Indeed Gent is a wonderful town. A few weeks ago I was there and it is a most charming town. The location is indeed good to do city trips to Brugge, Antwerpen and Brussel.
You could also rent a car as an alternative. Marriott has a parking spaces under the hotel.
The Gent Marriott is a nice and new property. For my review see the Ghent Marriott thread.

When in Gent have dinner at Belga Queen one night. It is located in one of the oldest houses of Gent.