Last summer, we treated my parents for a break in Ghent and booked them (and ourselves) a suite in The Mariott. A very good choice. The suite of my parents had beautiful high ceilings and was large with an historic feel while being modern. Service of the hotel staff is friendly and impeccable. Breakfast and sunday brunch recommended. Lobby large enough for a more or less cosmopolitan atmosphere in the evening. Perfectly located in the heart of Ghent.

Great location, super-clean comfortable rooms. We had a great overnight stay during the Licht Festival. The crowds were intense that night throughout the city and yet, the hotel ran very well. The bellhop parked our car and brought our bags to the room in a timely manner, there were no large lines for check-in or check-out and the breakfast was organized and tasty. Our room (without a view) was quiet which was a surprise since the rooms are open to the lobby. So great sound-proofing! The architecture of the hotel was not my cup of tea, but the breakfast restaurant is super-cosy with great views. It is a 5 star luxury hotel?...Not quite, but what they do they do really well.

We have stayed at Marriott Gent for one night and i must say that everything was more than excellent! The hotel first of all has two ways, the front, overlooking a canal and the back where the main entrance is. The hotel staff, that welcome as was more than helpful and welcoming.
The hotel also has a door man and that is something that impressed me.
The reception is located in the lobby so when you check in you see the wonderful glass dome in the lobby. The two outside glass elevators that take you to the rooms is an excellent view also.
The room was very good with lot of space and very nice bathroom. I must give an A+ to the bed.
It is one of the most comfortable bed plus the best pillows i have ever meet in a hotel.
Our room is not one of the rooms overlooking the canal but it is very quit.
One of the best think in Marriott is the breakfast. It is served in the hotel restaurant, poppy, a very beautiful place to have breakfast. The variety, the quality of the food and service of the staff was excellent, really one of the best breakfast i have ever eaten.
I cannot say anything about the location just the best you can have. If you visit Gent during spring or summer you'll be glad choosing Marriott because of its location. I believe like Copenhagen has Nyhavn, Gent has the canal in front of Marriott.
To those who are travelling by car like me I give a tip. If you are looking for a parking and you want something safe and cheep for your car do not bother! Hotels car parking is a good choice but 23€ per day isn't very cheap. Near Marriott, a 3 minutes top walking distance, is Sint Michiels parking. Safe underground parking and only 10€ per day!
If you want to visit Gent, a very very beautiful city, i recommend you to stay at Marriott and you want loose.
Hope you find my contribution helpful to you!

Stayed at the Marriott Ghent for 2 nights mid/end jan 2012. To start with, location of the Hotel couldn't be better, right in the citycentre of Ghent. We got a room on the 4th floor. Rooms are nice and have a standard size. Free wifi in the room and of speedwise quite good. Verry comfy bed. We ordered in the continental breakfast, which was more than what we expected for the price (14€ pp including service charge and vat). Overall very nice stay. Friendly staff.
One downside: their parking garage: too expensive imho.
Would stay again.