Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof

Few other hotels in town offer the level of luxury found here. The hotel is housed in a gorgeous 18th-century white building designed in the Louis XIV style, with a lovely, relaxing garden area, and large windows. The main façade does not quite show the hotel’s grandeur; guests will have to step inside to really appreciate the uniqueness of this property. The lobby is a stunning space with white French doors featuring ornate moldings, and a grand carpeted spiral staircase topped by an impressive dome. Decor is a mix of traditional French and contemporary that somehow works, with areas -- such as the front desk hall -- featuring classic, elegant furniture and a soft color palette, and others -- such as the hallways -- covered in colorful printed wallpaper, a variety of patterns and textures, and bright stripped carpets. This eclectic style extends to the rooms, which feature bold decor that is a modern take on classic French style.

The hotel is located on a two-way street lined by traditional low apartment buildings. There are few restaurants and shops on this street, but guests can find a wide variety of dining and shopping options right across the bridge, in the old center of Ghent. The street gets some traffic during the day, but is quieter than the old quarter, which can sometimes feel overrun with tourists. Despite not being in the very heart of Ghent’s historic neighborhood, this location offers easy access to most major attractions. Within a few minutes’ walk, guests can find Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (home to Van Eyck’s "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb"), Belfry Tower, St. Jacob’s Church, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Town Hall, and the Castle of the Counts. There is a tram stop a couple of blocks from the hotel, and a bus stop a few doors down. Gent-Sint Pieters train station, which connects Ghent to all other cities in Belgium, can be reached by tram in just over 15 minutes.

The hotel’s 158 rooms and suites have stylish contemporary decor in line with the rest of the hotel’s interior design. Units feature bold wallpaper, modern furnishings, and a few pops of color, all of which makes the space uniques, elegant and attractive. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars (free items for suite guests), and free water are all standard amenities -- but only suites have coffeemakers. Bathrooms are modern and luxurious, with either a large walk-in shower with double rain showerheads, or a Japanese tub/shower combo. Suites feature walk-in showers and standalone soaking tubs. The hotel also offers a number of apartments for extended stays, complete with living areas, kitchenettes, and separate bedrooms. Guests may want to note that rooms featuring a balcony are more expensive, and that Charm Rooms cannot fit a cot.

The hotel’s restaurant Lof is a destination unto itself. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to it for its tasty contemporary French cuisine, classy evening tea service, and striking eclectic decor. The bold colors and quirky mix of prints may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but the design is definitely unique. Adjacent to the restaurant are several bars, including a champagne lounge with a more traditional French style. The hotel also offers free access to a spa featuring a sauna, a steam room, a small indoor pool, and several treatment rooms. The fitness center is small but well equipped, with cardio and weight-training machines, as well as lots of natural light. The property’s beautiful, fully equipped meeting rooms make it a popular pick among those planning an event, and the on-site parking is a great perk for those driving to Ghent. Just note that there are limited spots available, and that there is an extra charge for use of the facilities.