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Galveston

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About Galveston

Charming Galveston is a striking historic city on Galveston Island, set just an hour from Houston on Texas’ Gulf Coast. Previously a key deepwater port and an immigration station, the city is now a brilliant place for a cultural holiday or beach escape. Accommodation options range from simple B&Bs to extensive luxury resorts, ideal for a whole array of tastes and budgets. Our selection of the best places to stay in Galveston includes intimate inns perfect for romantic couples, as well as an imposing city hotel and a trendy beach resort — great for families or business travellers.

Explore Galveston with a stroll along streets lined with nineteenth-century buildings, including a multitude of museums and heritage homes in four designated historic districts. Highlights include tours of the Bishop’s Palace and the Moody Mansion, as well as visits to the Texas Seaport Museum, the Bryan Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum, depending on your particular interests. There are myriad art galleries, too, as well as quirky boutiques and excellent eateries.

Take the whole family to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for a day of adventure, or to spot amazing creatures at the famous Moody Gardens. Head to Pier 21 for watersports and boat tours, or venture further afield to snorkel and dive on the reefs which surround the islands. There are 32 miles of sun-drenched beaches, too, for laid-back days of rest and relaxation.

Whilst many of our favourite places to stay in Galveston are heritage properties in the old part of the city — well-placed for on-foot explorations — keen beach-goers can book a room at a cool contemporary resort for heaps of activities and easy access to the sand and sea.

The Best Places to Stay in Galveston

For a romantic hideaway

  • Carr Mansion is a gorgeous Greek Revival property with eight elegant bedrooms, including free-standing tubs and lovely artwork. Expect delicious breakfasts and an intimate, small-hotel feel. Whimsical and romantic.
  • Coppersmith Inn boasts five spacious rooms and suites in a teal-and-yellow-painted Queen Anne townhouse, dating back to 1887. Stay here for plenty of privacy, glamorous period charm and contemporary comforts. The balconies, pretty breakfast room and leafy garden are very appealing. Ideal for tranquil couples.

For a grand city hotel

  • The Tremont House is a grand Victorian building promising classic, opulent interiors. Think marble bathrooms, generous guestrooms with plantation shutters and vaulted ceilings, a lively rooftop terrace and a funky jazz bar. Stylish and imposing, well-situated for exploring historic Galveston and with flexible options for families.

For a contemporary beach resort

  • San Luis Resort is an extensive sea-facing resort with spacious rooms featuring crisp, contemporary decor. Play tennis, hit the gym, unwind at the spoiling spa or cross the road for a dreamy day at the beach before sampling one of the property's many fantastic eateries. Great for families or business travellers, who will appreciate the top-notch conference facilities.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly into Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and take a 1-hour taxi to Galveston. You can also hop aboard a bus, but the journey takes closer to two hours.
  • Texas is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above in July and August. For slightly cooler weather, come during the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October).

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Galveston

  • The Tremont House Galveston 133 rooms from £105

    City Style  -  Those who enjoy travelling back into a bygone era will feel right at home here. A classic gem within the historic quarter
    Local exploring  -  The surrounding Strand Historic District is home to shops, restaurants, and galleries as well as museums and attractions
    Great walks  -  Go for a stroll along Pier 21, a waterfront entertainment and dining area on Galveston's historic harbour
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Moody Mansion, a 20 room 1895 private home that brings to life the world of a grand historic family
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    Elegant Victorian building turned into a grand hotel. Rooms are delightful with vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, striped wallpaper & printed pelmets. Enjoy the roof terrace, port views, and jazz bar. A light-filled inner courtyard gives a seaside holiday feel. Perfect pre-cruise port of call. See More

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  • Carr Mansion Galveston 8 rooms from £168

    Weddings  -  Perfect for intimate weddings (up to 50) with room for family to stay. Unique spaces include quaint ballroom and solarium
    City Style  -  Soak in the atmospheric charm of historic Galveston from this grand and elegant base
    Groups  -  Book the whole property with a group of friends for a grown-up house party weekend
    Sights nearby  -  It's a short walk to Moody Mansion Museum, another impressive period structure which offers tours of its 30+ rooms
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    Impeccably restored 19th century Greek Revival mansion with stylish and sophisticated interiors. The ultimate blend of old and new; expect high ceilings, antique beds, fireplaces and wooden floors combined with a fresh white backdrop, pastel hues and chic clawfoot tubs. A charming stay. See More

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  • Coppersmith Inn Galveston 5 rooms from £187

    Romantic Break  -  The stand-alone suites are perfect for a romantic weekend; spacious, private, thoughtfully designed & boasting special bathtubs
    Local exploring  -  The leafy residential neighbourhood is an easy walk to most attractions; beach, shopping, museums & amusement parks
    Sights nearby  -  Walk to Moody Mansion for a historic tour. The 1895 structure, once belonging to a grand Galveston family, has over 30 rooms
    Great walks  -  Head to the beach on foot, the nearest stretch of white sand is an easy walk only 6 blocks away
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    Beautiful B&B set in elegant 1887 Queen-Anne Victorian home. Relive the past with glam period features; opulent carved staircase, stained-glass windows and fireplaces. Tasteful spacious rooms blend a historical theme with contemporary comfort. Enjoy the pretty dining room, garden and covered porch. See More

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  • San Luis Resort Galveston 250 rooms from £203

    Business meetings  -  With conference facilities, meeting rooms, multiple restaurants, 250 rooms & 32 acres of grounds, it works well for large events
    Beach Life  -  Galveston boasts over 32 miles of white-sand beach, including the beach opposite, which can be seen from most spaces
    Total relaxation  -  Live the relaxed resort life with beach, inviting pool, hot tub, outdoor dining, massages and sea view rooms
    On the beach  -  The beach is across the road from the property. Loungers and towels can be rented
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    Classic luxe beach resort with all the trimmings; tropical pool, spoiling spa, multiple dining options, palm trees, fire pits and sea-facing grounds. Contemporary and spacious rooms with clean colour schemes and luxury amenities overlook the ocean; all have balconies. Ideal for business or leisure. See More

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