Novotel Gent Centrum

I rarely leave reviews. I stay in hotels all over the world and I've worked in 44 countries at the last count. I've stayed in the Novotel Gent before, even hosted a week-long conference here in 2023 not that made any difference. In short the hotel is over-priced and under-loved. Specifically I payed 200 Euros a night for a hotel with a hole in the carpet, skirting board hanging off, scruffy, unkempt paint flecks (missing paint) in the bathroom and plastic curtains (with dirty marks). If I was paying 100 Euros a night I might not grumble, but come on this is a Novotel. The night staff on my arrival was quite insistent that I pay in full on my arrival at just before midnight. I know some hotels may have this 'rule' but it might have been a bit more considerate, say empathetic to ask about my journey (long tiring journey) and say "don't worry sir we know you have stayed here in the past, pay in the morning." I had problems with my business card and was put under pressure to pay the next day. When I managed to contact my bank and sort my card issues I came to pay the balance on Thursday morning to be met by "Oh I can't do it now, it's too difficult, pay in full when you check out". I also asked to change my room on Thursday. I was met by I can't do that you have to come back when my manager is here. Super: you can demand my money but you can't address the poor state of my room. It wasn't helped by the words "I can't help you I am only following orders". Awful choice of words

Hotel has a very bad smell in the lobby

Staff was very friendly and efficient

Nice good looking hall but rest of the hôtel is dated and particulary the rooms. Thery are due for a major refresh. I would not recommend it.

Excellent location and the staff was amazing. They allowed us to check in early which was very helpful considering we had just flown in that morning. Thanks!

The property is sadly lacking in maintenance. We have stayed in Novotel’s in other countries and had higher expectations than what we were met with. Paint peeling in the shower, bedside light switches, broken or missing, blackout curtains old and tattered

Great location that is close to the city center and many attractions. Nice and safe hotel.

Old dated hotel. Very expensive average breakfast. Staff people were nice.

Front desk staff were not very helpful are sympathetic with our problems.

Got in early and the room was suitable, big and reasonable, but a little dated. Only one towel, so rang down, didn't make a fuss as let in before 3.00pm The room was facing the bell, near St Nicholas church, so relevant to noise from the various Ghent Music Festival sites, but the sound proofing was excellent, so didn't bother us. The room was very hot and the heating / cooling system was old, noisy and inefficient, and the hotel was aware of this as there was a large fan, which only dissipated the hot air around the room, and the window if opened allowed the noise in. Second day we had to ask for two towels again as one only left, and only one tooth brush etc. We booked the sauna in the hotel, free which was great on Saturday, and did the same on Sunday. When we trekked back across town for 7pm, only to be told it was already taken and no record of our booking.

Amazing property - loved the pool!! Close to everything. Expedia reservation said breakfast included but they wouldn’t honour it - that’s the only issue. Otherwise highly recommended

Clean room. Friendly staff.

Centre of town location is incredible

Great location, happy with our time relaxing and sightseeing in Ghent.

Great for central Gent especially with kids

It was great stay, we will be back.

Great location. Room was nice and spacious. Staff was helpful and friendly. Only downfall was the weird smell in the lobby area.

Nice hotel in a great location, very central and convenient for where we need to be. Room was a little worn and needed some updating.

Great location