I’m a sucker for a boutique hotel even more so when it’s new and no one has heard of it yet.  It gets to be my secret happy place for a time, usually a short time, until the awards start to come and everyone starts shouting about it.  One such hotel, 1898 The Post, is in Ghent (or Gent) Belgium and needs to be on your list.  I originally thought of doing a day trip to Ghent (or Gent) but after researching the 1898 The Post Hotel, which opened in August 2017, I decided I had to stay overnight in Ghent to experience the stylish, luxury boutique hotel by the Zannier Hotel Group.  Zannier hotels are quite exclusive to only a few hotel properties (six so far) around the world and this is their first property in Belgium and is quite the stunner. The historic Ghent Post Office building was abandoned for nearly thirteen years before it was restored to host shops, a supermarket and the luxury hotel, 1898 The Post.  The remarkable architecture is all around you so don’t be remiss to look up and closer at the details especially the bell tower.

Location of 1898 The Post Hotel

The restored post office building sits in a fantastic location facing the canal (River Leie) across from St. Nicholas’ Church on one side and facing the town square with St. Bavo’s Cathedral on the other side.

With an Albert Heijn supermarket in the basement (separate entrance from the square) and shops and cafes on the first floor, this hotel pretty much has it all within walking distance for any first time (or return) visit to Ghent.

The hotel entrance was a bit hidden behind the fence on the canal side but luckily the taxi driver drove me to the gate.  From there, I walked through the small courtyard and up a few stairs outside with a few more stairs inside to the elevator. The hotel does not have a doorman or bell staff.  If you require mobility assistance, there is another entrance that can accommodate on the market side of the building.

Historic Features – Ghent Post Office

The rooms have large ceilings, large windows and in some areas on the guest room floors sloped walls.  You’ll look twice and think “I’ve seen this pattern before” and realize it reminiscence of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  The original staircases will definitely take you back to the past when this building was built and used from 1898 until 2001.  Throughout the building portions of the stairs are open to the public.  For those entering from the canal side to go to The Cobber Cocktail bar you can use the steps or take the elevator to the main hotel floor.  I chose the small elevator as I had luggage.  Nice stairs but not for those with luggage.

Arrival at 1898 The Post Hotel in Ghent

When the elevator opened and I arrived at the hotel main floor, I immediately knew I was going to like it here.  The first view was hardwood floors and a hallway decorated like a warm, comfortable home.

As I passed the larger Cobbler Bar & Kitchen area, I arrived at the small check in desk hidden in a nook on the right side. Since I was quite early (11 a.m.) coming from Bruges (about ½ hour by train), I didn’t expect my room to be ready as check in is at 3pm.  With only 37 rooms (over two floors) chances are the hotel was full the night before especially at my lowest price room category – a Stamp Room.

So I dropped my bags (and chocolate) for storage and did the pre-check in.  The staff were lovely to provide me an English Gent (Ghent) guide book for my brief time exploring the city.  I did have a chance to peek into the restaurant/bar space and use the facilities before embarking on my tour of the city.

When I returned later near 4 p.m., my room was ready and I was given the key at the desk with directions to go down the hall to the elevator and go up one floor to my room where my bags were waiting for me.  I was also told of access to the common area that has an honesty bar and living room setup.  After nearly six hours walking around town in the sun, I was so ready for a shower before dinner.

1898 The Post Hotel Room Categories

Sticking with the Post Office theme the room categories are Stamp, Postcard, Envelope, Letter, the Carriage and the Carriage with Terrace. They also have The Loft and a few Suites. The high ceilings, dark woods, contemporary details mixed with antique furniture creates a warm and cozy experience that frankly was hard to leave because it was sumptuous (a word I rarely use).  Lucky me, that I got to tour the various room types and fell even harder for this unique property that caters to both the design minded traveler as well as the luxury traveler.

The Postcard Room at 1898 The Post

When I opened the door to my room, I instantly knew I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  The colors, the high ceiling and the comfy bed were wonderful but it was the design of the room with the bathroom loft and the great view that sold me. While there are a few quirks, they can be overcome with the general feeling of comfort and luxury.

The entrance hall had stairs on the left which I, at first, thought led to the bedroom until I walked further to the bedroom.  I passed the wardrobe, water closet and luxury bespoke minibar prior to the desk area and bedroom.

Of course, like a little kid, I had to run up the stairs to check out the bathroom vanity, walk in rain shower and view from above.  It was lovely.

With robes, slippers and heated towels, this checked off the “amenities I like” box.  But then my brain said “hey wait a minute, toilet down stairs, sink upstairs, that’s a bit annoying to wash your hands” and it was but, like others with the same compliant, it was easy to get over.  This is a historic building so you need to compromise on a few things when designing space and staying here.

Downstairs, the desk was full of neat design accessories (all for sale of course, see below) and the bookcase next to the bed held a few interesting titles to read.

The view from the window was fantastic (this is how I knew I wasn’t in the room I initially booked because I rarely book or pay for a room with a view).

Upgraded to The Postcard Room at 1898 The Post Hotel

I booked the Stamp room which is the smallest at 19 sq. m/204 sq. ft. (and cheaper) of the room categories but a funny thing happened to that room which I learned only when chatting with the front desk staff on my way to dinner. I asked about my room as it seemed “a bit large for a stamp” and was told that my Stamp room was taken out of inventory that morning when a guest “accidently” spilled an entire bottle of wine on the hardwood floor and the room was being aired out to remove the red wine aromas.  I was upgraded to The Postcard Room at 25 sq. m/269 sq. ft.

Luxury Mini Bar at 1898 The Post

So this isn’t your hotel mini bar – this is a fully stocked luxury masterpiece of a hotel minibar.  With the standard snacks and Belgium chocolate from local chocolatier, Luc Van Hoorebeke you won’t go hungry when in the mood for a snack.  There’s also coffee and tea in room but it’s the cocktail menu that steals the show.  The minibar has a specialty gin by Save the Queen as well as their own Cobbler’s Negroni to mix your own cocktail.  Don’t forget to cut the fresh lemon and orange to add a twist to your favorite cocktail.

1898 The Post Hotel Breakfast in Gent at The Kitchen

When I arrived at The Kitchen for breakfast, the staff of two was still setting up as it was right before opening (7 a.m.)  The open air kitchen area is on the far left side of the combination room which houses The Cobbler Cocktail Bar at night. The American style buffet is displayed in the open kitchen with drinks (various milks and juices) set up on the bar.  I was able to order ala carte and my made to order eggs were brought to my canal view table. As it was a warm day, the large windows were open for fresh air.

The Cobbler Cocktail Bar in Ghent

The Cobbler Cocktail bar is open from 5pm to midnight.  On the day I arrived, there was a photo shoot in one corner while others were occupying various tables throughout the room using it as a common space lobby. At night, there was a good crowd for a Wednesday. The high ceilings add to the atmosphere of this bar which sits in the center of the room as its own design element.

Ghent Meeting Room Event Space

I was able to tour the Meeting Room at 1898 The Post and it’s definitely a great option for business travelers who need to host a meeting. The entry space is good to set up food, the boardroom table seats 12 and the living room space is nice for a break out session or a break.  There are two restrooms in the space.  If you need meeting space in Ghent, this is pretty special option in the hotel.

Bring 1898 The Post Souvenirs Home With You

Located throughout the guest room are decorating details that are (not surprising) for sale!  You can bring home these unique items for a price.  No longer is it about buying the hotel robe.  From colored pencils to magnifying glasses, prints and books – each is unique item in keeping with the historic Post Office theme to add a touch of luxury to your home. My inner primary school girl really wanted those colored pencils but alas, I had to decide what to give my luggage space to and in Belgium, it was a suitcase full of chocolates!

Video of Rooms at 1818 The Post

When chatting with the front desk staff, I learned about why my room was upgraded and asked if I could see the original room to understand the size and was happily obliged my request.  I mentioned having come from a travel writer’s conference in Rotterdam and how thrilled I was to stay at the hotel. I was then surprised even further than my upgraded room to take a peek inside the suites and loft room, each empty on the Thursday night.  All I can say is “Wow” – here are a few of the videos of the other rooms – while the design is the same (green walls, marble bathroom, etc.) each is unique in the space, its view and luxury details.  Frankly, any room type will suffice at 1898 The Post in my opinion.

Final Thoughts – 1898 The Post Hotel Luxury in Ghent

Just in case my gushing isn’t clear – I really loved the hotel and was sad I didn’t book a longer stay to enjoy the room and the town.  Ghent (or Gent) is really a great add on to your Belgium vacation or can serve as your base while you day trip to other cities like Bruges, Brussels or Antwerp.  The location is fantastic, the staff were friendly from start to finish and the rooms are quite simply divine. If you want a luxury and stylish experience in Ghent, 1898 The Post is the best place to start.  Boutique luxury on the canal in the center of town – really doesn’t get any better than that!  Did I mention the views?

Booking – You can book 1898 The Post direct on the Zannier hotel website like I did or try your luck with Hotel Tonight to see if a Stamp room (lowest category) is available (my discount code is SWOLKO1).