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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, receives a mix of reviews that generally lean towards the positive, particularly in the areas of staff service, breakfast and convenience.
The hotel is strategically located for attendees of the Flanders Expo and travelers, offering easy access from major highways and ample parking. However, the industrial surroundings and occasional navigation challenges due to roadworks can be drawbacks. The close proximity to reliable public transportation allows for straightforward access to Ghent's city center, making it a convenient base for exploration despite limited nearby amenities.
Breakfast at the hotel is highly regarded, featuring extensive and varied offerings, including gluten-free options and popular amenities like pancake and waffle machines. The breakfast area is noted for its cleanliness and spaciousness, although some comments suggest improvements in variety, particularly for vegetarian and vegan options.
Dinner experiences are mixed. While many guests enjoy the food and commend the restaurant's quality, others find the menu limited and overpriced with occasional issues in food freshness and service efficiency.
Guest rooms are praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort, particularly the family rooms. However, a significant number of reviews point out the need for renovations due to outdated furniture, maintenance issues and concerns about ventilation. Cleanliness meets general expectations, but deeper cleaning and modern updates are needed to address problems like dust, mold and wear and tear.
The staff is consistently highlighted as a positive aspect with guests noting their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The inclusive and accommodating nature of the team, especially for those with medical or mobility needs, contributes to a welcoming environment.
WiFi service is generally reliable, but the availability of power outlets and USB chargers could be improved. The gym, while functional, is considered limited by some guests, suitable only for basic workouts.
Parking facilities are ample and convenient, including numerous EV charging stations, although the cost and some logistical aspects receive criticism. Family travelers appreciate the spacious and clean family rooms, child-friendly policies and entertainment options provided by the hotel. However, minor issues like uncomfortable sofa beds for children are noted.
The beds are largely praised for their comfort, though some guests find the smaller double beds and sofa beds less suitable. There are occasional mentions of worn-out mattresses and other bed-related issues.
Despite its four-star rating, many guests feel that the hotel falls short of the expected standards, particularly due to its outdated condition. Overall, while Holiday Inn Gent Expo offers a practical and family-friendly stay with commendable service, it stands to benefit from updates and better maintenance to fully meet its four-star promise. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is recognized with three Green Keys for its rooms, conference rooms, and restaurant. This indicates a comprehensive approach to sustainable business practices across multiple areas of operation.
Certifications:
Green Key (greenkey.global)
Answers last updated by our editors
Family Friendly Hotel
This four-star hotel offers family rooms and is located near a streetcar stop for easy access to the city center. It offers a good price-quality ratio for families.
Business Hotel
Located beside the Flanders Expo exhibition center, making it ideal for conference attendees. It offers large meeting rooms, on-site catering, and modern business amenities. Provides a comfortable and convenient stay for business travelers.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel provides parking facilities. Its location near the expo center makes it ideal for visitors attending events.
EV charging stations
Hotel with Gym
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG offers gym amenities.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This hotel is well-equipped and provides EV charging stations. Guests can charge their electric vehicles easily during their stay.
4-Star Hotel
Located near the Flanders Expo, this hotel provides a convenient option for those attending events. It offers standard amenities and reliable service, making it a practical choice for business travelers and event attendees.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double Room with Sofa BedThis family room features air conditioning and electric kettle. This room includes a standard double bed and a sofa bed.
The room can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children (max 12 years).
Premium King Room with Sofa BedThis double room has air conditioning and electric kettle. This room includes a King size bed and a sofa bed.
Standard Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Room with Two Single BedsFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard RoomThis double room features air conditioning and electric kettle.
Please note that the bed preference is subject to availability. Rooms come with 1 double or 2 single beds.
Standard Double Room with Atrium ViewThe double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard King RoomThe double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Twin Room with Atrium ViewThe twin room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The twin room offers a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Double Room - Disability AccessThe double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.1
Good
Location
Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, is often highlighted for its strategic location, especially for those attending events at the Flanders Expo or passing through the area. Situated on the outskirts of Ghent and close to major highways, the hotel offers convenient accessibility for travelers with cars, providing ample parking, although some guests noted difficulties navigating the final approach due to a confusing layout and roadworks.
The proximity to public transportation is a notable advantage. A nearby tram stop allows easy and quick access to Ghent's city center, generally an enjoyable 20-minute ride. This makes the hotel a practical choice for those looking to explore the heart of Ghent without the hassle of city center traffic.
While the hotel is distinctly advantageous for expo visitors, its location in an industrial area has received mixed reactions. The surroundings are quiet and practical but can feel somewhat isolated with limited nearby amenities and a somewhat gloomy atmosphere.
For convenience in reaching the city and for those attending events at the expo or making a stopover, Holiday Inn Gent Expo stands out as a pragmatic option. The hotel's facilities, combined with the efficient tram service, deliver a balanced offering for varied traveler needs.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, largely garners positive feedback from guests. Breakfast options are described as extensive, varied and plentiful, ensuring a wide choice that caters to different tastes, including savory and sweet selections. Many guests highlight the quality and deliciousness of the food with notable mentions of gluten-free options being available. The breakfast area itself is spacious and maintains a clean, pleasant environment.
A substantial number of reviews praise the buffet's diversity with particular appreciation for local jams, fresh pastries and a selection of both hearty and light items. Specific amenities like the pancake and waffle machines have been popular among families, while the opening hours starting at 6:30 AM are beneficial for early risers.
However, some reviews suggest room for improvement. A few guests mention that the breakfast can be lacking in variety, particularly when it comes to vegetarian and vegan options. Others pointed out issues with food replenishment when arriving later in the breakfast service timeframe. Price concerns are raised occasionally with some feeling the cost does not always match the offering. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment reflects a satisfying and comprehensive breakfast experience that enhances the stay at the hotel.
Dinner
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, offers a mixed dining experience according to guest reviews. Positively, many guests found the dinner choices and food quality to be very good with descriptions such as delicious and perfect. The restaurant itself is often highly recommended, praised for its tasty meals, including dishes like a very tasty steak. Overall, the food and service can be commendable with some guests noting excellent dinners and a good variety of options in the buffet.
However, there are several downsides mentioned. A recurring theme is the limited and expensive menu with some guests feeling the selection was too small and not worth the price. Issues with food quality were reported, including meals not being fresh and specific complaints about the taste and preparation. Service problems were also noted, such as long waiting times and the restaurant being closed unexpectedly, including on Sunday evenings.
In summary, while many diners enjoy their meals and recommend the restaurant, there are notable inconsistencies in the variety, pricing and service that potential guests might want to consider.
Rooms
The rooms at Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, receive mixed feedback from guests. On a positive note, many reviews highlight the spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. Features such as large family rooms, well-equipped facilities and comfortable beds are frequently mentioned. Guests also seem to appreciate the room service and functional bathrooms.
However, a significant portion of the reviews points out that the rooms are visibly outdated and in need of renovation. Complaints about outdated furniture, musty smells and wear and tear are common. Issues such as non-functioning air conditioning, poor ventilation and maintenance problems like rusty bathtubs, peeling wallpaper and broken fixtures are also mentioned. Some guests experienced discomfort from the room being too warm, noisy or stuffy with limited ability to open windows for ventilation.
Overall, while the rooms are generally clean, spacious and comfortable, there is a pressing need for updates and better maintenance to enhance the guest experience significantly.
Beds
The beds at the Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, generally receive positive feedback from guests. Many describe the beds as comfortable, spacious and large with a significant number of guests stating they had a pleasant sleeping experience. The pillows are frequently praised for their comfort and cleanliness. However, some criticisms arose concerning the smaller double beds, which a few guests found too small for two people. There were also mentions of sofa beds being less comfortable, especially for children and older guests. A few reviews noted issues with the mattresses being worn out or too hard and bed bases were mentioned as sometimes broken. Despite these criticisms, the overall comfort of the beds seemed to satisfy many visitors, contributing to a good night’s rest for most.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness based on guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests found their rooms to be clean, comfortable and tidy. Daily cleaning is typically maintained, ensuring that many areas of the hotel, including common spaces, are well-kept. Reviewers frequently describe the hotel as clean with facilities that live up to cleanliness expectations.
However, there are notable criticisms. Some guests reported issues such as dust bunnies, old carpets with stains and mold in bathrooms. Instances of finding left-behind items from previous occupants and dirty, outdated facilities were mentioned. Maintenance concerns like rusty faucets, broken bathroom handles and long-term cleanliness problems were also highlighted. Surface cleaning appears to be generally acceptable, but deeper cleanliness often leaves much to be desired. The hotel's appearance is also described as outdated, prompting a need for renovation to improve the overall guest experience.
Staff
The staff at the Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, are widely praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many guests encountered courteous and attentive service from both the reception and the dining areas. Specific mentions highlight the amiable and always welcoming nature of the front desk personnel, reflecting a consistent level of warmth and approachability. Guests appreciated the smooth and friendly check-in process, often noting the supportive and responsive nature of the team when handling requests or resolving issues.
Young staff members were mentioned positively for their enthusiasm, although a few guests noted room for improvement. Despite some isolated incidents of slower service or less accommodating behavior, the general consensus marks the staff as a standout aspect of the guest experience. The hotel is particularly noted for being inclusive with helpful assistance for those with medical or mobility needs. Guests often pointed out the high level of professionalism and the supportive nature of the staff, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay overall.
Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, generally offers good wifi with several guests noting that the connection is decent and access is clear. Most have no complaints about the internet service, mentioning that it worked well during their stay. However, there are occasional mentions of poor wifi experiences. Additionally, some guests have pointed out a lack of power outlets and USB chargers near the bedside tables, which makes charging devices a bit inconvenient. Overall, while the wifi service is mostly reliable, the available power options might need some attention.
Gym
The gym at Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, has received mixed reviews from guests who have experienced its facilities. Some visitors found the fitness room to be equipped with modern and decent equipment, offering an acceptable space for a workout. However, others felt the gym was somewhat limited and basic, noting it was a bit small and therefore not particularly appealing. While the hotel provides the essential amenities for a standard exercise routine, guests seeking a more extensive range of fitness options might find it lacking. Despite these critiques, the gym appears to serve its purpose for those needing a quick and straightforward exercise session.
Parking
Holiday Inn Gent Expo offers ample and fairly convenient parking spaces for guests, though opinions on cost and logistics vary. Many reviews highlight the spacious and sufficient parking facilities available, including a large parking lot with easy access. Additionally, there are plenty of EV chargers, making it convenient for electric vehicle users and free parking options during weekends.
However, a recurring theme among the reviews is the cost associated with parking, which some guests find to be on the higher side. The daily parking fee ranges from €12.50 to €15 and some guests consider this to be quite expensive for an uncovered lot, especially when compared to the free parking at the nearby IKEA. The added parking fees can feel burdensome to some visitors.
Guests also noted that the parking experience could be smoother. Despite the ample space, the route to the parking lot can be unclear and locating the entrance might be confusing. There were mentions of minor inconveniences such as barriers not working and the lack of designated disabled parking spots at the front of the property. A suggestion was made for an elevator from the car parking level to the reception to improve accessibility.
Overall, while the parking at Holiday Inn Gent Expo is largely sufficient and secure, the cost and minor navigational issues are points of contention among guests.
EV charging stations
Holiday Inn Gent Expo offers a range of convenient amenities for guests traveling with electric vehicles. A notable feature frequently highlighted is the availability of numerous EV charging stations in the parking lot. This facility provides a hassle-free charging option, enhancing the journey for electric car drivers. Whether referred to as charging stations, charger ports or simply the possibility of charging electric cars, this amenity ensures that guests' vehicles are ready for the road. The convenience of having these EV chargers on-site adds value to the hotel experience for those with electric cars.
Family
Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, offers a mixed but predominantly positive experience for families with children. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the family rooms, which are particularly appreciated for their size and comfort. Accommodation options such as large family rooms and adjoining rooms cater well to families, ensuring adequate space for everyone. Additionally, the hotel's child-friendly policies, including free meals for children with a special children's menu, add convenience and value for families.
The hotel provides various activities to keep kids entertained, such as playing pool and foosball in the lobby, which many found enjoyable and family-oriented. The welcoming environment extends to practical amenities like baby beds, which further enhance the family-friendly nature of the stay.
However, a couple of reviews noted issues like uncomfortable sleeper sofas for the children and occasional logistical hiccups such as availability of family rooms and bed preferences. Despite these minor setbacks, most guests had a pleasant experience with the hotel being highly recommended for family stays in Gent.
4 Star
Many guests express disappointment regarding the four-star rating of Holiday Inn Gent Expo. Numerous reviews suggest that the hotel does not meet the expectations associated with a four-star establishment with some stating that it falls short in both facilities and modern comfort. Complaints about the outdated condition of the restaurant and bar are prevalent, highlighting a need for renovation.
Several guests feel that the hotel may have been deserving of its rating two decades ago but no longer meets contemporary standards. This sentiment is echoed by mentions that the price does not align with the quality provided, making the overall experience more akin to a two-star hotel, especially when basic amenities like hot water are lacking.
Positive feedback, although less frequent, indicates that some guests found the hotel matched their four-star expectations, praising it as highly recommended. A few reviews also note that the hotel exceeded four-star standards, though these are in the minority. The location, 4 km away from the central area, was noted without significant emphasis on its impact—positive or negative.
Overall, the consensus leans towards underwhelmed experiences with many suggesting that Holiday Inn Gent Expo requires significant updates to align with its purported four-star rating.
Business
Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG, emerges as a practical choice for business travelers, especially those attending events at Flanders Expo. Its strategic location on a loop road provides convenient access for corporate guests and those in transit. Despite some reviews noting the hotel’s outdated decor and lack of in-room work outlets, it remains a solid option for business trips with its spacious rooms, peaceful atmosphere and wide selection of facilities.
The atrium breakfast offers a relaxed start to the day with delicious options that guests appreciate. The hotel’s geared environment includes amenities like an executive room, parking discounts and a free gym. It’s designed to accommodate business events and conferences, making it an appealing venue for corporate gatherings.
While some feedback points to a need for better business services and internet access in common areas, the overall experience is positive for those looking to work from their rooms. The hotel maintains a suitable price/value ratio, making it a viable choice for business stays.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo, an IHG Hotel, offers a mix of accessibility features and challenges for guests with disabilities. The hotel is conveniently located near a tram connection, making it easy to navigate to and from the city center with just a short walk. Guests frequently mention the hotel's employees as being friendly and accommodating, adding to a positive overall experience.
On the downside, several reviews note that the hotel is not well-equipped for wheelchair users with specific mentions of the lack of wheelchair accessible rooms and inadequate disabled parking spaces. Despite the presence of signage, many found the hotel's access points confusing and hard to reach, especially by car. Complications due to construction work affecting tram connections further added to the inconvenience for some guests.
Public areas of the hotel are generally accessible, but the need for renovations was pointed out by some reviewers. While some guests unexpectedly received accessible rooms, others emphasized the importance of ensuring these rooms are available and easy to book in advance.
On the whole, the hotel's favorable location and helpful staff provide a solid foundation, but improvements in accessibility features and clearer directions would significantly enhance the experience for all guests, particularly those with disabilities.
No, Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG.