Best places to stay in Galveston
A tiny Texan island on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is the ideal destination to enjoy 32 miles of sandy beaches, theme parks, historic homes, shopping, and a vibrant culinary scene. Broadway Avenue J runs through the length of the island town, while numbered grid-like streets intersect the avenue and Seawall Boulevard creating a few broadly defined neighborhoods.
Downtown Galveston – The Strand Historic District
The commercial center, and heart and soul of the town, The Strand Historic District is a lively neighborhood that runs from the harbor to Broadway Avenue J. The streets are packed with 19th-century buildings, antique shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. You will also find scores of souvenir shops, small art galleries, and plenty of live music venues. Amid the bustling shops and restaurants, enjoy a luxurious stay in the well-appointed rooms and suites of The Tremont House, a Wyndham Grand Hotel. This is an elegant 1879-dated hotel that offers boutique-style accommodation in the heart of Downtown Galveston. Check out the Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21, a waterfront property with stylishly decorated rooms and suites, just steps from the attractions of The Strand Historic District.
East End
A largely residential neighborhood, the East End runs from 6th Street to 19th Street, north of Broadway Avenue J. This area is dominated by the University of Texas Medical School (UTMB) campus, and also features stately homes of prominent Galveston citizens. Consider the relaxed all-suite hotel Homewood Suites by Hilton Galveston on Seawall Boulevard, a 5-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the UTMB campus.
San Jacinto
A working class area with a fair mix of country estates, farms, and ranches, San Jacinto has the longest frontage on the Gulf of Mexico. This is a triangular area formed by Broadway Avenue J, 23rd Street, and Seawall Boulevard. Consider the 1911-dated Hotel Galvez & Spa for its elegant décor, luxurious service, modern amenities, and exclusive location on Seawall Boulevard. Check out the refined rooms with antique furnishings in Coppersmith Inn, a charming 1887-dated Victorian B&B featuring stained-glass windows and a grand staircase, just a short walk from The Grand 1894 Opera House.
Kempner Park
Kempner Park runs from 23rd Street to 39th Street between Broadway Avenue J and Seawall Boulevard, and boasts some of the most historic homes in town. Check out the colorful rooms furnished with traditional décor in The Villa Bed & Breakfast. This quaint B&B set in a 1914-dated bright, Mediterranean-inspired home is a 6-minute walk from the carnival rides, shopping, and dining at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. You can also consider the minimalist rooms and suites at the Four Points by Sheraton Galveston located on Seawall Boulevard, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Cheap hotels in Galveston
There are plenty of cheap hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs in Galveston, and it is not difficult to find rooms under $100.00 USD per night. Close to the Moody Gardens and The Strand Historical District, you have the modern, all-suite hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Galveston Island. On Seawall Boulevard, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, check out the family-run hotel, Gaido’s Seaside Inn or Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach hotel. Further east, consider the bright, airy rooms of the Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites by the Beach hotel.
