Traveling with children is fantastic. And sometimes... it's just a logistical challenge.

Somewhere between the cuddly toys, spare clothes, water bottles, and the eternal question "Are we there yet?" you realize that your holiday isn't about a perfectly mapped-out plan. You mainly want everything to go smoothly.

And that starts with your hotel.

When you can easily park your car, don't immediately need to look for breakfast, and know that everyone has enough space, you start your trip to the city with a different feeling. You're less focused on organizing and more on enjoying. Maybe that's the greatest luxury of all.

Ask a child about the best part of a weekend in Ghent, and it's unlikely the answer will start with a historical monument.

They talk about the boat trip where they sailed under the bridges. About Gravensteen where they felt like a knight or princess for a moment. About the mammoth in De Wereld van Kina or the old toys in the Huis van Alijn.

And maybe they'll also tell you about something that has nothing to do with the city. That they got to check-in at the hotel themselves or proudly cooked their own egg during breakfast. Children don't distinguish between the destination and the stay. For them, it's all part of the same adventure.

As a parent, you often think that your children will remember the big excursions later. But usually, it's the little moments that stick.

A leisurely breakfast while everyone chooses what they like. A bit of drawing or playing before sitting down at the table. Sharing a room and talking at night about who was the bravest at Gravensteen.

Those aren't spectacular memories. But they are valuable.

And that's exactly why a good hotel becomes more important once you have children. Not because it plays the leading role during your weekend, but because it subtly influences how relaxed those memories are created.

You only notice it when everything is right.

When children feel welcome without requiring many words. When there's a children's menu, so dining out doesn't become a negotiation. When there's time to play while you finish your coffee peacefully. Or when everyone can sleep comfortably after a busy day, so the next morning begins with energy for a new adventure.

These aren't grand gestures. They are thoughtful choices stemming from the same idea: a successful weekend isn't just about the destination, but also about how easily and relaxed you live towards it together.

Maybe you'll later remember the beautiful facades along the Graslei or that cozy terrace where you stopped after a walk through the city.

Chances are your children will tell a very different story. That they got to check themselves in, chose their favorite pancake from the breakfast buffet, or played a little before bedtime.

And honestly?

Maybe that's exactly how it should be. Because a good hotel doesn't ensure you do more during a weekend away. It ensures that you enjoy more of everything you experience together.

Ready for a relaxing weekend in Ghent with the whole family?

At Hotel Gent, you enjoy a comfortable stay where even the smallest guests are considered. So there's more time for what really matters: making memories together.

Posted July 2026 - read our other blogs here