Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

Choosing where to stay in Ostend depends a lot on what kind of trip you’re planning.

Do you want to be right in the middle of the action, close to the beach, restaurants and nightlife? Or would you rather wake up somewhere quieter with your family? Maybe you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t mind staying just outside Ostend.

I’ve broken down the best areas to stay around Ostend so you can choose the one that fits your trip best.

My three picks are:

  • Ostend city centre – best for nightlife, restaurants and being close to everything
  • Raversijde – best for a quieter stay and families
  • Bredene – best for a more affordable coastal stay

This is just one part of my full Ostend Travel Guide, where I cover the best things to do, beaches, restaurants, nightlife and my local tips for visiting the Belgian coast.

→ Planning your trip? Check out my full Ostend Travel Guide.

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Ostend:

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Belgium, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for more ideas on where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip.

1. Stay in Ostend City Centre – Best for Nightlife & First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting Ostend for the first time and want to be close to everything, I’d stay in Ostend itself.

The area around the Albert I Promenade, Casino and city centre puts you within easy walking distance of the beach, restaurants, cafés, bars and nightlife.

This is also the best option if you want to go out at night without worrying about getting back to your accommodation afterwards.

You can walk from your hotel to the beach, grab dinner, have some drinks and explore the city without needing public transport for everything.

Drinks in Langestraat nightlife area in Ostend

Hotels I’d Look At in Ostend Centre

Rosa Hotel

If you’re looking for something stylish and modern, Rosa Hotel is one of the strongest options I’d look at.

It’s located on Van Iseghemlaan, just a short walk from the beach and close to the casino and city centre. Booking.com currently gives it a 9.0/10 rating from more than 1,400 reviews, with an impressive 9.6/10 for location. Guests also frequently mention the clean, modern design, friendly staff and breakfast.

I think this would be a particularly good choice if you want a hotel that feels a little more stylish while still being incredibly convenient.

Best for: Couples, friends, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to the beach and nightlife.

Book Here: Rosa Hotel Ostend

Hotel Du Parc

For something with a little more classic Ostend character, I’d also look at Hotel Du Parc.

The hotel is right in the heart of Ostend and has an 8.8/10 rating from almost 2,000 Booking.com reviews. Its location score is an excellent 9.5/10. Guests particularly mention the Art Deco building, comfortable rooms, breakfast and central location.

This is a great option if you want to be able to walk straight out of your hotel and immediately be surrounded by the city.

Best for: Couples, city trips, architecture lovers and people who prioritise location.

Book here: Hotel Du Parc Ostend

Leopold Hotel is another centrally located option on Van Iseghemlaan.

It’s less highly rated overall than the two options above, currently sitting at around 8.0/10 from more than 3,500 reviews, but its location is still a major advantage. Booking.com gives it an 8.9/10 for location, and recent guests mention that it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and close to the main attractions.

It also has different room types, including family rooms and apartments, which can make it useful if you’re travelling with more people.

Best for: Families, groups and travellers who want a central location without necessarily choosing the most expensive option.

Book here: Leopold Hotel Ostend

Best for:

  • First-time visitors
  • Nightlife
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Beach days
  • Walking everywhere
  • Couples and groups of friends

My pick: Stay here if you want the classic Ostend experience and don’t want to think too much about transport.

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2. Stay in Raversijde – Best for Families & a Quieter Stay

If Ostend city centre sounds a little too busy for you, I’d look towards Raversijde.

Raversijde is still part of Ostend, but the atmosphere is noticeably quieter. You get more of a relaxed coastal feel rather than the busy city atmosphere of central Ostend.

I’d particularly consider this area if you’re travelling with children, visiting as a family or simply don’t care about nightlife.

You can still get into central Ostend relatively easily by coastal tram, so you don’t have to give up exploring the city.

Sunset over the beach in Ostend, Belgium

Accommodation Around Raversijde

Raversijde has fewer large hotels than the centre, so I’d also look around nearby Mariakerke and the western side of Ostend when searching for accommodation.

Hof Ten Hullenhove Raversijde

If you want something completely different from a standard city hotel, Hof Ten Hullenhove is an interesting option to look at.

It’s a quieter, more rural-style stay around Raversijde, making it a good choice if you want to combine a beach trip with a more peaceful setting.

This is definitely not where I’d stay for nightlife, but that’s exactly why it can work so well for a quiet weekend or family trip.

Best for: Families, couples, peaceful weekends and travellers looking for something less touristy.

Book here: Hof Ten Hullenhove Raversijde

Vayamundo Oostende

Vayamundo Oostende is another practical option on the western side of Ostend, in the Mariakerke area.

Its seafront location makes it particularly interesting for people who want to spend most of their time at the beach. It also has a more holiday-resort feel than the boutique hotels you’ll find in the city centre.

I’d especially consider this if you’re travelling with children or staying for several nights and want more of a beach holiday than a city break.

Best for: Families, longer stays and beach-focused trips.

Book Here: Vayamundo Oostende

ibis budget Oostende Airport

If you’re prioritising practicality and price over staying directly in the centre, this is another option If you’re mainly looking for something practical and potentially cheaper, the ibis budget Oostende Airport is another option around this side of Ostend.

It’s particularly convenient if you’re travelling by car or have an early flight from Ostend-Bruges Airport.

It’s not the hotel I’d choose for a romantic weekend where you want to step outside and immediately be in the centre of Ostend, but it can make sense if price and practicality are more important than atmosphere.

Best for: Budget travellers, road trips and travellers with a car.

Book Here: ibis budget Oostende Airport

Best for:

  • Families
  • A quieter beach holiday
  • People who don’t need nightlife nearby
  • Longer stays
  • Travellers with a car

My pick: Raversijde is where I’d look if you want Ostend without the busy Ostend-centre feeling.

3. Stay in Bredene – Best for Budget Travellers

Here’s one of my favourite local tips:

You don’t actually have to stay in Ostend to visit Ostend.

Bredene is right next door and can be a really good alternative if accommodation in Ostend is too expensive.

The coastal tram connects Bredene with Ostend, so you can stay in Bredene, spend the day in Ostend and easily travel back afterwards.

This can be especially useful if you’re planning on going out.

If you’re travelling around Belgium without a car, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains how easy it is to travel between Belgian cities and when public transport makes the most sense.

You can have dinner in Ostend, go for drinks or dancing and then take the coastal tram back towards Bredene instead of paying the sometimes higher prices for accommodation right in the centre.

Just make sure you check the tram timetable for your specific date if you’re planning a late night.

Hotels I’d Look At in Bredene

ibis Styles Bredene

This is probably the easiest all-round recommendation in Bredene.

The hotel currently has an 8.4/10 rating from more than 1,500 Booking.com reviews, with an 8.6/10 for location. It’s around an 8-minute walk from Bredene Beach, and guests regularly mention the clean rooms, friendly staff, breakfast and convenient location.

Some rooms also have balconies and sea views, and there’s private parking available, which is useful if you’re travelling by car.

Best for: Couples, families, budget-conscious travellers and people who want a modern hotel near the beach.

Book here: ibis Styles Bredene

Hotel De Golf

If you’d prefer something smaller and more personal, I’d look at Hotel De Golf.

It’s a smaller hotel/B&B-style property with an 8.4/10 rating from more than 230 reviews, but what really stands out is the location: Booking.com gives it a 9.2/10 for location.

It’s around a 10-minute walk from Bredene’s sandy beach, while the coastal tram stop is only about a 3-minute walk away.

Guests particularly mention the breakfast and friendly hosts, which gives it more of a personal B&B atmosphere than a large chain hotel.

Best for: Couples, travellers who like smaller hotels, beach trips and people who want easy public transport.

Book here: Hotel De Golf Bredene

For another smaller option, Hotel La Cascada is worth checking out.

It currently has an 8.5/10 rating from around 180 reviews and is only around a 7-minute walk from Bredene Beach. Guests particularly mention the warm, family-like atmosphere and friendly owner.

It’s also a good option if you’re travelling with a dog, as recent reviews specifically mention the hotel’s dog-friendly atmosphere.

This would be my choice if you prefer something small and personal rather than a larger hotel chain.

Best for: Couples, dog owners, beach lovers and travellers who prefer smaller accommodation.

Book here: Hotel La Cascada

Best for:

  • Budget travellers
  • Families
  • Longer stays
  • Beach holidays
  • People who don’t mind taking the tram
  • Travellers who want to visit Ostend but don’t need to sleep there

My pick: If you’re trying to keep your accommodation costs down, I’d definitely check Bredene before booking an Ostend hotel. You might find a much better deal while still being only a short tram ride away.

Ostend vs Raversijde vs Bredene: Where Should You Stay?

Still not sure?

Here’s how I’d choose:

Ostend Centre

Choose this if: you want nightlife, restaurants, cafés, the beach and everything within walking distance.

Best for: first-time visitors, couples, groups of friends and people who want to go out.

Raversijde

Choose this if: you want a quieter coastal stay without being too far from Ostend.

Best for: families, couples and people looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Bredene

Choose this if: you want to save money while still being close to Ostend.

Best for: budget travellers, families and anyone who doesn’t mind using the coastal tram.

If you’re still deciding which Belgian destination is right for your trip, my guide to Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? breaks down the different cities and what each one is best for.

My Advice for Booking Accommodation in Ostend

Before booking, I’d definitely check the exact location on a map.

Ostend isn’t huge, but your experience can be very different depending on whether you’re right in the centre, along the promenade or further west towards Raversijde.

If nightlife is important to you, don’t book somewhere far outside the centre just because it’s €20 cheaper.

On the other hand, if you’re mainly coming for the beach and relaxation, there’s really no reason to pay extra just to sleep next to the casino.

And if you’re travelling on a budget, always compare Ostend with Bredene before booking.

They’re close enough that staying in Bredene can make a lot of sense.

If you’re considering staying in Bredene or another seaside town instead of Ostend, have a look at my guide comparing the best Belgian coastal towns to see which one fits your trip best.

So, Where Would I Stay?

If I were planning a weekend in Ostend, I’d choose based on the type of trip:

For partying and exploring: Ostend centre.

For a peaceful family weekend: Raversijde.

For saving money: Bredene.

There isn’t one “best” area for everyone. The best place to stay in Ostend really depends on whether you’re coming for nightlife, beaches, relaxation or budget travel.

And honestly, that’s one of the nice things about the Belgian coast: you don’t have to stay directly in the destination you’re visiting. The coastal tram makes it surprisingly easy to explore different towns along the coast.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ: Where to Stay in Ostend

What is the best area to stay in Ostend?

For most first-time visitors, Ostend city centre is the best area to stay. You’ll be close to the beach, promenade, restaurants, cafés, the casino and nightlife, and you can walk to most places.

If you prefer somewhere quieter, Raversijde is a better choice, while Bredene is worth considering if you’re travelling on a budget.

Is Ostend a good place to stay for a weekend?

Absolutely. Ostend is a great Belgian weekend destination because you can combine the beach, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and coastal walks without needing a car.

The city is also easy to reach by train from other parts of Belgium, making it particularly convenient for a short trip.

Should I stay in Ostend or Bredene?

If you want to be in the middle of the action, I’d choose Ostend.

If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation or a quieter beach atmosphere, Bredene can be a really good alternative. The coastal tram connects Bredene with Ostend, so you can easily spend your day or evening in Ostend and return to Bredene afterwards.

Is Bredene cheaper than Ostend?

Generally, Bredene can offer better-value accommodation than central Ostend, although prices depend heavily on the season and the specific hotel.

I’d always compare both before booking, especially during summer and school holidays when prices along the Belgian coast can increase significantly.

Is Raversijde a good place to stay with children?

Yes. Raversijde is a good option for families who want a quieter environment than central Ostend.

You’re still close to the beach and can easily reach central Ostend by coastal tram, but you don’t have to stay directly in the busiest nightlife area.

Can I stay in Ostend without a car?

Yes, very easily.

Ostend is well connected by train, buses and the Belgian coastal tram. If you’re staying centrally, you can walk to many of the main attractions, restaurants and the beach.

In fact, for a city break, I wouldn’t consider a car necessary.

Where should I stay in Ostend for nightlife?

If nightlife is one of your main reasons for visiting, stay in central Ostend, preferably around the city centre, casino and Albert I Promenade.

This puts you close to bars, restaurants and nightlife and means you can walk back to your accommodation after a night out.

Where is the best place to stay in Ostend for the beach?

For the classic Ostend beach experience, staying around the Albert I Promenade and central beachfront is the most convenient.

If you’d rather have a quieter beach atmosphere, consider Raversijde or Bredene.

Is Ostend expensive for accommodation?

Accommodation prices in Ostend can vary a lot depending on the season. Summer and sunny weekends can be considerably more expensive, especially during popular events and school holidays.

If you’re travelling on a budget, compare hotels in central Ostend with accommodation in Bredene and book ahead when possible.

How many nights should I stay in Ostend?

For a first visit, two nights is ideal for a weekend trip.

That gives you enough time to explore the city, spend time at the beach, eat some Belgian seafood, have drinks and potentially visit some nearby coastal towns.

If you want a slower beach holiday, three or four nights would give you more time to relax.

Is Ostend good for couples?

Yes. Ostend works particularly well for a couple’s weekend. You can combine beach walks, restaurants, cafés, sunsets and drinks with exploring the city.

For a more romantic and peaceful stay, I’d consider Raversijde, while central Ostend is better if you want restaurants and nightlife right outside your hotel.

What is the best area to stay in Ostend without a car?

I’d choose central Ostend if you’re travelling without a car.

You’ll be close to the train station, beach, restaurants and most attractions, while the coastal tram makes it easy to explore other towns along the Belgian coast.

Can I visit Ostend from Bredene at night?

Yes, but check the coastal tram timetable for your specific date, especially if you’re planning to stay out late.

Bredene is very close to Ostend, which makes it a convenient alternative for accommodation, but late-night public transport can have different schedules than during the day.

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