“The historical heart of Flanders," "a city for all times," "the Medieval Manhattan," and "Europe's best-kept secret." Ghent has accumulated quite a collection of endearing nicknames over the years.

Up to me, the noble task to explore the tourist gem of our Flemish neighbors and combine it with a night at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof, just a stone's throw away from the historic center of Ghent. A city I had never been to before. That's when it gets exciting, let the exploration begin.

A Tribute to Baron Reylof

My boyfriend and I check in at Pillows Hotel Ghent. It feels like stepping into a painting from the Rijksmuseum. The lobby alone is like an Instagram slideshow, and each room is a tribute to the refined taste of poet Baron Olivier de Reylof, the former resident of this beautiful property. We roll our suitcases towards the room and decide to go out and discover Ghent. The day is still young, and hey, it's 30 degrees Celsius.

The Proud but Rebellious City of Ghent

My first impression of Ghent? Cozy. Compact. Historic. It's a city that you can easily explore by foot. All the top attractions are within walking distance, and you quickly know your way around. Okay, there are plenty of tour guides with flags here, but that adds to its charm. Ghent is a proud city, and secretly a bit rebellious, with a unique allure. The city has experienced great wealth but also major uprisings. Emperor Charles V even made the rebellious Ghentians walk through the city with a hangman's noose around their necks as punishment. Say what? To this day, the people of Ghent proudly carry the name "Stroppendragers" (noose-wearers). Now you understand why the city never lost its individuality and rebellious spirit. That concludes this remarkable history lesson.

Tips in Ghent

If you're planning to stay at Pillows Ghent in the near future, here are some great tips for exploring the city. And believe me, you'll want to.

Julie's House - please try the red velvet cupcake with prosecco.
Le Merveilleux - for a delightful breakfast cake or their delicious hand-rolled croissants.
Oats Day Long - an oatmeal restaurant, how unique! You won't find thicker cappuccino foam anywhere else.
Pain Perdu - perfect for Sunday morning breakfast/brunch.
De Blauwe Kiosk - for oysters and cava.
Gravensteen Castle - the most amusing audio tour ever.
Limonada - a fantastic cocktail bar.
Meme Gusta - don't miss out on their hearty stews.
Luv L'Oeuf - all-day breakfast.
Pakhuis Ghent - a luxury restaurant with a classic vibe and an extensive wine list.
And of course the restaurants: LOF Restaurant and Olivier le Petit Bistro in Pillows Hotel, but more about that later.

Unwinding in the Serenely Peaceful Courtyard

At the end of a long day, we return to the hotel, and we're famished. Pillows Ghent has two quality restaurants. If you're looking for an elegant dining experience, book a table at LOF. Here, chef Hannes Vandebotermet and his team create culinary masterpieces that will linger on your taste buds for months. If you prefer a more casual dinner, then restaurant Olivier le Petit Bistro is where you want to settle down. For tonight, the choice is easy. The weather is beautiful, and Olivier has a wonderfully peaceful courtyard. Perhaps one of Ghent's best-kept secrets. As we sit on the terrace, we discover that this is the place where they serve "food from heaven." The host introduces himself to us, and from that moment on, it only gets better and better. I immediately fall in love with this place, where attention to detail and genuine connections are made.

It's one of those typical evenings where time ceases to exist - and where the number of cocktails doesn't really matter. I smile at my boyfriend. "It's so hot. Is it strange that I'm craving a Pornstar Martini?" He laughs. Ten minutes later, I take a sip of the passion fruit drink. The evening has only just begun, and I can already feel that nothing can break these good vibes.

We start our culinary journey with oysters, gravlax with radishes, blinis, and of course, the veal steak tartare is a must. When choosing our main course, my gaze lingers on the gnocchi with basil and pear. Oh, how much I love gnocchi. My boyfriend selects the Tournedos Rossini with foie gras and straw potatoes. The evening flies by. "Do you have room for dessert?" asks the host at the end of the evening. We're actually quite full, but secretly, I want to taste it, so we go for it. Fifteen minutes later, we're sharing a lemon pie with meringue and yuzu, and it feels like the best decision of our lives.

Rolling into Bed

We end the evening with coffee. After all the accompanying wines recommended by the host (who turns out to be a true sommelier), it's simply brilliant that we can roll straight from this terrace into our bed. And what a bed it is!

Until We Meet Again

The next morning, after a more than ample breakfast buffet, we find ourselves back at the entrance. Checking out almost breaks my heart. Ghent is definitely a place to come back to. Until we meet again, Pillows. How about meeting in Brussels next time? Or Deventer? Whatever you prefer, my friend.

I'll start packing my suitcase already.

Discover Pillows Hotel Reylof, Ghent

Featured