No place like home, or so you’d think. There’s truly no place where I can recharge as completely as at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof. This was my third stay at this lovely spot this year—much needed as the mom of a 1.5-year-old toddler. It’s a place where I can fully unwind without ever needing to leave the hotel—though Gent is a fantastic city, so it’s tempting.

What’s so special about this hotel is that it feels like a world unto itself. Imagine an all-inclusive resort in the middle of nowhere, but surrounded by the grandeur of Gent. Here, you sleep in a grand townhouse from 1724, built in the Louis XIV style, where the service, ambiance, and luxurious spa make your stay unforgettable.

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof

Five years ago, when I first stayed here, I wanted to keep this place to myself—a gem I preferred to keep under wraps. But, of course, life’s pleasures should be shared. One of the things I love here is the interior and the atmosphere that comes with it. The townhouse is designed with such attention to detail that every room exudes luxury and comfort.

At Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof, hospitality goes beyond standard courtesies. From the warm welcome at the front desk to the outstanding service in the restaurants, the team makes you feel special. After a weekend here, you almost expect someone to carry your bags and pour your tea when you get home—yes, you get used to the carefree luxury that quickly.

For me, the highlight is the spa, located in a former carriage house. It makes me want to stay put. You can make full use of the sauna, infrared cabin, and relaxation room where you lose track of time (there’s no clock). Of course, you can also book a range of treatments, from massages to facials, to unwind completely.

A Culinary Overnight Stay

Usually, during a weekend away, I like to go out to eat. But now I’ve experienced how wonderful it is when the food at the hotel is a perfect 10, and you can roll right into bed afterward. I’d visited LOF before, so this time, with my favorite guest (Mom!), I tried Olivier Le Petit Bistro. This bistro has an intimate, cozy atmosphere and is perfect for a slightly more informal meal without sacrificing any of the incredible dishes on the menu.

The bartender had quite a few cocktails shaking for us. We started the evening with bruschetta and fresh spring rolls as appetizers. Then, for the first course, I had tomato tartare, while my mom had gravlax (highly recommended!). It’s such a luxury to eat somewhere where you could happily order anything on the menu because everything is so impeccably prepared. For the main course, I enjoyed duck with Hasselback potatoes and orange, while my mom chose farm chicken with baby corn and polenta. Even though we were already full, we couldn’t pass up dessert. The homemade Magnum fondant with milk chocolate and the tarte tatin with pear and walnut parfait were heavenly.

Though still full from the night before, we geared up for breakfast, an essential part of any culinary overnight stay here. And truly, it’s unrivaled. Nowhere else have I had such a lavish breakfast spread—not even at my parents’ for Christmas. The photos say it all.

More Gems in Gent

If you want to explore Gent beyond the hotel, that’s understandable. It’s a fantastic city, and the hotel is just half a kilometer from the historic center. The city’s iconic towers—St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St. Nicholas’ Church—define the city’s skyline. St. Bavo’s Cathedral, for example, is home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers, drawing countless visitors each year.

Strolling along the canals, you’ll see colorful guild houses that have formed the city’s bustling heart for centuries. Here, you can sit on terraces or along the waterfront, taking in the lively atmosphere and the city’s charm.

In the summer, during the Gentse Feesten, the city comes alive. For ten days, Gent becomes a stage for music, theater, and celebrations, drawing visitors from all over the world. Earlier this year, I attended the Gent Jazz Festival, especially for Sofiane Pamart, who, as it happens, was also staying at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof. It’s the hotel of choice for people with taste.

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