Ghent

Perhaps less well-known than its smaller neighbour Bruges, but no less beguiling, Ghent has everything. A historic centre of breathtaking architectural beauty, whose ornate gabled facades reflect in its picturesque rivers and canals; a rare cultural heritage from the 15^th century Flemish Golden Age, to be found in its museums, religious and civic buildings; but also a thriving popular culture in its festivals and events, and vibrant night life in its bars, cafes, restaurants. The illumination of the city's monuments at night has even been recognised by a UNESCO award.

Van Eyck's masterpiece "the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" in St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry with its symbolic dragon spire now a UNESCO World Heritage site (the illumination of the city's monuments at night has also been recognised), and the imposing medieval Castle of the Counts are unmissable highlights, but the true beauty of Ghent lies in the constant, unexpected hidden gems, the narrow streets, little bridges, ornate squares and peaceful beguinages that await discovery on an aimless stroll. Or again, in the unique atmosphere provided by the rivers and canals, for centuries the pulsating arteries of the city.

The self-contained nature of its historical centre, so ideal for exploring on foot (and by boat), makes Ghent the perfect short break destination. Not only is it now so accessible by Eurostar and a quick local connection, but also, because of its central location, it makes a great base for day trips to, say, Brussels or those other Flemish jewels Bruges and Antwerp, each a mere half an hour away by rail.

Ghent-River-Hotel

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An exceptional hotel of genuine style and character, this visually stunning conversion of a former warehouse and 16th century Renaissance house marries chic modern designer features to traditional charm.

It enjoys a prime riverside location in the medieval centre. In rooms and public spaces alike the accent is on light and space. There is a bar, lounge, sauna, gym, interior courtyard garden and panoramic rooftop breakfast room. The 77 individually styled, air-conditioned rooms are all with bath or shower, wc, tv, safe and minibar. American buffet breakfast

Superior room supplement: £8

3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 when arriving on a Friday or Sunday between 1 & 19 Apr and 1 Jul - 31 Aug (any day from 14 Jul-4 Aug 09).

Ghent-River-Hotel Prices
Dates	1 Nov 09 - 31 Mar 10 1 Nov - 31 Dec 10					1 Jul - 31 Aug 10					1 Apr - 30 Jun 10 1 Sep - 31 Oct 10
No. of Nights	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sgl Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt
Price (£)	218	279	341	62	50	220	284	348	64	52	261	342	423	81	47
Terms	Prices per person in £GBP and include Eurostar and TGV. Hotel Supplements may also apply and will be advised on booking. Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here. As a result of Eurostar unexpectedly increasing their prices from 1st September 2010 please add £13 for breaks in Paris and Lille and £10 to all other destinations

Hotel Gravensteen

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With a great central location facing the eponymous 12th century Castle of the Counts, in the watery, medieval heart of Ghent, this charming traditional hotel has been skilfully renovated while remaining faithful to its 19th century manor-house origins.

The 49 individually decorated rooms are in 2 buildings – an inner courtyard leads from the manor to the converted coachhouse – and all are spacious, with bath or shower, wc, tv, safe, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities. There is a cosy bar, small comfortable lounge, sauna and gym. Hot buffet breakfast

Superior room upgrade: £10 and with a view £14

3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 arrivals any day except Saturdays and from 21 Jul-15 Aug 09.

Hotel Gravensteen Prices
Dates	1 Nov 09 - 31 Mar 10 1 Nov - 31 Dec 10					1 Jul - 31 Aug 10					1 Apr - 30 Jun 10 1 Sep - 31 Oct 10
No. of Nights	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sgl Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt
Price (£)	211	269	328	59	46	213	274	334	60	47	249	325	401	76	47
Terms	Prices per person in £GBP and include Eurostar and TGV. Hotel Supplements may also apply and will be advised on booking. Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here. As a result of Eurostar unexpectedly increasing their prices from 1st September 2010 please add £13 for breaks in Paris and Lille and £10 to all other destinations

Hotel Ibis Ghent Cathedral

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Sister hotel to the Ghent Opera and offering an identical level of comfort, service and value for money, with the added bonus of an unsurpassable location alongside St Baaf’s Cathedral on Ghent’s main historic square, with its pavement cafes and gabled facades.

Also very recently refurbished, and with 120 rooms offering all modern comforts, including bath, shower, wc and tv. There is a small lounge and pleasant bar. Buffet breakfast.

3 nights for the price of 2 all year, arriving any day except during high season dates below when arrivals must be on a Friday

High Season supplement £12 per person/night 14 Apr- 25 Jun, 17-26 Jul, 31 Aug - 29 Oct & 16 Nov - 20 Dec 09

Hotel Ibis Ghent Cathedral Prices
Dates	1 Nov 09 - 31 Mar 10 1 Nov - 31 Dec 10					1 Jul - 31 Aug 10					1 Apr - 30 Jun 10 1 Sep - 31 Oct 10
No. of Nights	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sgl Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt
Price (£)	184	231	277	46	40	187	235	283	48	41	192	240	289	49	42
Terms	Prices per person in £GBP and include Eurostar and TGV. Hotel Supplements may also apply and will be advised on booking. Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here. As a result of Eurostar unexpectedly increasing their prices from 1st September 2010 please add £13 for breaks in Paris and Lille and £10 to all other destinations

Hotel Ibis Ghent Centrum Opera

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This comfortable modern hotel offers very good value for money and enjoys an excellent location in the town centre, ideal for the many shops, bars, restaurants and of course canals and historic buildings.

Recently extensively refurbished to a high standard, the 134 rooms are of a good size with bath, shower, wc and tv. There is a spacious lounge and attractive bar, also serving snacks. Buffet breakfast.

3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 except during high season dates below and 1 Apr - 30 Jun & 1 Sep - 26 Oct 09.

High season supplement £12 per person/night 15 - 31 Aug & 2 Nov-14 Dec 09.

Hotel Ibis Ghent Centrum Opera Prices
Dates	1 Nov 09 - 31 Mar 10 1 Nov - 31 Dec 10					1 Jul - 31 Aug 10					1 Apr - 30 Jun 10 1 Sep - 31 Oct 10
No. of Nights	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sgl Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt	2	3	4	Ex Nt	Sng Nt
Price (£)	179	223	267	44	39	181	226	271	45	40	209	266	323	57	40
Terms	Prices per person in £GBP and include Eurostar and TGV. Hotel Supplements may also apply and will be advised on booking. Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here. As a result of Eurostar unexpectedly increasing their prices from 1st September 2010 please add £13 for breaks in Paris and Lille and £10 to all other destinations