Where to stay in Ghent, Belgium?

I don´t know the hotels in Ghent, but I can give this advice- stay in the center of the city! Unlike Brugge, where you step into history almost as soon as you leave the train station, in Ghent you have to go through several blocks of a rather uninteresting modern city to reach the good stuff in the center.

What's "not too expensive", Michele? One man's whatacallit is another man's whotsit, or something. I have two favourites and one not favourite that I regularly use but they might not fit.

What I mean by "not too expensive" is that we don't require a 4-star hotel or anything of that standard. I'd like to stay under 100 euros. We have looked at the Ibis St. Baafs Kathedral online which looks like it is in the middle of the city and seems reasonable priced. But we are open to other options as well. Thank you for your help!

There are two Ibises (Ibisii?) in Ghent, one across from the Cathedral - the one you have identified, and one down by the University more towards the larger and more southern station. Of the two, I'd go with the one you found. You don't mind church bells do you? They're beautiful and I wouldn't mind but there was somebody on here a few years ago who complained at the bells at Zum Goldene Hecht in Fussen. We've never stayed at the Ibis but the Ghent Novotel was up to scratch and when it was a Sofitel the NH was too so I expect the general run of Accor properties should be fine. You couldn't ask for a nicer town to stay in. You'll be across the street from the famous alterpiece! Cross the street the other way and there is a store which sells nothing but honey. Like BBQ ribs? All you can eat at several places for (was €18-€21) including both Amadeus restaurants. The other two hotels I mentioned would be out of your price range. Sorry.

Agree that Ghent is a great town to stay in! Recently stayed at a NH hotel (used to be a Sofitel) which was very nice - great breakfast. Look at TripAdvisor - I recall some well reviewed B&Bs - one I wanted which was booked was Simon Says. Have fun.

I can't agree with Tom. The area between the main railway station of Ghent and the medieval heart of Ghent is not uninteresting! It's 19th and early 20th century, with houses in classical architecture and also fine examples of art nouveau, eclectic and art deco architecture. Check Koning Albertlaan: http://www.pbase.com/fic123/albertlaan Koningin Astridlaan: http://www.pbase.com/fic123/koninginastridlaan Prinses Clementinalaan: http://www.pbase.com/fic123/prinsesclementinalaan Groot-Brittanniëlaan: http://www.pbase.com/fic123/grootbrittannielaan Kunstlaan: http://www.pbase.com/fic123/kunstlaan
Don't forget to walk along the quays of the Bijlokekaai with it's platanes, if you're visiting the brand new City Museum STAM. And to end: Any idea of how the railway station looks? It's in a crazy fantasy oriental style! http://www.chamade.be/uploads/artikels/Sint-Pieters%20station.JPG