Creative Ghent boutique hotel where contrasts makes for a dynamic design

Nonam / Ghent / East Flanders / Belgium

We used to live in The Netherlands for some years and during our time there we really explored the region and a town that became a real favorite to us was Ghent. A creative, dynamic town in the Belgian region of Flanders, that although its modest size packs a punch when it comes to culture, food and shopping. It is in this town, where you’ll find this boutique hotel, the Nonam.

The Nonam is located in the buzzing Patershol neighborhood, on the outskirts of downtown Ghent. This means that there are plenty of bars and restaurants, litterally around the corner from the hotel. Actually, there is a really popular wine bar in the hotel that unfortunately was closed when we stayed here.

The hotel is situated in a historic building dating all the way back to 1739. The outside is all white which makes it easy to think that the inside will be all neutral colors and discreet design. Au contraire, mon frère (just me, showing off my French abilities)! As soon as you enter you realize that there has been no holding back when it comes to design. There is a richness in colors and patterns where an exposed brick wall is paired with a massive faux marble reception desk or a white washed wooden starcase gets to stand out agains a cerulean wall. And the same goes for the rooms. In our room the walls were covered by this woven black & white wall paper in dramatic zig zag pattern which contrasted massively against the original wooden ceiling beams. This always makes me happy to see, hotels that dares to be creative and experiment with colors and patterns.

One thing that could be good to mention is (I made a promise to the friends I stayed here with that I would mention this, since they were a little surprised by it) is that their room didn’t have any door to their bathroom. It was all open plan, which could be good to know if you are planning to stay here. Ours had a thin glass door. Also unique.

Welcome to Nonam, located on a quiet side street in Ghent.

The reception/lounge area is designed with dark colors and contrasting materials. To me, the main hero is the exposed brick wall.

There is a small coffee corner where you can get your fix, anytime of day.

I love these old staircases. You can almost hear the creaking sounds it makes as you ascend.

Hotels that dare to bring in colors into their design always rate high in my book.

Our room. I was a bit worried at first that the powerful zig zag pattern would feel overbearing but it actually felt harmonious in real life. And it looks really great in a photo.

The bathroom had a very contemporary looking design. What doesn’t show here (just the small detail on the side) is that the floor was made of terrazzo which is my favorite material.

The design of Nonam had a lot of unusual, mood-enhancing lamps. A great way to create some ambience.

This feature was in our friends room. And old fireplace adorned with these hand made Delft Blue tiles.

…and Ghent has so much to offer, even though it is a fairly small town. Like this stunning building, the Stadshal.

I love the mix of old and new that the Belgians do so well. Feels like they, like the Dutch, aren’t afraid of experimenting with architecture and design.

If you want to stop somewhere for a bite and a drink, I can recommend Cafe ‘t Kanon. This is the delicious Chicken á la Tarek. Yum!

And to have a waffle when in Belgium is almost mandatory.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…looking for a small boutique hotel with an interesting mix of old and new where there is a popular wine bar onsite where locals and visitors mix. If you are the kind of urban traveller that spends very little time at your hotel but still want to stay in style, then check out this hotel.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes when staying at hotels with a design ambition they can feel a little uptight, where me as a guest is a nuisance rather than someone that should be looked after. Here the vibe is laid back in a very Belgian, relaxed way.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to put on some comfy shoes and explore Ghent by foot. And although it is a fairly small town, there is a lot to see, not the least when it comes to architecture. One of my favorite watering holes to stop for a borrel (a drink and something to nibble on) is up the street from the hotel, Café ’t Kanon. If you do come here, make sure to order the Chicken á la Tarek. So delicious!

If you like this hotel you might also like…

Hotel Pilar, Antwerp, Belgium

Jardin Secret, Brussels, Belgium

Hotel V Nesplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands