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

Autumn is gently settling over Flanders, and with it returns one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. From 7 to 18 October 2026, the 53rd edition of the 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 programme is a dream, the logistical reality 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 cinema budget to pay for overpriced accommodation. That is why we offer you an alternative that is economical, welcoming, and perfectly legal: a homestay. Discover how to fully enjoy the festival while living like a true local from Ghent, without any unpleasant surprises or compromises on the quality of your stay.

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

An unmissable event for European film lovers

Every year in October, the quiet medieval city of Ghent transforms into a true international capital of cinema. The 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 from 7 to 18 October 2026, the programme promises to be grander than ever, with special attention given to both Belgian and international talent.

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The opening of the festival with Coward by Lukas Dhont is a strong symbol. The director from Ghent, already a multiple award winner, is playing on home turf, which is generating unprecedented enthusiasm among the local public and foreign visitors. The city's 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 radically changes the city's dynamic. Historic cinemas like Kinepolis, Studio Skoop, Sphinx Cinema, and the arts centre Vooruit become the epicentres of buzzing activity. While this festive atmosphere is exceptional to experience, it creates a major challenge for anyone wanting to participate for several days: finding somewhere to sleep.

Indeed, although very touristy, Ghent has limited hotel capacity for an event of this magnitude. As soon as the official dates are announced, bookings pour in, turning the search for accommodation into a real race against time. This is where planning 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, the standard hotel supply quickly reaches saturation. Regular 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 exceed the 200 to 250 euro per night mark, a colossal budget for cinema students, young professionals, or even families passionate about the 7th art. This inflation discourages many visitors who, for lack of funds, are forced to shorten their stay or opt for accommodation in the outer suburbs, far from the festival's buzz.

Furthermore, this saturation does not only affect luxury hotels or international chains. Youth hostels and small, traditional B&Bs are also snapped up months in advance. For those leaving it to the last minute, options are often reduced to overpriced accommodation or exhausting daily commutes from other Belgian cities like Brussels or Antwerp.

Faced with this, it is essential to rethink how you travel and find accommodation. 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 relief against the overheating hotel market.

Homestay in Ghent: the economical and authentic solution

Mastering your festival budget from A to Z

Faced with the soaring prices of standard hotels, a homestay in Ghent is the smartest alternative for protecting your wallet. By renting a room directly from a private individual, you eliminate the overheads and staffing costs inherent in hotels, which translates to much lower rates, even during peak tourist periods.

Let us take a concrete example: while a hotel room in the heart of Ghent will easily cost you more than 200 euros during the 2026 Film Fest Gent, a comfortable room in a local home via Roomlala can be found for between 50 and 80 euros a night. This drastic difference allows you to reallocate your budget to what really matters: purchasing festival passes, masterclass tickets, or discovering the local cuisine.

The economic advantage does not stop at the nightly rate. By staying with a host, you very often have access to their kitchen. Being able to prepare your own breakfast or cook a quick meal between two film screenings represents a substantial saving on your catering budget. No more being forced to eat at a restaurant for both lunch and dinner!

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

Experience the Ghent Film Fest like a true local

Beyond the purely financial aspect, choosing a homestay is a choice for authenticity. Locals from Ghent are known for their hospitality, open-mindedness, and love of culture. By sharing their roof, you are not just renting a bed; you are treating yourself to total immersion in the local way of life, far from the sterile nature 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 Kinepolis from your neighbourhood, recommend the best place to enjoy an authentic Waterzooi after a late screening, or tell you about the trendy bars where festival-goers and sometimes even directors meet to put the world to rights over a local beer.

Imagine the case of Thomas, a young French cinephile who came to attend the previous edition. By staying with a culture-loving couple from Ghent, he not only saved on his accommodation, but his hosts also lent him a bike for his entire stay and showed him alternative spots not mentioned in tourist guides. It is this extra touch, this human exchange, that transforms 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 accommodation decree, known as the Logiesdecreet. This legislation applies to all types of tourist accommodation, including private individuals who rent out a simple room in their main residence.

In 2026, the Flemish authorities tightened the rules considerably to combat illegal accommodation and ensure traveller safety. From now on, every host has an absolute obligation to declare their activity to the official body Toerisme Vlaanderen. To obtain this valuable seal of approval, the accommodation must meet strict standards, particularly regarding 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 this year, 2026, which has been widely publicised since June, is the obligation for booking platforms to block and remove any listings that do not include this valid registration number. Local Ghent authorities have also been given the power to immediately shut down accommodation deemed illegal or unsafe.

At Roomlala, we take these guidelines very seriously to guarantee your safety. We strongly advise you to check for the presence of this registration number on the listing before finalising your booking. This will save you the stress of a last-minute cancellation by the authorities, a nightmare scenario in the middle of a festival period where finding a plan B would be virtually impossible.

The impact of the new VAT on your budget

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

In practice, this tax increase inevitably trickles down to the traveller's bill, whether you book a classic hotel or a room with a professional host subject to tax. For a stay of several nights, this 6 percentage point difference can represent an extra few tens of euros—money 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 tax inflation while remaining in a perfectly legal framework, provided the host complies with the income thresholds and the Logiesdecreet regulations mentioned previously.

Our practical tips for a successful festival trip

Anticipate and verify your listing

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

When searching on Roomlala, take the time to read the descriptions and reviews from previous travellers carefully. 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 the details of their Toerisme Vlaanderen registration number together.

Here is a quick checklist to validate your ideal listing:

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

Organising on-site: transport and screening venues

Once your accommodation is secured, it is time to think about your logistics on-site. 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 cost of underground car parks.

The king of transport in Ghent is the bicycle. Most locals get around exclusively on two wheels. Ask your host if they can lend you one, or check out local rental services like De Fietsambassade. Cycling along the illuminated canals in autumn to get to a film screening is a poetic experience that fits perfectly with the festival 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 a little further 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, anticipating your booking, and choosing the friendliness of a homestay, you are guaranteed to experience an unforgettable 53rd Film Fest Gent. You will keep your budget perfectly under control while discovering the true soul of this magnificent Flemish city. Enjoy the festival and happy viewing to everyone!