Bellevue Boat & Breakfast

Logbook Entry: "Ahoy from Ghent!" – A Landlubber Reports on the Seas on a Houseboat Date: Sidereal time – sometime between sunrise and coffee time Location: Ghent, Belgium Vessel: An old barge with a new lease on life Ahoy, comrades! This is your helmsman reporting from the deck of a magnificent barge, anchored in the tranquil waters of Ghent. The boat – half home port, half adventure – is cleverly divided into two quarters: The captain himself resides in the stern, the passengers in the bow. A smart layout, so you feel like you're among your own kind – private, quiet, yet still fully connected to the whole experience. There were three of us – two adults and a little sailor – and we had the aft deck all to ourselves. A large sleeping area, a separate cabin for the kids, plus a private bathroom with a bathtub (luxury at sea!) and even an extra shower. In the small tea kitchen, coffee and tea were steaming, and the refrigerator was stocked with all sorts of goodies: water for €1.00, beer, and even Curve—all at fair prices. A tip for future passengers: bring your own provisions like biscuits, pretzels, or snacks. A little tip for the captain :-) There's no galley with a stove or sink on board—but that's fine if you're prepared. The cabin is stylish and lovingly furnished, but not for giants—anyone over 1.80 m (5'11") has to duck, otherwise you'll be kissing the ceiling. The captain himself was sailing with a broken foot, which is why breakfast was canceled—the price was fairly reduced as compensation. Nevertheless, we sat on deck in the morning with coffee and tea, with the cat, chickens, and a gentle river breeze on our faces—simply wonderful! After checking out, we drove for just three minutes to the "Symphony Coffee & Food Bar." Good parking, 3 for 90 minutes of delicious scrambled eggs, perfect coffee – a personal recommendation from the captain! The boat itself is a gem: modern, charming, and decorated with a playful Playmobil touch throughout. Little Playmobil sailors and miniature ships are everywhere, sure to make any seafarer's heart beat faster. Even the portholes have stories to tell. Definitely open one. You'll discover the second version – and if you like, you can leave your mark on the large chalkboard. We did – on the left – Island Family F. A wonderful peace and quiet reigns on board – we only saw one other boat in 24 hours. Only the chickens could use more space – a shame, but the boat cat, "Pussy," enjoys her freedom like a true buccaneer and free-roaming adventurer. A small suggestion: A lamp in the hallway would be nice, and the toilet without a sink requires navigating two steps to reach the sink in room 2 at night. Especially during the darker months. A wonderful peace and quiet prevails on board – only one other boat was spotted in 24 hours. We used the adjacent rooms as light in the hallway. In winter, it's a bit dark below deck – the boat only has portholes, but the reading lights are great. Chic and adjustable. The boat remains what it is: a trendy barge, not a glass palace. A window with a river view in the rain would be nice – but on deck, in good weather, it's pure bliss. The Wi-Fi works like a well-oiled compass, and streaming is flawless. Getting there? Easy: Drive to the end of Bellvuestraat, park next to the garages before Uferstraße, get the key for the underground parking, take your luggage, and drop it off during this trip. Ten euros for secure mooring is fair. There are clear written signs on board – someone's thought this through! It's about a 30-minute walk to the city center along the river – a lovely route through the university district, past bars, chip shops (Fritur Marcel! 15 minutes – recommended by the cook!), and smiling faces. Watch out for cyclists! In Ghent, they rule like seagulls in the harbor. At night, it's best to take an Uber back – €9, safe haven. In short: A peaceful mooring with soul. Perfect for exploring Ghent, daydreaming, listening to the wind, and starting the day with a coffee on deck. An unforgettable experience – with salt water in your heart and a smile on your lips. Ahoy and thank you, Captain – for this adventure on gentle waves! ⚓️

Wow, what a beautiful houseboat and location to stay for a night.

What a lovely B&B! If we had to describe it in one word: AMAZING! Bart is also a pleasant man. He explains everything clearly and is very pleasant to be around. The water theme is also very nicely incorporated into every room. Everything you need is there. And what is certainly an important point: the beds are very comfortable. Thanks for the hospitality!

Bart is very nice. Everything is great, the bedding is top quality, the breakfast is plentiful, and the parking space is secure.

This is a wonderful place to stay, very luxurious and furnished with love. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen. It was very comfortable and quiet.

Well-expected, beautifully situated. The owner also lives on the boat and gives you a friendly welcome, showing you everything. The 'shipping' theme is beautifully carried through, down to the smallest details (whale bottle opener, tissue box with a whale tail, even the wine is a 'bateau'). The decor with Playmobil boats and divers gives it a playful look with a wealth of detail. So you'll be amazed and keep discovering new things. Despite all the details, the apartment has a calming atmosphere thanks to the use of color. Some points to keep in mind: the toilet and the bow (main bedroom) are so low that people over 1.80 meters tall cannot stand upright! Furthermore, the furnishings are not suitable for someone who prefers minimalist decor. Another tip for the owner: there are no good bedside lamps (reading at night is difficult). But all this doesn't prevent me from giving it a very good rating: the breakfast is excellent, the peaceful setting in the heart of Ghent, and the unique decor make me want to return. Parking in the area is also easy, but it is paid, as in every city.)

This is such a wonderful place! We stayed here during our weekend in Ghent. The boat is beautiful and spacious with multiple bedrooms. The nautical decor makes it very cozy: there's something to see everywhere. The croissants at breakfast were delicious. From the boat, you can easily walk to the city center, or you can take the tram/bus around the corner. We look back on it fondly!

Super fun place to stay to explore Ghent!

Boat & Breakfast Bellevue is a welcoming bed and breakfast housed in a large barge moored on one of Ghent's canals. The location isn't central, but the neighborhood is quiet and well-connected. Getting around by bike is easy, and a 20-24 minute walk takes you to the city center. The barge is spacious and in excellent condition. After crossing a small metal walkway, you enter the property through an entrance that separates the owner's private area from the guest area. The guest area is meticulously maintained and consists of a small shared kitchen, two bedrooms (one single and one double), two bathrooms with toilets, and two bathrooms with showers and sinks. The interiors, furnished in a nautical style, are enhanced by an incredible collection of nautical-themed Playmobil models, creating a unique atmosphere, almost like a small, playful museum. The structure is stable, without any sense of being on a boat. The owner is kind and helpful, and the morning breakfast is pleasant and well served.

Bart's boat was above my expectations. There was a lot of room, with comfortable beds. My child had toys to play with all over our rooms.

A very pleasant, comfortable, and unique night! The boat owner is extremely helpful, offers great advice, and is very approachable (he lives on board but in his private quarters on the boat, which was reassuring, especially since we were two women). A good balance between availability and discretion! The boat is a 25-minute walk from Ghent's historic center along the canals. There's a small dining area with coffee, tea, a refrigerator, and useful information (brochures, maps, and even Playmobil for the little ones!). The bathrooms are modern and clean, and the beds are comfortable. Two covered parking spaces are available nearby at very reasonable prices. A wonderful experience!

Highly recommended if you want to stay in the Ghent area.... A plus for us was a secure parking garage for car and bike... Everything on and around the boat is perfect.... A quiet place to sleep... We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.... And will definitely be back.