Mickey W.
Yelp
My wife and I just returned from a two week 25th anniversary celebration, starting in Paris, then Amsterdam, finishing up in Ghent. The Carlton Hotel, for slightly more money than our hotels in the (admittedly pricier) other cities was way beyond our expectations in terms of hospitality. Judging by their room photos, I expected the rooms to be comfortable enough. But our double room was much more spacious than imagined, which was greatly appreciated after squeezing around our tiny Paris hotel room. But the biggest pleasant surprise was the warm hospitable staff. I wish I had noted his name, but the young tall slim fellow at the reception desk was incredibly nice and helpful. When we arrived, he was busy giving helpful advice to another guest, taking around 15 minutes before getting to us. My cynical NY mind was thinking this must be a friend of his. No hotel would "waste" this much time on a guest. But when finished, he greeted us, asking if he could help us. I told him we had reservations and we proceeded to the desk. As others here have reported, he asked us if it was our first visit to Ghent, which it was, and then he took out a handful of maps and pamphlets and marked up the map with the tram route/stops, tourist trap restaurant areas to avoid, the spot where a free walking tour takes place, etc. Wow! I had all intentions of asking for information at the desk, but never expected the hotel to initiate the conversation. Fantastic experience. Highly recommended.
