B&B the Verhaegen

The B&B is a mansion from the 18th century. The owners of the building preserved the original atmosphere as it was in that period and decorated it with all the details in mind. Since they are interior designers themselves, this hotel emerged as a work of art. We felt very special during our stay here. The quality of the breakfast and the table setting were magnificent. The room was very nice. The owners Jan&Marc are very kind people. A hotel where you will experience the same atmosphere as the texture of the city of Ghent.

Having booked just a few days before I had planned to visit this B and B ( be clear - it's not a Hotel - but let's come back to that later) my friend pulled out at the last minute due to ill health. Now usually I would have cancelled but I having received an email from the owners confirming my booking - which clearly stated that no refunds would be given within 7 days of a set arrival date - I decided to just go with the flow and have the weekend in Ghent with two other friends. I have to say I had very high expectations of this B and B based on their website and associated promotional video on Youtube, but as we pulled up in the car my heart sank as we viewed some awful graffiti adorning a side wall of the property. Not the most welcoming sight. We rang the doorbell and were greeted at the entrance by both owners - and their dog - who were kind and courteous. I had arranged parking for the car (30 euro extra) and one of the owners immediately went off with my friend to help him find the correct parking spot. I had booked the family suite - two bedrooms - lounge and bathroom. After 'signing in' we were then shown to the suite which was located above the stable block a short walk through the garden from the main house. I was not told that the suite was external to the main house when I booked and have to say that it would not have been my choice if I had been. I can understand why a family suite would be positioned external to the property as children can be noisy but for me I wanted to buy into the feel of the house and that was lost on me now being positioned at the other side of the garden away from the centre of activity. During the walk to the stable block we were given instructions on how to enter the property after 21:00 - as the main entrance is locked - and updated on the pool being closed - which was not told to me when I booked. Pity as we three were looking forward to having a swim. The suite was very clean and the beds proved to be astoundingly comfortable providing an amazing nights sleep - but I was disappointed by the sofa and the chairs that were provided. For me they just weren't in keeping with the surrounding vibe and were not so comfortable and as inviting as the sumptuous seating found in the rest of the house - and what is shown on the website and youtube video. There was also no tea making facility in the room. There was a coffee machine. There was also a mini bar. We unpacked and went into Ghent. When we returned I sat in the lounge and at around 20:17 was told by one of the owners that he had to get up in the morning to prepare breakfast. I was then asked to kindly go back to my room. I have to say I was initially shocked on hearing this but had simply failed to consider one important point when I booked - Verhaegen is NOT an hotel its a B and B and as such I was a guest in someone's home. Simply if I had wanted the dynamic and facilities of a hotel I should have gone to a hotel. So be prepared if you decid