity. Large rooms with bay windows and views over the water are accompanied by big breakfasts, walk-in showers, and a helpful owner.
