Film Fest Gent 2026: Tips for finding accommodation in Ghent without breaking your budget

Autumn is gently settling over Flanders, and with it returns one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. From October 7 to 18, 2026, the 53rd edition of Film Fest Gent will roll out its red carpets and light up its giant screens to celebrate the 7th art. This year, the excitement is at its peak with the highly anticipated screening of the opening film, Coward, directed by local prodigy Lukas Dhont. However, while the program is a dream, the logistics can quickly turn into a nightmare for festival-goers. Finding accommodation in Ghent during this period is often an uphill battle. Hotels are booked out months in advance and prices soar. At Roomlala, we know how frustrating it is to have to cut into your film budget to pay for an overpriced overnight stay. That is why we offer an alternative that is economical, welcoming, and perfectly legal: the homestay. Discover how to fully enjoy the festival while living like a true local from Ghent, without unpleasant surprises or compromises on the quality of your stay.

The excitement of Film Fest Gent 2026 and the challenge of finding accommodation in Ghent

An essential event for European cinephiles

Every year in October, the peaceful medieval city of Ghent transforms into a true international capital of cinema. Film Fest Gent is not just a festival; it is an institution that attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts, directors, actors, and film score composers from all over the world. For this 53rd edition, scheduled for October 7 to 18, 2026, the program promises to be more spectacular than ever, with a special focus on both Belgian and international talent.

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The festival's opening with Coward by Lukas Dhont is a powerful symbol. The Ghent-born director, already a multiple award winner, is playing on home turf, which is generating unprecedented enthusiasm among the local public and foreign visitors. The city streets will vibrate to the rhythm of screenings, masterclasses, film music concerts (the famous World Soundtrack Awards), and gala evenings that make the event so renowned.

However, this massive influx of visitors drastically changes the city's dynamic. Historic cinemas like the Kinepolis, the Studio Skoop, the Sphinx Cinema, or the Vooruit arts center become the epicenters of bustling activity. While this festive atmosphere is exceptional to experience, it creates a major challenge for anyone wishing to attend over several days: finding a place to sleep.

Indeed, while Ghent is a popular tourist destination, its hotel capacity is limited in the face of such a large-scale event. As soon as the official dates are announced, bookings flood in, turning the search for accommodation into a real race against time. This is where planning ahead becomes crucial for any festival-goer who wants to enjoy the event stress-free.

Skyrocketing prices and hotel saturation

The law of supply and demand hits the Ghent accommodation sector hard during October. With thousands of cinephiles looking for a place to stay simultaneously, standard hotel capacity quickly reaches saturation. Standard hotel rooms, usually affordable, see their rates double or even triple as the festival dates approach.

It is not uncommon to see basic rooms easily exceeding the 200 to 250 euro per night mark, a colossal budget for film students, young professionals, or even families passionate about the 7th art. This price inflation discourages many visitors who, for lack of funds, are forced to shorten their stay or opt for accommodation on the outskirts, far from the excitement of the festival.

Moreover, this saturation does not only affect luxury hotels or international chains. Hostels and small traditional bed & breakfasts are also snapped up months in advance. For those who leave it to the last minute, options are often reduced to overpriced accommodation or exhausting daily commutes from other Belgian cities like Brussels or Antwerp.

Given this situation, it is imperative to rethink how you travel and where you stay. Finding accommodation in Ghent during the festival requires thinking outside the box. This is exactly where short-term homestay rentals reveal their full potential, offering a welcome safety valve in the face of the overheated hotel market.

Homestays in Ghent: the economical and authentic solution

Mastering your festival budget from A to Z

Faced with the skyrocketing prices of traditional hotels, a homestay in Ghent is the smartest alternative for keeping your budget in check. By renting a room directly from a private individual, you avoid the structure and staffing costs inherent in hotels, which translates into much lower rates, even during peak tourist periods.

Let’s take a concrete example: while a hotel room in the center of Ghent will easily cost you over 200 euros during Film Fest Gent 2026, a comfortable homestay found via Roomlala can be snagged for between 50 and 80 euros per night. This drastic difference allows you to reallocate your budget to what really matters: purchasing festival passes, tickets for masterclasses, or discovering local gastronomy.

The economic advantage does not stop at the nightly rate. When staying in a homestay, you very often have access to your host's kitchen. Being able to prepare your own breakfast or cook a quick meal between two film screenings represents a substantial saving on your dining budget. No more need to eat out at restaurants for lunch and dinner!

At Roomlala, we find that travellers who choose this option often extend their stay. Rather than coming just for a quick weekend, the savings made allow them to stay for four or five days, to soak up the atmosphere of the Ghent film festival accommodation included, and to not miss any important screenings. It is a true win-win strategy for your wallet and your cultural experience.

Experiencing the Ghent Film Festival like a true local

Beyond the purely financial aspect, opting for a homestay means choosing authenticity. The people of Ghent are known for their hospitality, open-mindedness, and love of culture. By sharing their home, you aren't just renting a bed; you are treating yourself to total immersion in the local way of life, far from the sterile feel of some hotel rooms.

Your host will be your best ally for navigating the city during the festival. They can point out the best cycling shortcuts to get to the Kinepolis from your neighbourhood, recommend the best spot to taste an authentic Waterzooi after a late screening, or reveal the trendy bars where festival-goers and sometimes even directors meet up to discuss the world over a local beer.

Imagine the case of Thomas, a young French cinephile who came to attend the previous edition. By staying with a couple of culture-loving Ghent residents, he not only saved on his accommodation, but his hosts also lent him a bike for the duration of his stay and showed him alternative spots not mentioned in tourist guides. It is this extra touch, this human exchange, that turns a simple trip into a memorable and deeply enriching experience.

2026 Flemish regulations: what you need to know before booking your accommodation

The Logiesdecreet and the registration number requirement

While homestay rentals are a great idea, it is crucial to stay informed about legal developments to avoid unpleasant surprises. In Belgium, and particularly in Flanders, tourist rentals are strictly regulated by the decree on accommodation, known as the Logiesdecreet. This legislation applies to all types of tourist accommodation, including private individuals renting out a single room in their primary residence.

In 2026, the Flemish authorities have significantly toughened their stance to fight against illegal accommodation and ensure traveller safety. From now on, every host has an absolute obligation to register their activity with the official body Toerisme Vlaanderen. To obtain this valuable seal of approval, the accommodation must meet strict standards, particularly in terms of fire safety (presence of fire extinguishers, compliant smoke detectors, clear evacuation plans).

Once these criteria are validated, the host receives an official registration number. The big news of 2026, which has been widely publicized since June, is the requirement for booking platforms to block and remove any listing that does not include this valid registration number. Ghent municipalities have also been given the power to immediately shut down accommodation deemed illegal or unsafe.

At Roomlala, we take these guidelines very seriously to ensure your safety. We strongly advise you to verify the presence of this registration number on the listing before finalizing your booking. This will save you the stress of a last-minute cancellation by the authorities, a worst-case scenario in the middle of a festival period where finding a backup plan would be almost impossible.

The impact of the new VAT on your budget

Another major legal and fiscal element came into force recently and deserves your full attention to accurately calculate your budget. Since March 1, 2026, the Value Added Tax (VAT) applicable to tourist accommodation in Belgium has undergone a significant change, increasing from 6% to 12%. This government measure aims to harmonize rates, but it has a direct impact on the final price paid by the consumer.

In concrete terms, this tax increase is inevitably passed on to the traveller's bill, whether you book a classic hotel or a room with a professional host subject to VAT. For a stay of several nights, this 6-percentage-point difference can mean an extra few dozen euros, a sum that could have been invested in your festival activities.

However, this is where renting from a non-professional individual (someone who occasionally rents out a room in their own home without it being a commercial activity subject to VAT) becomes even more competitive. By choosing the right listings on Roomlala, you can often escape this fiscal inflation while staying perfectly legal, provided that the host respects income thresholds and the regulations of the Logiesdecreet mentioned above.

Our practical tips for a successful festival trip

Plan ahead and check your listing

As you will have understood, the key to a successful Film Fest Gent 2026 lies in planning ahead. Do not wait until the end of the summer to start your search. As soon as you have your vacation dates or your tickets for the opening film Coward, start looking for your homestay. The best offers—those that combine an ideal location, an attractive price, and a warm host—often go six months in advance.

When searching on Roomlala, take the time to carefully read descriptions and reviews from previous travellers. A good host is often a host who communicates well. Do not hesitate to send them a message before booking to ask questions about the distance between their home and the main cinemas, or to verify together the details of their Toerisme Vlaanderen registration number.

Here is a small checklist to validate your ideal listing:

• Registration number: Present and visible on the listing (2026 Logiesdecreet compliance).
• Location: Proximity to a tram line or the feasibility of cycling.
• Flexibility: Possibility of returning home late at night after evening screenings.
• Amenities: Access to a kitchen and Wi-Fi to organize your days.

Getting around on-site: transportation and screening venues

Once your accommodation is secured, it is time to think about your local logistics. Ghent is a pioneering city when it comes to soft mobility. Its city centre is one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe. Forget the car; it will be more of a burden than anything else, especially with traffic restrictions and the exorbitant price of underground parking.

The king of transport in Ghent is the bicycle. Most Ghent residents get around exclusively on two wheels. Ask your host if they can lend you one, or look into local rental services like De Fietsambassade. Cycling along the illuminated canals in autumn to reach a cinema screening is a poetic experience that perfectly fits the festival's atmosphere.

If you prefer public transport, the De Lijn network (trams and buses) is extremely well-developed. Tram lines 1 and 2 will drop you off in the immediate vicinity of the main festival hubs. Consider buying a multi-day pass to save money. The Kinepolis, located slightly south of the historic centre, is very easily accessible by tram from the Gent-Sint-Pieters or Gent-Dampoort train stations.

By following these tips, planning your booking, and choosing the conviviality of a homestay, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable 53rd Film Fest Gent. You will keep your budget under perfect control while discovering the true soul of this magnificent Flemish city. Enjoy the festival and happy viewing to everyone!