Image Gallery
Lonely Planet review
This wonderfully central HI hostel overlooks canal-side willow trees on one of Old Ghent's prettiest backstreet squares. Its timeless facade is that of a classic step-gabled Flemish house, belying an interior that's uncompromisingly 20th century and institutional. But facilities are good, the welcome unusually friendly and the upkeep thorough.
Unusually for a hostel, De Draecke offers both a toilet and a shower room within each dormitory. Dorms are reasonably spacious with only six beds apiece. They're bright and very clean if suffering from mini-graffiti on many of the wooden bunk-frames. Dorm doors are lockable but luggage lockers cost extra. The reception area has a somewhat sanitised feel but offers plenty of information, leaflets and fliers. The bar-cafe area offers reasonably priced drinks, baskets of kiddie activities, board-games (including Belgian Monopoly) and one pay-by-card Internet computer. The lack of atmosphere is compensated by lovely views out across the canal with a fine rosehip-bulbed church spire rising through the waving willow fronds. Rates include a canteen-style breakfast but serving stops mercilessly at 09:30, too early for those out experiencing the real Ghent (ie, its bars) the night before.
Services & facilities
-
- Available
-
Parking
- Bicycle parking
- Parking
-
Breakfast
- Breakfast included
-
Recreation
- Cable tv
- Common room
-
Wi-Fi/internet access
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
-
Housekeeping
- Linen included
-
Luggage storage
- Available
Description
In an excellent location in a quiet street right in the centre of Gent, the hostel is just 150m from the famous medieval Castle of the Counts. Retaining a period facade, it offers a high standard of accommodation with 27 rooms all with private bathrooms. Facilities include TV, internet access (Hotspot), bar, and self-service restaurant. A great buffet style breakfast & sheets are FREE. The hostel has WIFI internet, you can use your own laptop or the internet kiosk at the hostel. The hostel's bar with a great choice of Belgian beers may be the perfect starting point to discover this city with 55.000 students.
PLEASE CLICK 'READ MORE' FOR SOME IMPORTANT INFO.
There is always something to do. Museums, pubs, shops, restaurants, theaters ... are all within walking distance.
Although the hostel is only open until 11pm, guests have 24h/24h acces, NO LOCKOUT NO CURFEW.
This hostel is part of the Flemish Youth Hostels Association , which is a membership organization. The prices quoted are member's prices. A non-members supplement of €3 per person per night will be charged on arrival for those guests not in possession of a valid IYHF/ Hostelling International membership card