When Jan Rosseel and Marc Vergauwe met in design school, they could never have guessed that decades later they'd become the owners of a derelict 18th-century mansion. But in 2004, that’s exactly what happened; the interior designers bought a palatial townhouse in central Ghent, in need of complete restoration. 18 months later, the stunning result was Maison d’hôtes Hôtel Verhaegen, a private mansion turned maison d'hôtes, which showcases innovative Dutch and French design, and is now classified as a historical monument. There are 5 spacious bedrooms, each with a unique fusion of antiques and modernist touches. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings, sumptuous fabrics furnish the beds, and quirky finds are displayed in hidden corners. It’s certainly not a museum, though; rather a lived-in home that you're invited to share.
Downstairs, the opulence continues in the magnificent Grand Salon, which overlooks a French-style garden with an ornamental pond, box hedges and potted lemon trees. Inside, the salon walls are lined with 250-year-old Rococo murals by the Flemish painter Pierre Norbert van Reysschoot, and great care has been taken to preserve original features such as marble fireplaces and herringbone-wood floors. After a day's sightseeing it's a fabulous place to relax with a fine wine or brandy. We’ve yet to stay, but it’s exactly what we’d hoped to find in historic Ghent.
Highs
- A must for art lovers and those interested in Flemish architecture; it’s perfectly placed for Ghent’s medieval canals and galleries, and just 5 minutes' walk from the Graslei
- The warmth of service. Jan and Marc go out of their way to make you feel welcome and previous guests say they felt like they were visiting old friends
- High-ceilinged rooms, with antique screens, plush carpets and vintage-style wallpapers. Gorgeous bathrooms, too
- Breakfast in the elegant dining room is a lavish affair: fine china, silver tableware, candles, freshly squeezed OJ and an assortment of tasty treats
Lows
- Rates don't include breakfast, and the hotel is expensive compared to other B&Bs in the area, but worth the splurge for special occasions
- Closed on Sunday & Monday nights
- It's quiet in the evenings and there's no night bar, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby
- There's no night porter so no arrivals after 9pm (contact the hotel beforehand if this is an issue)
- No lift
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit Ghent - temperatures are fairly mild and it's not too overrun with tourists. There's a real buzz in the air in early July when the festival season arrives, though be aware that the city shuts down for a few weeks after this. August brings warm weather and sees locals out enjoying the sunshine.
Our top tips
Ghent hosts many musical festivals nearly all year round, and has a wonderful opera house and several concert halls, too. The International Jazz Festival takes place during the first week of July. This is followed by a 10-day open-air music festival that attracts huge crowds. Book tickets in advance.
- Guesthouse
- 5 rooms
- Breakfast only (restaurants nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Closed: 23-25 December inclusive
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Private tours
Rooms
There are 5 large and impressive bedrooms. All have original 18th-century fireplaces, dramatic high ceilings and elaborate cornicing, but they are completely different in décor, with bright colour washes and handpicked antiques (parchment leather washstands, vintage screens, marble tabletops). Retro touches, like Roberts radios and modernist art, act as a clever counterpoint and add a lived-in feel.
The aptly named Cosy is very private, tucked up in the eaves with a bath hidden in a cupboard. The best room for a view is tranquil Paola’s Room (the Junior Suite), which overlooks the manicured garden. Its sitting room is decorated in vibrant hues of red, and quirky artwork - a 'Pasta' poster by the French artist Razzia - hangs above the fireplace. It also has an illustrious history: the Queen of Belgium stayed here as a child. For complete and utter decadence, splurge on the enormous Suite Années '40. It's airy and luxurious, with grey and cream walls, a private reading room and a lovely balcony.
Bathrooms have big tubs, waterfall showers and complimentary Floris products, and all rooms have flat-screen TVs and WiFi. Minibars hide a selection of fine wines and champagne.
Guests also have the run of the gorgeous communal areas, which go way beyond anything you’d expect to find in a B&B. The Grand, Chinese and Dining Salons are magnificent with fabulous furnishings, while the serene and fragrant garden is the perfect spot for a cup of tea.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
Marc and Jan's scrupulous attention to detail continues at breakfast, where perfectly poached eggs and flaky French pastries are served on silver platters at a communal table. The Dining Salon is stunning, with a heavy chandelier, 250-year-old Rococo paintings by Pierre Norbert van Reysschoot, and a log fire in winter. If, however, you're tempted to linger in bed, ask for breakfast to be delivered to your room.
Ghent’s restaurant culture is booming, with a number of Michelin-starred restaurants continuing to spring up around the city. Generally, the cuisine revolves around local seafood and you're an easy stroll from an eclectic mix of bars and eateries. On Jan Breydelstraat, The House of Elliot is a 1920s-style brassiere recommended for its lobster menu. Down in the 14th-century Patershol quarter there are some great fish restaurants, including Nzet. A Flemish staple is waterzooi (a stew made with fish or chicken) and this can be sampled at many restaurants, including the well-known Pakhuis - an industrial-chic former warehouse. Or try the bijou Cuisine Ouverte on Annonciadenstraat for a gourmet veggie feast. After dinner, head back to the hotel and unwind in the Grand Salon with one of Jan and Marc’s fiery cocktails or a cigar and fine brandy.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Stroll along the canal to the Graslei, Belgium’s most famous quay. It’s only a 5-minute walk to the busy medieval port with its lively restaurants and specialised old merchant shops
- Ghent is famous for its splendid 18th-century Flemish architecture, dating from its textile-trade past. Marc and Jan can organise a private guided tour of the historic centre.
- Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels are only a 30-minute train ride from Ghent if you fancy a day trip
- The SMAK museum holds a world-class collection of contemporary art, including Hockneys and Warhols
- St Bavo’s Cathedral is a must, with 3 impressive towers and a Rococo pulpit built from Danish oak. It’s worth the token entrance fee just to see The Adoration of the Lamb altar piece - one of the finest examples of religious art
- Head to Zwarte Zusterstr for clothing boutiques and artisan products. Recommended shops include Volderstraat, Henegouwenstraat and Vlaanderenstraat
- Listen to jazz and admire the art at the Hotsy Totsy Club, just down the road from the hotel. Over 30 years old, it's popular with artists and photographers
- Check out the Parisian-style second-hand book market of Ajuinlei, located along the Lys. Hunt down some old classics or stock up on vintage postcards and records
- While in Ghent, it would be wrong not to sample the mouthwatering chocolates at patisserie Joost Arijs. The owner used to work in the famous Michelin-star restaurant Hof van Cleve and his cookies are sublime
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Children are welcome and will love the fairytale vibe and friendly dog, although it's not an obvious choice for a family stay. It's probably best suited to babies or older children. Baby cots/extra beds are available.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
There's a Family Suite with two bedrooms (one double, one twin) and a living area. The Suites Atelier d’Arthur have kitchens for self-catering. A few rooms can fit a baby cot; the Suite Annees '40 can fit a rollaway bed. Some rooms can be combined to form large private suites.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Maison d’hôtes Hôtel Verhaegen is situated in the centre of Ghent (Gent), northern Belgium. It's at a crossroards between Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. The easiest way to get here is by train.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Brussels International (50km). Or you can fly into Lille in France and cross the border.
From the Airport
Taxis are available from Brussels airport (around EUR100 in 2013) or you can hire a car.
By Car:
We would not recommend driving here - it’s far easier to take the Eurostar or train, then a taxi, bus or tram. However, if you do want to drive, see our car rental recommendations. If you're hiring a car from Lille, check you're OK to take it into Belgium. The hotel has 2 parking spaces which can be used by guests for an additional fee - see Rates.
By Train:
You can reach Ghent by rail from across Europe; if travelling from the UK by Eurostar, rail travel around Belgium is often included in the price. Gent Sint-Pieters station is a 15-minute taxi ride from Maison d’hôtes Hôtel Verhaegen.
Getting Around:
Ghent is best seen by foot and the hotel is perfectly placed for walking around the centre. The tram network is a good way to get a more scenic tour of the city.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Brussels International 50.0 km BRU
- Lille (in France) 80.0 km LIL
Other:
- Beach 50.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape