Best Western Hotel Chamade ***

Arrived around 7pm last friday evening, and checked in, which was swift. Got out of the lift and immediately noticed a stale smell, almost like an ask tray. Got to the room, and it was in a corner location, so it was a triangle shaped room. Nice, airy, two windows and a desk with mini bar...all good so far, until we checked the bathroom...there were some long hairs in the corner, and the toilet itself was not properly cleaned...which made me reach. The shower plug was clogged and resulted in the shower becoming a small bath. The location is far out of town, but the tram is right outside the door so not really an issue, and a taxi from the centre is 10 euro. The next morning we asked reception how long can we leave the car on the street, only to be told that "I don't know, I cycle" which I found odd, as you do work in a hotel, and need to know about the parking facilities in the surrounding area. Especially since the hotel only has 6 spaces. We found out that it was 2 euro for 4 hrs on the street! Breakfast was fine, plenty of everything and more...80 per night with breakfast... Will I go back, no.

The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the railway station. There is a tram stop right in front of it so getting to town is no problem during the day, but you will probably need a taxi if you stay out late. The hotel has obviously been redecorated recently and the reception and the room were very nice. The corridors in between however are pretty scary - until you enter your room and realize that the room itself is nice and modern like the reception. The room was a good size, clean and modern, and the bathroom had a bath. The only (small) problem was the smell of smoke when we arrived. There was also a good selection of food for breakfast.

We needed a hotel in Ghent for one night and decided to stay in this Best Western thinking "how bad can a chain hotel be"? We were given a room that was on the 1st floor. Although the rooms had no smoking signs on the doors, there was a very smokey smell in the hall. The room was bare but acceptable until I saw the crumbs on the carpet and the peeling paint above the shower. I asked the desk clerk for an extra pillow and was told that there was one in my room. Yes there was one extra pillow but as there were two of us, I wanted one too. I was given another pillow but one without a pillowcase. Breakfast was included and there was a good selection of items on the sixth floor buffet. The lady who was there was friendly and wished us well when we left. No problem there. There is a tram stop outside the door and the Central train station is a five minute walk away. There are some interesting restaurants, shops and bars close to this hotel. All in all, this is not a hotel for a long stay unless you're used to this type of place. I like my hotels clean, and to have the appearance of being cared for. There was an impersonal feel about this hotel. I guess, as an American I expect a better level of service and pride of place.

This would be a great hotel if it wasn't for two issues, the noise and the poor service. Re the noise, and we certainly weren't told when we booked, there is a significant amount of tram track and footpath work being undertaken in that entire region. It is an absolute mess in front of the hotel. Furthermore, the workers start at about 6am in the morning (not good when your on holidays). I believe this work has been going on for some months and I believe it will continue for probably the best part of six months. All of this roadworks (and road diversions) also made it a headache driving into the street. Oh yes, and I was parking on the street because there was insufficient space in their undercover garage. As for service, some staff were pleasant, courteous and helpful, some staff were not. In summary, in six months time when the work is complete and things return to normal then it will probably be very good!