Rooms

A feeling of peace, freedom and unconcern comes over you in the more austere neogothic part of the site, the Guest-house. Perhaps you will sleep in the St Cecilia room or the monastery cell where sister Philomena stayed for so many years.

Hotel details

Like many towns in the Middle Ages, Ghent was enclosed by several canals. These were meant to protect the town from the dangers that threatened its inhabitants. Near the gate ("poort" in dutch) to the town there was a field ("akker" in dutch): the Poortackere. In this field a complex for beguines was built, which was also called Poortackere by the people of Ghent. In one of the walls of the building there is an 18th century stone which reveals that the beguine house was founded in 1278. Not long after this, a chapel and a churchyard were added. Poortackere mainly housed older and sick beguines. During the French revolution all cloisters, churches and beguin complexes were seized by the town councils, so the council of Ghent confiscated Poortackere. In 1863 the site was sold to the Count Joseph de Hemptinne, a notorious maecenas of the Neogothic Movement. With his permission, a congregation was housed here. At first there were plans to restore the old buildings, but in the end a new, neogothic cloister was built. Most buildings of Poortackere date from that period. A new chapel, two inside gardens and an orphanage became part of the complex. After World War II the site was an orphanage, a house for young women and a student residence. In 1998 there were still 6 nuns living here, but the maintenance costs became too much, so the buildings were sold. Thanks to private initiative, the site has been transformed into a hotel, guest rooms and a restaurant. As a result, everybody can now enjoy the architecture and the special atmosphere.

Food & Beverages

In the "Kapittelzaal" (chapter house) looking on to the garden culinary delights await you. You can enjoy your breakfast or a relaxed diner served under the tracery of neogothic arches.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. 

Parking

Private parking is possible on site and costs EUR 10.00 per day. 

Pets

Pets are not allowed. 

Location & area

Hotel policies

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled up to 1 day before the date of arrival, no fee will be charged.  If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the first night will be charged. 

Deposit Policy

No deposit will be charged. 

VAT and city/tourist taxes

VAT is included.  Service charge is included.  City/tourist tax is included. 

Meal Plan

Buffet breakfast is not included and costs EUR 12.50 per person. 

Children and Extra Bed Policy

All children are welcome.  All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.  All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots.  Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. 

Please note that in case specific policies apply to a particular room or rate, the specific room/rate policy prevails over the general hotel policy