We stayed here for my 60th birthday weekend (note I am not one of those you see around the kitchen table in the pictures below - I am always behind the camera, it seems). We love Ghent and this was ideal for us. It is just down the road from Gravensteen Castle, which makes everything in the centre of town within walking distance of the apartment. We had a wonderful weekend. The apartment suited us really well. It was very comfortable and we were very relaxed there. Looking forward to having the opportunity to go back!

Wow - I have stayed in quite a few holiday rentals in the past, but this one probably tops them all.

The Location - The 'flat' is above a bank (so very easy to find - and secure!) on a main road about 5mins walk from the centre of Ghent. One of the best bakeries in Ghent (delicious, reasonably priced bread/cakes) is a few doors down and in the other direction is a very handy small, but well-stocked Carrefour Express.

The Interior - Wow, Bernard the owner has pulled out all stops to furnish/decorate the flat to the highest standards! Everything he has used is of the best quality and it gives it an opulent, luxurious feel. It is exceptionally clean and very warm. The bathroom is to die for - as is the kitchen!!! All three bedrooms are good-sized doubles, with only the third one a little smaller than the other two. I could quite happily make this place my permanent home - I wish! The flat is up a flight of stairs and then organised over two floors, with the kitchen and a toilet on the first floor (plus a lovely patio area) and the three bedrooms, bathroom and second toilet on the top floor. Bernard's insurance office is also located on the same floor as the kitchen and there is a common hall that leads to both doors. At first, this was a little disconcerting, but as soon as you arrive the doors leading to his office are shut and the blinds drawn, so unless someone is going through the shared hall privacy is maintained. On a Saturday and Sunday the office isn't used, so this would only be an issue during the week. To be honest, it is not a huge problem - you just wouldn't want to walk down to the kitchen in your night attire during the week, though once inside the kitchen nobody would see you!!! There is also no lounge room, but plenty of chairs around the kitchen table and we found this more than adequate. Not that we used either, but there is also a television in the kitchen and one in one of the bedrooms.

The Landlord - Bernard, who has good English, is an incredibly hospitable and friendly host! He ensures that you are left with loads of useful tips/hints, plus maps of Ghent, a list of recommended restaurants and an extensive "what to do if . . ." document. He is genuinely keen for you to enjoy the flat and all that Ghent/Belgium has to offer. The day after leaving, my security bond was also returned - very prompt!

The apartment/experience was so good that my partner and I may even hire it just for ourselves if going back to Ghent - even though this would prove much more expensive than hiring it with friends!

Thank you - Bernard

PS: My partner and I also got engaged while there, so it will always have special memories!!