Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof

Rooms and decor

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof sits inside a Louis XIV mansion built in 1724, and the bones show — a stone arched gateway, ornate balconies and a French-style front garden all survive. Over 300 years the building served as a palace, a noble residence and a school before becoming a 5-star hotel under the Dutch Pillows Hotels brand. The 157 rooms and suites are done in a warm Grand Boutique style, with high-quality linen and furniture that mixes modern and classic. Rooms in the main building have high ceilings and often look onto the garden; those in the newer wing run roomier and quieter. Reviewers praise the soft beds, very clean sheets and modern bathrooms with strong rain showers.

Food and amenities

The Wellness Center is the real headline — a heated pool, a Finnish sauna, several treatment rooms and a well-equipped fitness room, all free for every guest. The buffet breakfast is set in a high-ceilinged main hall, and more than one reviewer called it the best breakfast of their European trip. Expect Belgian dishes, a choice of cheeses, fresh-baked bread, fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order.

Location and getting there

You are about 500 m from the old center, in the South Ghent district. The 8-minute walk threads through streets of Flemish facades to Korenmarkt and on to Graslei, the historic quay along the Leie that is the prettiest stretch in town. If you would rather not walk, it is one tram stop instead.

Things to know before booking

It is an 8-minute walk to the center — close, but a couple of riverside hotels put you right on the water. Rates climb clearly in high season, so the off-peak from-price is not what you will pay in summer. Parking is available but charged, not included. None of this is a dealbreaker, but go in knowing the spa-and-mansion premium is the trade-off.

Our take

Pillows Reylof is the pick if you want the highest review score in Ghent, a genuinely luxe feel at a more reachable price than some 5-star rivals, and no compromise on wellness. Rooms start near $177 a night for a Superior, which looks like good value once you remember the pool, sauna and gym cost nothing extra. With 157 rooms it is also easier to actually get a booking here than at the smaller boutique places.