A historic waterfront Belgian address will open its doors to guests for the first time on 1 September in the port city of Ghent.
Designed to blend into a locale of cinematic canals and medieval towers, 1898 Porter’s House is a refurbished property, whose pale stone façade, tall arched windows and imposing double wooden doors will offer would-be guests, and passers-by, a glimpse of Gothic revival architecture, with a luxurious twist.
Whether you choose to stay in a room, suite, or for a more private experience, reserve the entire property for yourself and up to nine other guests, the interiors feature preserved soaring ceilings, original doors and intact fireplaces.
This is complemented by marble, aged wood, alongside antique writing desks and vintage mirrors sourced across Belgium.
The property takes its name from its former role as the porter house of the nearby Hotel des Postes et des Télégraphes.
Accommodation ranges from the cosy Porter’s Room situated in the Porter’s house wing and kitted with warm wooden floors, marble finishing in the bathroom, a double vanity and twin rain showers. The Porter’s Room can also be connected to the Porter’s Junior Suite for a more expansive stay with two bedrooms.
For other spacious options, the Porter’s Graslei Suite and Porter’s Family Suite both include lofty terraces overlooking the Graslei quay, which sits on the east bank of the River Leie.
The riverbank is popular with tourists and residents alike for dining and taking in the city’s history mirrored in the calm water.
Back at the hotel, the aptly named The Kitchen serves breakfast and afternoon tea, with a buffet of freshly baked pastries, seasonal delicacies and artisanal breads.
What to see and do in Ghent
The new opening gives visitors the chance to explore Belgium, off the beaten track.
Described by the city’s tourist office as a “cultural cocktail on a human scale”, Ghent’s cobbled streets are lined with historic hidden gems.
For the cultured traveller, a stop by key monuments, such as the Castle of the Counts, is a must. This medieval attraction stands as Flanders’ only remaining castle from that era with a moat and largely intact defence system. Its history spans as far as the Roman occupation, and today, Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez narrates a comical rendition of the castle’s history for audio tours.
There is also no shortage of museums to visit. From Kina: House, where children can discover the world of plants and animals, to the Museum of Fine Arts, the country’s oldest museum. The latter features a varied collection of statues, drawings, etchings and tapestries, from the Middle Ages all the way to the 20th century.
For a generous helping of Ghent on a plate, Publiek is a trendy one-Michelin-starred bistro, serving up chicken leg with a side of kohlrabi or veal tartare for lunch, or five-, six- and even seven-course dinners where quail, mackerel and hake are on the menu.