A STAY IN THE HEART OF GHENT WITH GHENT MARRIOTT HOTEL & SOAN COCKTAIL BAR
words by NIA TOPALOVA
Located on the Korenlei, overlooking the River Lys and the historic guildhouses of the Graslei, Ghent Marriott Hotel occupies one of the most recognisable spots in the city. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Ghent on foot, with Gravensteen Castle, St Bavo’s Cathedral and the main shopping streets all within walking distance. During our stay, it was so easy to move between the city’s historic sights, its cafés and restaurants, and the comfort of the hotel.
The building combines restored historic architecture with a contemporary interior as parts of the property are housed in 16th-century merchant houses, while a large glass atrium opens up the space and brings plenty of natural light inside. The contrast of the traditional façade and modern design gives the hotel its charm and character. Recently renovated rooms and suites follow a similar understated style, with comfortable, cosy furnishings and absolutely stunning views over the river and Ghent’s historic rooftops.
Beyond the location and the beautiful interiors, the Ghent Marriott Hotel definitely stands out for its service. The team is incredibly welcoming and attentive, which makes the whole stay feel so easy and comfortable. The hotel is also much bigger and more spacious than you might expect from the outside, yet despite its size, the atmosphere is warm and relaxing.
Ghent Marriott Hotel also has its own restaurant, serving delicious contemporary Belgian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local flavours. And for those looking to continue the evening without heading back into the city, there is SOAN, a cocktail bar tucked away in the hotel’s historic cellar.
SOAN was created by Yves Jadot, together with mixologist Nicolas Vignals. The bar is smaller and more intimate than the spaces upstairs, with dark interiors, low lighting and a carefully designed sound system. The cocktail menu includes original creations alongside reworked classics, with plenty of attention given to the ingredients and preparation. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the drinks are clearly taken seriously. It is also very interesting to see how the bar makes use of the building’s historic cellar.
SOAN is a welcome addition to the Ghent Marriott, particularly for guests who enjoy a quality cocktail bar. There is no need to plan another stop elsewhere in the city when the evening can easily continue downstairs.
