This small luxury designer hotel opened in 2017 by Zannier Hotels in the upper floors of Ghent’s old post office building. Located in the very heart of Ghent, the hotel offers its guests some of the best views in the city.
The building
This is a very special place to stay during your trip to Ghent. Built between 1898 and 1910, Ghent’s post office building was designed by architect Louis Cloquet in collaboration with Stéphane Mortier for the 1913 World exhibition. It is built in an eclectic style, with predominantly neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance influences. After an intensive construction period, the new post building was completed in 1909.In the following years, the post office will become a busy place where mail coaches and first horse trams will stop. But after years of whispering, the last post office closes in 2001, to get a new amazing life as a small luxury hotel today. The rich history of the former post building is brought back to life, making you feel completely back in time. Let yourself be carried away on this luxurious journey into the past; you’ll love it!
A cool and luxury hotel with great views through the grand window, the restored wood and indirect lighting create a cozy atmosphere accented with a contemporary touch of freshness.
Zannier Hotels
For this project the owners Geert & Greetje De Paepe joined forces with the prestigious group of Zannier Hotels. The man behind Zannier Hotels is Arnaud Zannier, part of the well-known family of entrepreneurs who have gained fame in the textile industry and in the wine sector, among other things. Convinced that the hotel market still offers room for a unique alternative, Zannier Hotels was started six years ago. Meanwhile, there are already hotels in the French Alps and in Cambodia, and the branches in Namibia and Vietnam will soon open their doors.
Central to the Zannier philosophy is the idea of hospitality as an art form. The starting point is always a unique location. From there, a concept is being built that is completely in harmony with that special place. Luxurious without being pretentious. Contemporary, without falling into trends or hypes. Authenticity and class are the key words here. Behind the neo-gothic façade of natural stone lies an elegant interior in the style of the 1900s. Entering at 1898 The Post is a true journey of discovery. You first walk through a mysterious garden and then open the enigmatic door. A surprising corridor, the impressive stairwell and the special attributes will suck you in.
Rooms & suites
There are 38 rooms and suites at this hotel in Ghent. The names could not be chosen any better. Because with inspiring titles such as The Stamp, The Postcard, The Letter, The Carriage and The Loft they refer very nicely to the history of the building and the theme of the hotel. High ceilings and walls in old-timer green ensure a high level of cosiness and special elegance. The large high windows, the preference for wood and indirect lighting create an instant home feeling. Each room exudes hospitality, individuality and style. All rooms have a beautiful view of the beautiful view of Ghent’s city center.
Nice detail: almost all of the decorations in the rooms and suites are for sale, because many people like to take home a kind of souvenir or memory!
The Honesty bar
For hotel guests only there’s also a beautifully decorated Honesty Bar. This is a space that is only accessible to hotel guests and on the first floor serves as a kind of common “living”. You can read or work in peace and discretion. If desired, accompanied by a nice drink. As the name of the room suggests, you write down what you have consumed.
The Kitchen
Guests come to The Kitchen to relax, work, or enjoy a nice cup of coffee. It is a cozy and intimate area, with an open fireplace overlooking one of Ghent’s most picturesque sceneries. The Kitchen serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast every morning and a delicious afternoon tea with freshly baked pastries and tarts. The Kitchen is aimed at an audience that is broader than just hotel guests. Anyone who wants to enjoy an afternoon tea and a homemade cake is very welcome!
The Cobbler: the bar
The most famous part of 1898 The Post is now perhaps The Cobbler, one of the trendiest cocktail bars in Ghent. The drinks are shaken here and directed by Jurgen Nobels, who is counted among the top 10 best bartenders in Belgium. The bar’s ambiance reflects an old-time atmosphere, with a stunning view of the spires of historic Ghent. The bar’s ambiance reflects an old-time atmosphere- with a stunning view of the spires of historic Ghent. With an identity of its own, The Cobbler’s ambition is to be the finest cocktail bar in the city!
An intimate hotel in a stunning historic landmark in the heart of Ghent and a perfect and stylish place to be for a wonderful city trip to Ghent!
Hotel 1898 The Post
Graslei 16
9000 GHent, Belgium
Tel: +32 9 391 53 79
www.zannierhotels.com/1898thepost
