Galveston hotels

Dubbed “the best little beach house in Texas,” this classic courtyard-style property oozes beachy charm and Texan hospitality in equal parts. Nestled at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Hotel Lucine is a seaside oasis, complete with a range of amenities designed to make you feel right at home.

Enjoy cocktails with 180-degree ocean views from the rooftop bar and lounge by the pristine pool. When hunger pangs strike, you don’t have to venture far to get great grub – on-site eatery The Fancy offers delicious comfort food with a French twist (I adored the mussels bouillabaisse) and The Den makes for a relaxing spot for coffee and breakfast. All 61 rooms at Hotel Lucine have recently been revamped and are adorably decorated in soothing ocean tones.

Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center offers a unique, convenient setting for business travellers and vacationers alike (particularly families with children). The property is lovingly landscaped with lush tropical greenery and located in the heart of the action in Galveston, near the shops at the Seawall and the Strand and Schlitterbahn Water Park.

This is also one of the best hotels to stay in Galveston if you’d like to indulge in a spa treatment. Take your pick from a range of treatments and packages at the full-service spa and salon – trust me, the aromatherapy hot stone massage does not disappoint.

Other stellar amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre with complimentary weekend yoga classes, indoor and outdoor pool access and kid-friendly activities from s’mores to arts and crafts.

There aren’t many luxury hotels in Galveston, which is why the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center stands out. This upscale, 32-acre resort is located on the beach and boasts lavish accommodation and amenities.

Guests can partake in wellness events, daily family-friendly activities and culinary experiences. I loved doing yoga on the sand, especially with the beautiful ocean views, but there are other programs and activities to take advantage of, from an oceanfront “paint & sip” session to movie nights.

The resort features a whopping 10 restaurants, so there’s something to suit every palate. Meanwhile, the spa is outstanding and there are on-site shops selling signature apparel, accessories and gifts.

Of all the best hotels in Galveston, the Carr Mansion is unique for its intimate size and truly personalized service. This impeccably restored 19th-century Greek Revival mansion is close enough to the fray (just 10 blocks from the Seawall beaches), while still maintaining an aura of serenity.

Each room has custom furniture and décor named after local community figures, like “The Preacher” and “The Socialite.” Amenities like clawfoot tubs, original fireplaces, private verandas and canopy beds set this hotel apart.

Most of all, I love the Carr Mansion's thoughtful attention to detail. Whether it’s the complimentary cocktail offered upon arrival, the delicious complimentary continental breakfast or the staff’s warmth and enthusiasm, you can feel the love emanating from every nook and cranny of this hotel. Make time to enjoy the peaceful seating areas both inside and out.

Occupying a gorgeous historic building in the centre of town, the Tremont House is an eye-catching boutique hotel that blends modern décor with old-world charms. I consider this to be one of the best hotels in Galveston if you’d prefer to stay centrally, as opposed to on the beach.

Rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and thoughtfully appointed with Italian linens, luxe bath products, a Keurig coffee maker with Illy coffee, and a 55-inch (140 cm) HD streaming television – you’ll never want to leave.

The hotel’s culinary and beverage facilities are also superior. These include an on-site wine bar and bistro with local snacks and drinks, plus a rooftop bar with excellent city views. On Thursdays, enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz at the Toujouse Bar and order from a menu of Prohibition-style cocktails and craft beer.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Galveston is one of the best hotels in Galveston for travellers on a budget. This relatively affordable hotel is located a short walk from the Seawall and a quick drive from the beach, so you’ll be close to all the fun at nearly half the price of other hotels in the area.

This hotel doesn’t skimp on amenities, either. There’s a free hot breakfast offered every morning, the fitness centre is well-equipped. There’s also a laundry facility and the outdoor pool is well-kept.

Pick from cozy guestrooms or spacious suites, all outfitted with crisp white linens. Some rooms even have a balcony overlooking the ocean, so you can sip your morning coffee and listen to the waves. If I'm travelling on a budget, I always appreciate staying at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Galveston.

For convenience and amenities, you can’t go wrong with the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach. The oceanfront pool has great views, lounge chairs and a fire pit – it’s a fantastic spot to sit with a cocktail and watch the sunset. If you like to keep fit there is sleek fitness centre overlooking the Gulf waters, too.

This is also one of the best hotels in Galveston for business travellers, with meeting rooms, an on-site business centre and in-room ergonomic workspaces. When it’s time to rest, you can enjoy contemporary comforts and amenities, including black-out shades, an HDTV and a complimentary breakfast.

Featuring spacious beachfront accommodations and convenient amenities, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Galveston Island is an easy pick for one of the best hotels in Galveston. Large group travellers will certainly appreciate the two-bedroom suites, designed with a living area, dining area, separate living room and full kitchen.

Amenities include a fitness centre with ocean views, an outdoor pool with plush cabanas and a complimentary breakfast with cereal, bagels, fresh fruit and gourmet coffee. Plus, this hotel’s location is smack-dab in the middle of everything – you’ll be within minutes of Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn and Jamaica Beach.

One of my favourite things to do in Galveston is to spend the day at Jamaica Beach, alternating between reading my book on the beach and trying my hand at paddle boarding (there are local rental shops that provide equipment and guidance).

Enjoy a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Galveston Island, one of the best hotels in Galveston for its prime location and comfy, well-appointed accommodations. Situated right along the Seawall, you’ll be within easy reach of Jamaica Beach, Pleasure Pier and Galveston Island State Park (one of my favourite attractions on the island). Following a day of exploring, you’ll relish settling down in your oceanfront room and snoozing on the plush bedding.

The amenities at this Courtyard by Marriott are also top-notch. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at The Bistro, and head to the pool for the Castaways Poolside Experience, where signature cocktails are paired with a bevy of tasty food options (note that this is seasonal only, from March through September).

You can also relax in your own private cabana here. Conveniently, the hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, which is always a plus.

As far as the best hotels in Galveston go, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45 offers a convenient, comfy stay that won’t break the bank. The hotel is just off I-45, within minutes from the 61st Fishing Pier (I love having a drink and watching the sunset here), the Port of Galveston cruise ship terminal and the Aquarium Pyramid in Moody Gardens.

You’ll have everything you need to enjoy your stay. Get energized with a workout at the fitness centre, swim laps in the outdoor pool and enjoy a free breakfast every morning before your day of adventure. There’s also a café and bar on the premises.

Rooms have all the essentials, like comfy white linens, bathroom toiletries, a coffee/tea maker, an iron and ironing board and more. No-frills, yet delightfully appointed and convenient, this La Quinta is another excellent pick for budget travellers.