Monasterium PoortAckere

This hotel has the character of its former life as a monastery, and it’s unlike anywhere I’ve stayed. It’s peaceful and quiet, despite being just five minutes from the T3 tram and a ten-minute walk into central Ghent. Breakfast had plenty of variety and the coffee was delicious. I was here for business, but there were also holidaymakers from lots of different countries. I’ve stayed twice, first with colleagues for a two-day offsite, and I’ll be back again shortly. Highly recommend.

The food, especially breakfast, was excellent, and the rooms felt modern and comfortable. You’re close to the main restaurants and cathedrals too. Just be aware the elevator may not reach every section, so you might need to haul your bags up some stairs.

Breakfast in the vaulted chapels was especially peaceful, with the quiet of the old building all around. The rooms bring together period character and modern comforts, including soft lighting, luxurious bedding, and thoughtful amenities. Thick stone walls, wooden beams, and cloister gardens make the former monastery feel calm despite being right in Ghent. From the plain front of Oude Houtlei, you’d never guess PoortAckere was tucked behind it, a monastery with a history going back to 1278. It feels intimate and quietly elegant, rather than sleek or trendy, a surprising calm spot in the busy city.

My distributor, Innovad Group, booked a meeting room here for a training session, and it went really well. The converted monastery has a peaceful feel, and the staff were friendly and professional throughout. Saint Autbertus Chapel inside the hotel was a real highlight, a magnificent and unusual setting that made the visit feel special.