Ghent Getaway: Unforgettable Stay at Residence Inn Belgium!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Residence Inn Ghent, Belgium. Consider this less a perfectly polished review and more a stream-of-consciousness explosion of my recent experience there. Prepare for honesty. Prepare for…well, let's just see where this goes, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, The Elevator Saga)
Let's be real, arriving in a new city is always a bit chaotic. Finding the Residence Inn was a breeze – the GPS was my friend, and frankly, the building's pretty hard to miss. My initial thoughts? Clean, modern, and… accessible. Now, this is where things get interesting. I need accessibility because… well, life throws curveballs, okay? This place mostly nailed it. Wheelchair accessible throughout the lobby and hallways? Check. Elevator? Of course. BUT… and this is a tiny, hilariously relatable but… I swear that elevator was possessed. Sometimes it zoomed up like a rocket, other times it lingered at a floor and decided to take a power nap, even though I didn't ask. Don't get me wrong, it worked. It just had a personality. So, a solid A- on the accessibility front. Facilities for disabled guests? I saw the signage. I'm assuming they mean it.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Wi-Fi Obsession)
I had a seriously nice room, considering the price. Air conditioning that actually worked (blessing!), a comfy sofa, and a desk that I could actually work at (critical for a digital nomad like myself). And let's talk practicality here – the refrigerator? Essential for my late-night snack stashes. Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Now, the Wi-Fi? Free, glorious, unlimited Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it was good. I mean, I'm talking streaming movies, video calls, the whole shebang. And the Internet access – LAN was there too, just in case I felt like going old school. This place understands the modern traveler! The bathroom was clean, with a great shower and bathtub (I'm a sucker for a good soak after a day of exploring). They even had bathrobes and slippers! Fancy, right?
The blackout curtains were my saviors. This old girl needs her sleep. You know? But! There was that one minor thing. The window that opens… well, mine didn't. It was a bit of a bummer for fresh air, especially since I have a habit of wanting to open up the windows. But, hey, Air conditioning to the rescue!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams & Fitness Fantasies
Okay, so here's where things get a bit… aspirational for me. The fitness center existed! I saw it! I… did not use it. Let's just say my idea of a workout these days is sprinting to the buffet before all the pastries are gone. They had a spa. A dang spa! But again, I couldn't say. There was a Sauna, Steamroom, & even a Pool with a view. Did I use them? Nope. I was too busy eating Belgian waffles, but hey, the option was there. Next time, I tell myself. Next time I'll get a massage, a body scrub, a body wrap, the whole shebang. The point is: they offer the stuff to unwind, and I would definitely use it if I had the time. There was also a swimming pool [outdoor], which looked amazing, but the weather gods weren't cooperating during my visit.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: From Belgian Bites to Breakfast Bonanzas
Right, the food. Now we're talking! The breakfast buffet was… a thing of beauty. Seriously. Waffles, of course, but beyond that, everything. I'm a sucker for a good Western breakfast, and this didn't disappoint. Asian breakfast was available, too, but I was too busy devouring the bacon. There was the Coffee shop that smelled delicious. Restaurants, Bar, and a Poolside bar offering Happy hour! I went a little overboard with the Buffet in restaurant and took full advantage of the Coffee/tea in restaurant. I have no regrets. The Snack bar saved me on several occasions (late-night chocolate cravings, anyone?). They also offered A la carte in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and a Salad in restaurant. Honestly, I was tempted to try everything at the place. They even had Vegetarian restaurant options. The Room service [24-hour]? Absolute lifesaver on the jetlagged days!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling a Little Secure
Listen, traveling in the modern world is… well, it's a lot. So, I was super happy to see all the safety measures in place. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas. And oh, they have Hygiene certification! Individually-wrapped food options were the norm. The Safe dining setup felt… well, safe. The Staff trained in safety protocol put me at ease. I felt completely comfortable. They are definitely not playing around with safety.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
From the moment I arrived, the staff were friendly and helpful. The concierge was great for directions and suggestions. Laundry service was available, but I opted for a quick hand-wash. They even had a Convenience store! Essential. And, yes, there was a Cash withdrawal, useful for the local markets. The Daily housekeeping kept the room spic and span. The Car park [free of charge] was a huge bonus. Car park [on-site] was also available. The only thing that I regret is that the Pets allowed was unavailable. But, overall, they thought of everything.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Which I Didn't Experience, But Noted)
They have Babysitting service and, according to all the signage, are Family/child friendly. I didn't travel with any tiny humans, but the place seemed well-equipped for them. They supposedly have Kids facilities and a Kids meal. Now, that's something to remember when I'm traveling with my nephews.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Okay, getting to and from the airport? Easy! The Airport transfer service was easy to coordinate. They had Taxi service, too. Driving was simple, and they did a great job of making the place easy to access with a Doorman.
The Bottom Line: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The Residence Inn Ghent offers a fantastic experience. It nails the basics – clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a good bed – and then piles on the extras: great food, relaxing amenities, and a super-helpful staff. It's accessible (mostly), safe, and a surprisingly wonderful value. The hotel chain's consistent, and honestly, it's a great spot to recharge.
Ghent Getaway: Your Unforgettable Stay at Residence Inn Belgium!
Book your stay at Residence Inn Ghent Belgium today and experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and relaxation. With its prime location, exceptional amenities, and commitment to guest satisfaction, Residence Inn Ghent is the ideal choice for your next trip to Belgium. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
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Final Thoughts: Honestly? I'm still thinking about those waffles. And the next time, I'M USING THE SPA. You're welcome. Go book!
Burlington Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at the Best Western Plus!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to not mess up my trip to Ghent. And, honestly, I’m kind of winging it. Here goes, the messy, beautiful chaos that is… my Ghent adventure!
Residence Inn Ghent, Belgium - The “Hope I Don't Mess This Up Miserably” Itinerary
(Important Disclaimer: Subject to Change Because, You Know, Life. And Maybe Belgian Chocolate.)
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn Cobblestone
Noon (ish): Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU). Okay, so I'd booked a shuttle, because I was all "pro-traveler" and thought I'd be clever avoiding trains. Apparently, "clever" and "finding the right shuttle pick-up point" don't always go hand-in-hand. After a sweaty, frantic 20 minutes of feeling like a lost lamb, I finally found it. Lesson learned: trains aren't so scary.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated panic. I hate being late. Also, I'm a little afraid of being "that tourist" who blocks the sidewalks. Check on my emotional state later.
1:30 PM (Maybe later): Shuttle to Ghent. Pray for no traffic. Seriously. I've heard Belgian traffic is a beast.
3:00 PM (If the Shuttle Gods are Kind): Check into Residence Inn Ghent. Hoping the room is as advertised: clean, bright, and with a view that isn't just a brick wall. (My last hotel experience… well, the less said the better).
- Quirky Observation: Okay, so I'm already obsessing about the cobblestones. I saw a glimpse of them outside the window during the shuttle and I'm already imagining myself tripping and looking a fool. I'm picturing me and my suitcase, doing a slow-motion faceplant. God, please let me survive these cobblestones.
3:30 PM: Cobblestone Gauntlet: Venture out to find food. This is the "Hunger Games" stage, but for a decent sandwich and a cold drink (preferably a Belgian beer, even though it will probably knock me flat). Look for something near the hotel, because, again, cobblestones.
- Emotional Reaction: Anticipatory Excitement – and a healthy dose of “what if I get horribly lost?”
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Wandering and Wondering. This is my "explore and get lost on purpose" phase. Aim: Find the Graslei and Korenlei (the pretty canals). This is where all the Instagram pics are taken. Goal: Take some of my own without looking like too much of a tourist.
- Anecdote: Okay, so I downloaded a walking tour app. I'm simultaneously excited and terrified. I feel like I'm betraying the spirit of wandering by using an app, but I'm also terrified of wandering into a sketchy part of town. I'm already planning to be over-prepared.
8:00 PM: Dinner Somewhere Romantic. Honestly, I just want something tasty. I'm thinking a restaurant with outdoor seating (if the weather cooperates) so I can people-watch. Preferably with a nice view of the canals. Need a good burger and beer, maybe frites somewhere.
- Messy Structure & Occasional Rambles: I'm already thinking about tomorrow's chocolate shop visits. I'm going to need a big walk, maybe some exercise? Maybe, but probably not. I got a lot of steps in today!
Day 2: Chocolate, Canals, and My Existential Crisis (and Maybe a Brewery)
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Pray for decent coffee. I’m a coffee snob. It’s a disease.
10:00 AM: Chocolate Pilgrimage. God, I love chocolate. This is the most important part of the trip. Searching for the best chocolate shops, asking locals for recommendations… I'm going to hunt chocolate like it's my job. Need to find some artisanal, small-batch, melt-in-your-mouth, "I don't care how much it costs" kind of chocolate. Also, I have to find speculoos biscuits. They sound delicious. I'm envisioning a chocolate and speculoos fueled day.
- Doubling Down on the Chocolate Experience: Okay, I'm planning a full-on chocolate crawl. I've looked at a few places: Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke, Chocolatier Mieke… I’m going to eat chocolate until I have to be rolled back to the hotel.
1:00 PM: Canal Cruise. Embrace the tourist in me. I’ve heard the canal cruises are stunning. Pray for a sunny day (another thing I can’t control).
- Emotional Reaction: I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but I fully plan to take a million pictures on the canal cruise. I can't help it. The canals of Ghent look beautiful.
2:30 PM: More Chocolate (because, you know, research). Found a new shop. Because, obviously. It's for "research," I'm telling myself.
4:00 PM: Exploring the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts). Because history, apparently. I'm generally more interested in chocolate, but I've been told this castle is impressive. Hope I can get excited about it.
- Opinionated Language: I am not a history buff. Castles are cool, obviously. I just hope it’s not too boring.
6:00 PM: Existential Crisis Pause. Take a moment in a quiet cafe, preferably with a view, and contemplate life, the universe, and all the chocolate I’ve consumed, along with the questionable amount of beer I might have had, and attempt to plan for the night.
- Messy Structure & Occasional Rambles: I might need a little nap before dinner. Or maybe a pre-dinner snack. Or maybe I'll skip dinner and just eat more chocolate.
7:30 PM: Dinner and/or Brewery Exploration (depends on my sugar/alcohol levels). Find a good restaurant. Or a brewery. Or both. I'm open to suggestions.
Day 3: The "Maybe I Learned Something" Day & Departure
9:00 AM: Breakfast (again, hoping for good coffee).
10:00 AM: St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece. The Ghent Altarpiece is supposed to be amazing. I'm actually excited about looking at art! Which is a surprise, even to me.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: (Good!) I'm genuinely excited to see the Ghent Altarpiece. I've read about it, and it seems incredible. I hope it lives up to the hype.
12:00 PM: Lunch and Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting. Need to find something other than chocolate. Maybe.
2:00 PM (ish): Head to the airport. Reluctantly. Because, you know, real life calls. Actually, first: find a good coffee to go and some Belgian Waffles to take on the road.
3:00 PM (ish): Shuttles to Brussels Airport (BRU). With all the bags, the chocolate, the memories, and me surviving everything, including the cobblestones.
Emotional Reaction: A mix of exhaustion and sadness. I'm already planning my return trip. I will be so sad to leave Belgium.
And That's It!
This is my "plan," but let’s be honest, it's more of a suggestion. Things will go wrong. I'll probably get lost. I will definitely consume too much chocolate. And that's perfectly okay. Because that's travel, isn't it? A beautiful, messy, and utterly human experience.
Wish me luck!
Turkey's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Yunak Evleri Await!
Seriously, Is This Residence Inn in Ghent Actually Worth It? (My Wallet Is Crying)
Alright, let's get the big question out of the way first. "Worth it?" Depends on your definition of "worth." Financially? Probably not the *cheapest* option. But if you're looking for a genuinely delightful stay with a bit of space and a *glorious* sense of home (even a temporary one)... absolutely, undeniably, YES. I'm still reeling from the breakfast buffet – and not just because I ate enough waffles to fuel a small country. More on that later. But yeah, my wallet’s a bit lighter, but my soul? Recharged. And isn't *that* what we're all after?
What's the Deal With the Breakfast? (Tell Me About the Waffles, Please! I have a waffle obsession)
Oh. My. Waffles. Okay, deep breaths. Because this is where I went a little… *off the rails*. Picture this: a sunny Ghent morning (yes, the sun *does* occasionally grace us in Belgium!), a beautifully laid-out breakfast area, and the undeniable siren song of a waffle iron. And they were phenomenal. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and *so good* that I actually felt a pang of sadness when I finally had to leave them. I might have, *ahem*, smuggled a couple of them back to my room. Don't judge me! They also had eggs, bacon, fruit (tried to be healthy), and all sorts of coffee that made waking up a lot of fun but then made me have to pee every 10 minutes, which I now realize might've been a bit of a pacing issue for my adventures.
Are the Rooms Actually *Nice*? (I'm a Little Clumsy, So I Need Something Durable)
Listen, even *I* managed to navigate the rooms without demolishing anything, so yes, they are absolutely nice. They're spacious, actually. I'm talking a separate living area with a sofa (perfect for collapsing into after a day of sightseeing), a fully equipped kitchen (which I mostly used to store snacks, let's be real), and a comfortable bedroom. The whole vibe is modern and clean, nothing too pretentious or fussy, which is my style. And, incredibly, it survived my clumsiness. The shower pressure was also fantastic, I might add - always a big win in my book.
How Close Is It To the City Center? (Don't want to trudge miles)
Okay, so here's the lowdown: it's not *right* in the heart of the historic center, but getting there is easy peasy. A short tram ride, a quick bus trip, or even a pleasant walk if you're feeling ambitious (which I was, once, after that many waffles. Let's just say the walk back was less enthusiastic). It's well-connected which is important, you want to use the transportation, not get sick of it.
Did You Encounter Any Problems? (Gimme the Dirt!)
Well, okay, nothing is *perfect*, and the staff was fantastic for addressing things, it was great! There was one tiny hiccup with the Wi-Fi on my first day, which, as a digital nomad wannabe, sent me into a brief (and melodramatic) spiral of panic. But, and this is key, the staff sorted it out *immediately*. Like, within minutes. They were super friendly and helpful throughout my stay. They made me feel welcome, and that's worth its weight in Belgian chocolate (which, by the way, is also readily available in Ghent – another win).
What Else Did You Love About the Stay? (besides the waffles and the Wi-Fi help)
Besides *obsessing* over a breakfast buffet? I loved the small things. The feeling of having a proper space to relax in after a day of exploring. The well-equipped kitchen (even if I used it primarily to store my hoarding of Belgian biscuits). The friendly staff (always smiling, always willing to help). I even really loved the comfy beds. It was a place, really, to retreat to after a day. Honestly, it felt less like a hotel and more like a temporary home. And that, my friends, is a feeling you really can't put a price on. Well, you *can*, but... you see my point!
Any Tips for Someone Considering Staying There? (Lay it on me!)
Absolutely! Firstly, bring your appetite. Seriously. Secondly, pack comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a ton of walking – Ghent is gorgeous. Thirdly, don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations – they're locals and know all the hidden gems. And finally, embrace the feeling of 'home'. Unpack! Make yourself comfortable! And most importantly, enjoy the waffles responsibly… or don't. Who am I to judge? You might also want to check if there are any discounts on the surrounding activities. I was able to do some things with a small discount, and that was nice.
Would You Go Back? (The Verdict!)
Without a doubt. In a heartbeat. I'm already mentally planning my return. And this time? I'm bringing reinforcements to tackle those waffles. And maybe a bigger suitcase for the Belgian chocolate. Consider this my official, enthusiastic, slightly waffle-addicted endorsement! Go. Stay. Eat. Explore. And tell me all about your own Ghent adventures when you're done. I'm already jealous.
