The Boatel
Moored along Ghent's canals, this charming houseboat wins hearts through Captain Sven's attentive, multilingual welcome, complete with hand-drawn city maps and eggs cooked precisely to your liking, alongside spacious, immaculate cabins with water views and a lovingly laid breakfast featuring homemade jam and unhurried coffee refills.
How the cosy score works →Why it scores 6.9, from guest reviews
- Houseboat setting on canal with water views creates intimate, characterful setting
- Captain Sven's exceptionally personal, attentive service—greeting guests in their language, homemade jam, custom-cooked eggs, carrying luggage upstairs
- Spacious rooms described as 'gezellig' (cosy) with warm breakfast details: lovingly arranged, homemade touches, three cups of coffee without fuss
Best for
A strong fit for boutique character, a romantic getaway and the view. Guests point to small, owner-run houseboat hotel with Captain Sven's distinctive personal touch and attentive multilingual service and one guest described it as 'a beautiful, romantic overnight stay' on the canal with intimate, characterful setting.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is The Boatel located?
- The Boatel is situated on the canal in central Ghent, Belgium, offering a unique houseboat experience in an excellent location that guests consistently praise for its views and proximity to the city's attractions.
- How cosy is The Boatel?
- The Boatel scores 6.9 out of 10 for cosiness, with guests describing spacious, spotlessly clean rooms that feel welcoming and intimate, enhanced by water views and thoughtful décor.
- Is the breakfast good at The Boatel?
- Yes, guests rave about the breakfast, calling it extensive, delicious, and featuring genuine Belgian fare with a personal touch; the host even offers to cook eggs to order.
- Is The Boatel good for hospitality?
- Absolutely. Captain Sven, the owner, is repeatedly praised for his warmth, helpfulness, and local knowledge; he greets guests in their language, provides detailed city maps and walking route suggestions, and goes out of his way to make visitors feel welcome.
- What makes The Boatel unique?
- It's a charming houseboat hotel on the canal with a lovely sun terrace, spacious bathrooms, and a separate entrance; the combination of canal-side location, cleanliness, and genuinely friendly hospitality sets it apart in Ghent.
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