Hi, I am going to be with my mom for 6 nights staying in Ghent which will be our home base for day trips. Prior to that we are staying 8 nights in Harlem. My question is which area is the most convenient for us to stay in? My mom is 84 and though quite mobile can not do tons of walking and tons of hills. I would like a place that is close to center of town, friendly and quiet ideal so that for a meal and also to get to public transport is not too difficult. One place is called Chambre Eau and the other is Beletage that we are considering. One place said closer to tram the other close to bus. Another was BB King but from what I can tell from Rick Steves map that more out of the way. Any feedback greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Carol
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2106 posts
Carol - Bel Etage is located along a very busy street. The nearby busstation is more ment for getting in and out of the city, but with a little detour you can get to the sight-seeing places. Otherwise you still have to walk a lot, even it’s close located.
Chambre Eau is located in a more quiet area, but you have to walk 400m to the nearest tramstation (Kortrijksepoortstraat/Verlorenkost).
BB King is not located in the most fanciest street of Ghent, but I think it’s the quiest location and you only need to walk 230m to the nearest tramstation (Burgstraat) and even less to the nearest busstation (Hoogstraat).
The mentioned tramstations are on the same line (1) as station Gravensteen and Korenmarkt, two strategic places for starting your sight-seeing walk in downtown Ghent. Frequent rides are quick, just a few minutes between each station. Another strategic place is St-Jacobs, you have to take the bus to get there. Tickets costs €1,30 per person per ride, there are vending machines at the stations. So take euro and little coins with you, you have to pay the exact amount, it will return nothing back. Daytickets can be considered.
All three places look good to stay, but I think BB King is for you and your mom most practical and most conveniently located for going to the citycentre. There is some nearby construction work going on, but I think it’s already finished, but ask them if this is already the case.
Btw All mentioned tramstations are located on tramline 1, with a direct connection to the main railwaystation -St. Pieters -in Ghent, so no change is needed. Ride takes some fifteen to twenty minutes from station Burgstraat, convenient for travelling further or for daytrips to Bruges and Brussels.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
Since you have an elderly companion, you might also try Hotel Harmony--it has an elevator and is centrally located on a canal. I'd even consider the Ibis Gent Centrum--not much charm but a great location with an elevator. The BB King is a fine, but it requires more walking than the two hotels I've listed above. Since it's in a residential district, you won't find any restaurants close by.