Monasterium PoortAckere is housed in a former convent on Oude Houtlei, and guests describe it as a converted monastery with a preserved chapel and a quiet garden. It is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Ghent, with a very different feel from the chain hotels in the centre, and it is a short walk from the castle, the bridges over the Lys and the Korenmarkt. It suits travellers who prefer character to polish, and who do not mind simple facilities in return for the setting.
Location and getting around
The hotel's address on Oude Houtlei, in the city centre, puts the Sint-Michielsbrug about three minutes away on foot, the Korenmarkt about four, Gravensteen about seven and the town hall about nine. The Design Museum Ghent and several churches are within about ten minutes. Ghent-Sint-Pieters station is about eight minutes by car, and Dampoort station is a long walk, so plan to use a tram or taxi from the station with luggage.
Rooms and facilities
The hotel has 109 rooms, with 28 room types, from Standard, Deluxe and Premium doubles and twins, some with garden views, to Classic rooms, singles and Family Rooms for three to eight guests, including a two bedroom option. Walls are soundproofed and WiFi is free. There is a bar and lounge, a garden and a business centre, and the hotel also runs meeting rooms and a banquet hall.
There is secured self parking on site at a daily fee. Breakfast arrangements vary, with a weekend buffet reported, so confirm what is included when you book, and plan to eat out at the many cafes nearby.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, history lovers and groups who like a distinctive building, and its family rooms are among the largest in the city. Be aware that the building has no lift, so guests with limited mobility or heavy luggage should ask for a ground floor room or choose another hotel.
Pets and smoking are not allowed. Because it is an old building, rooms vary in size and layout, so read the room descriptions carefully and ask about quiet rooms. It is a good value way to sleep in a piece of medieval Ghent.
Why stay here
- ✓Converted convent building
- ✓Garden
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Family rooms for up to eight
- ✓Soundproofed rooms
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Central location
Good questions
Is Monasterium PoortAckere really a former convent?+
Yes, it is housed in a former convent building on Oude Houtlei, and guests describe a preserved chapel and a garden. The building dates from the thirteenth century.
Does the hotel have a lift?+
No, there is no lift, so guests with limited mobility or heavy luggage should ask about ground floor rooms or consider another hotel.
Is it close to the sights?+
Yes, the Sint-Michielsbrug is about three minutes away on foot, the Korenmarkt four and Gravensteen about seven.
