Anybody who has stayed in the Holiday Inn Expo in Ghent and found it to large and impersonal might find this hotel a reasonable alternative. In fact you can approach it from the same exit on the motorway and it is a lot easier to find the Holiday Inn. (The website gives very clear instructions). It is located close the the next tram stop into town from Expo, and adjacent to a park. Although close to two main roads the surrounding trees absorb a lot of the sound.

Each room is different and some of them have "open bathrooms" which is not to our taste and so we requested and received a "closed bathroom". All the rooms have large windows and therefore are very light and airy. The bed was very comfortable. All rooms have a fridge - ideal for storing drinks and chocolates.

Unfortunately some of the fittings required attention. The sensors for the lights in the corridors did not work when you needed them; the television in our room had a mind of its own.

Outside there is a pleasant courtyard where you can relax and, as there is no bar, you are free to bring along you own refreshments. You can walk straight out from the courtyard into the park and it makes a pleasant stroll away from the hustle and bustle.

The breakfast room is fine as is the breakfast but matters are let down by the staff failing to keep on top of matters. The fruit juice runs out and is not replenished until somebody mentions it! Sometimes the coffee is almost cold. Against this is the fact the food is really tasty. There was always a side of salmon which you could slice for yourself, fresh fruit prepared for easy eating, ham on the bone, a form of rice pudding (home made to a grandmother's recipe) and more besides.

If you want perfection this is not an hotel for you. We got exasperated with some of the problems we encountered but we could not really dislike the place. We enjoyed our stay and will return.

One final advantage is that there is no charge for car parking.