Ghent Hotels

I've stayed at both.

One of our first bears came from the Sofitel before it was the NH. It was of top notch Sofitel quality - and so is Vanilla Bear. I haven't stayed there since the franchise changed, but you can't beat the location. Directly opposite the town hall and the wedding balcony, just around the corner from our favourite chocolatier, just a few steps further to the cathedral, and very close to all the centre attractions and the trams which can take you to either station.

We used to stay at the Harmony before it was discovered by Rick Steves and the prices went up. Unusual and a little quirky but fabulously pleasant rooms, great views over the canal and Patershol, just around from the castle and trams too.

I would stay at either in a heartbeat.

Ghent isn't too big so the locations of both hotels are good. Keep in mind that both are about 2,5-3 km from the main train station. But you have frequent public transport to the train station, as the city centre is quite far from the train station (2,5-3km).

I'd pick the Harmony hotel. I've stayed there a few times and it's very good. It's cosier than a NH hotel.

I've stayed at Hotel Harmony both on my own as well as on a RS tour. I enjoyed it, nice interaction with staff and a delicious breakfast buffet (champagne and chocolates, lol!!) even after Covid cut many breakfast buffets down. I'd stay there again. It has AC if you will be there when it might be warm. I do agree with Nigel that the prices have really risen there since before Covid.

I've also stayed at the Ghent River Hotel which is across the canal from Harmony. I liked Harmony better.

There are some good restaurants just further on past Harmony on Oudbourg.

Thanks for all the info

We too stay at Hotel Harmony a few years ago. It’s in a good location and had a good breakfast buffet. From the train station we took the #1 tram and got off at Gravensteen castle. The hotel was a very short walk from it.