Belgium

I cannot comment on Hotel Harmony as I haven’t stayed there, however, their location is exactly where I would want to be. Keep in mind that you don’t have to walk from the primary train station as trams are available. The historic core of Ghent is spectacular at night especially IMO and I recommend you keep your reservation. Also, for your day trip to Antwerpen, you will likely want to leave from Ghent - Dampoort station, which will not have trams but rely on buses if you need to avoid walking.

To get to the Harmony Hotel from Ghent St.Peters train station, simply take the Red Line #1 Tram outside of the train station to the Gravensteen ( Castle) stop and the hotel is just 500 hundred feet away.

I strongly agree with Jay MN. I enjoyed being in the historic center of Ghent in the evenings and would not have like being out by the train station. The tram to and from the station are easy and don't take long. If you buy the Gent city card, public transport as well as many museums and sights is covered.

Tramlines are temporary changed in Ghent. The "Red" Line T1 Kenko remarks follows due to roadworks a different route. Likely you arrive at Sint Pieters railway station, just take this line there with direction Gentbrugge. Expo is for the opposite direction. The direction is clearly visible at the frontside of the tram. Trams run very frequent, you can catch one every 10 minutes or so.

You have to change at Zuid (the main transport hub for trams and buses outside the railway stations) to T2 with direction Evergem. You have to get off at castle Gravensteen, you can’t miss it. It’s just a few minutes walking to your hotel.

How long the situation with T1 will continue is hard to say. I know that a track section is removed and the road repaved. If I am informed well that will change again somewhere in the future, so it will remain this way for a while. In doubt you can always ask at the ticket desk of the “De Lijnwinkel” just outside the railway station.

If you have a room at the Harmony I'd advise to hold onto it. My favourite hotel in all of BeNeLux, no question. Great family operation, fabulous rooms, a very special breakfast. Spectacular location, especially if your room is on the front.

You won't find anything even close near the station.

You don’t have to go to Dampoort station at all. Sint-Pietersstation (Saint Peter’s) is the main hub from which you can travel to any city by train. Connections are frequent and fast. Station and city are easily accessible by public transport.

Thank you all so very much. All of your comments have helped reaffirm our plans to stay in Ghent.
Safe travels everyone.