Monasterium PoortAckere

Around 11:30, we arrived at Poort Monasterium, a hotel housed in a centuries-old monastery. Its location, just a short walk from the town center, immediately made it all the more appealing: close to everything, yet enveloped in a tranquility that felt almost sacred. Even before we put down our suitcases, we were embraced by that silence. Our curiosity overcame our fatigue, and so we set out to explore. As we walked through the old cloisters, past doors that seemed to hold stories, we became increasingly curious about what lay around the next bend. That's how we came to an atmospheric bar, with high vaults and warm lighting that invited us to linger. Further on, we found an intimate chapel, where candlelight glided softly across the stone floor. Here, you could still feel the silence of the past, a place where you naturally slow your breathing. The rooms perfectly match this atmosphere: calming colors, thick walls that dampen every sound, and subtle historical details that keep the past tangible without sacrificing comfort. The courtyard garden is also a pleasant surprise: a quiet, green space where you can completely escape from the world, despite its proximity to city life. What truly sets Poort Monasterium apart is how it lets its history speak for itself without turning it into a museum. It doesn't feel like just a place to stay, but rather a meeting point between centuries-old tranquility and modern hospitality. Poort Monasterium is more than a hotel; it's a place that slows you down, surprises you, and lets you escape from time for a moment. And all this just a stone's throw from the city center.

Nothing suggests that behind the simple facade of the Oude Houtlei hides a subdued monastery: PoortAckere. “An island, lost in the whirlpool of the bustling city.” Once you cross the threshold, you enter an intimate monastic space whose history dates back to 1278. Monasterium PoortAckere Hotel in Ghent is a place where history and hospitality meet with graceful calm. Housed in a this former monastery, the thick stone walls, wooden beams, and cloistered gardens give you a sense of serenity right in the heart of the city. The rooms balance period charm with modern comforts—luxurious bedding, soft lighting, thoughtful amenities. Breakfast in the vaulted chapels is unexpectedly peaceful, surrounded by the hush of centuries. It’s not sleek or trendy—it’s quietly elegant, timeless, and unexpected in the best way.

Beautiful location, charming hotel, but a huge disappointment due to the environmental zone and lack of information. We stayed at the Poortackere Monasterium Hotel in Ghent for two nights in December 2024. The hotel is beautifully centrally located, the rooms and bathrooms are renovated, and the old monastery charm is truly something special, if that's your thing. Overall, the stay itself was pleasant. However, what overshadowed everything was this: Ten months later (in October 2025), I received a fine of €165.80 from the city of Ghent, because I drove my car (a Hyundai Tucson, Euro 6 standard!) into the environmental zone. I knew nothing about it, and the hotel didn't inform us, even though it's located right in the middle of this environmental zone. Automatic registration for hotel guests would be particularly helpful here, since tourists have to be registered for the tourist tax anyway. The whole thing feels unfair and completely excessive. We travel extensively in Europe and have never had such a negative experience with a city regarding its treatment of guests. Positive: Excellent location Very nice building and atmosphere Modern rooms and bathrooms Negative: The hotel does not inform guests about the environmental zone restrictions, or at least not adequately; a note at reception is simply not enough. Subsequent fine (€165.80!) despite our clean Euro 6 vehicle The breakfast room is very noisy; simple soundproofing measures would be helpful. Unfortunately, after this experience, we will not be returning to Ghent. It's a shame, as it's actually a beautiful city and a very interesting hotel.