Galveston rolls out the welcome mat for cruise passengers, offering a vast array of hotels to choose from. But even in this paradise, planning is key. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth pre-cruise experience:

Book Early, Especially During Peak Season: Cruise holidays and festivals tend to fill hotels fast, especially during school breaks and summer. Secure your dream room by booking in advance.

Call for “Park & Cruise” Deals: Many hotels offer fantastic “Park & Cruise” packages, but these deals can have limited availability. Give the hotel a quick call to confirm their offers and avoid any last-minute surprises. Don’t forget, some hotels might only offer this deal with direct bookings.

By following these simple tips, you can guarantee your perfect pre-cruise haven and sail away on your dream vacation with peace of mind!

THE TREMONT HOUSE

2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-763-0300 | Hotel 1 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Step back in time and embrace modern luxury at The Tremont House, a captivating hotel nestled in the heart of Galveston’s historic Strand District. This iconic landmark, a beautiful replica of the original 1839 grandeur, offers the perfect blend of charm and comfort, ideal for your pre-cruise escape.

Imagine strolling through elegant hallways adorned with period details, then unwinding in your posh room featuring hardwood floors, plush bedding, and a 48-inch flat-screen TV. Indulge in delectable cuisine at one of the hotel’s three sensational restaurants, or sip handcrafted cocktails and live music at the historic Toujouse Bar. Feeling the Texas heat? Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool or explore the vibrant shops and art galleries lining the Strand.

The Tremont House offers more than just a place to stay; it’s an unforgettable experience that sets the stage for a remarkable cruise adventure.

Photo used with permission from The Tremont House

GAIDO’S SEASIDE INN

3700 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-761-5504 | Hotel 2 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico with many rooms having beach views, Gaido’s Seaside Inn is perfect for beach lovers who want to enjoy the Gulf. With plenty of creature comforts provided, including free book loans from the hotel library,  access to the Redfish pool bar for guests and easy access to the beach and the Historic Pleasure Pier, this could be the perfect place to stay before or after your cruise.

Seafood lovers can also enjoy Gaido’s restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes for over a century or guests can make use of the in-room microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators if looking to save a little money on snacks or meals.

HOTEL GALVEZ & SPA

2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-765-7721 | Hotel 3 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

For some pre-cruise pampering and relaxation, the Hotel Galvez & Spa is definitely worthy of your consideration. For over 100 years they have been welcoming guests with their elegant décor and luxurious service. Spa treatments include massages, facials, and other body treatments which are sure to make you feel wonderful. 

The hotel is located beachfront which gives you quick access to the Gulf for swimming, or you could opt for a quieter option with a dip in their saline pool with swim-up bar. If you are up for some island exploring there is a courtesy shuttle to the Strand Historic District and Pier 21 or you can use one of their complimentary bicycles for riding along the Seawall or as far as you’d like to go. There is also an electric/hybrid vehicle charging station for guest use.

Photo used with permission from The Hotel Galvez

HILTON GALVESTON ISLAND RESORT

5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-744-5000 | Hotel 4 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3.5-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Situated on the historic Seawall Boulevard, just steps away from the beach, the Hilton Galveston is within walking distance of fishing piers, shopping, and restaurants (10 of which are actually located on the 32-acre resort). For those wishing to visit Pleasure Pier, ask about their discount tickets available to guests.

This would be a great hotel to choose if you’re looking for views of the Gulf (especially if you book a room with a private balcony) and a resort with a tropical swim-up bar and poolside cabanas to just relax, treat yourself and get your vacation started early. There is also a fitness room and business center if you need to get a little work done or wish to work out before you head off on your cruise.

INN AT THE WATERPARK

2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-740-1155 | Hotel 5 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 2-Star Hotel | Back to Table

For a casual family-friendly hotel on the island, the Inn at the Waterpark is a great option. Located right next door to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens, with a pool and mini-golf course of its own, this hotel will be a kid-pleaser for sure!

The inn offers a comfortable, casual atmosphere with affordable rates to fit into your cruise vacation budget with a complimentary shuttle to get you to your ship on time to continue the fun. We have stayed at this hotel and found the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with a hearty breakfast that provided a great start to our day of sightseeing around the island. 

HARBOR HOUSE HOTEL & MARINA

No 28 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-763-3321 | Hotel 6 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Start your nautical adventures a little early with a pre-cruise stay in one of the stylishly decorated rooms or suites on the waterfront at Harbor House Hotel. Located on Pier 21 this hotel is just a few minutes walk to the cruise terminal and offers views of the harbour. If you’re up early the morning of your cruise you may even catch your ship coming back to port to get ready to welcome you.

Before boarding your ship you can make the most of your stay by visiting several attractions, like the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and Seaport Museum, or the many shops and restaurants just a few minutes walk away in the Strand Historic District.

Photo used with permission from The Harbor House Hotel

SAN LUIS HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | 800-392-5937 | Hotel 7 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Discover unparalleled luxury at the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, a 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort on beautiful Galveston Island. Recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1999, the San Luis Resort offers the perfect Galveston hotel and resort experience with lavish accommodations and personalized service.

Some of the amenities included in your stay include Molton Brown toiletries, a Keurig coffee maker in your room, fitness centre access, and a private balcony with outdoor seating for breathtaking Gulf views.

MOODY GARDENS HOTEL

7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77554 | 888-388-8484 | Hotel 8 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Moody Gardens Hotel boasts 418 luxurious accommodations in a beautiful, botanic setting on 242 acres of natural Gulf scenery. In addition, as one of the top hotels near Moody Gardens, the property showcases magnificent glass pyramids that house both a living rainforest, a massive aquarium, and a Discovery pyramid. And that’s not to mention that the Schlitterbahn Waterpark is right next door!

Other amenities included with your stay include a full-service fitness centre and deluxe bathrobes and upscale bathroom accessories to start your day off with a little pampering.

HOLIDAY INN RESORT

5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX,77551 | 409-740-5300 | Hotel 9 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3.5-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Part of the San Luis Resort Spa, this hotel offers beachfront accommodation at a cheaper price, whilst still providing access to the Resort Spa facilities next door. It is also a more child-friendly property with a playground and arcade available and of course, the beach just steps away from the property.

Rooms include complimentary coffee, tea, and water and microwaves are available to rent. If you have a little bit of work to finish up you can make use of the business centre and then perhaps get a game of tennis in on their courts before you set sail.

AVENUE O BED & BREAKFAST

2323 Avenue O, Galveston, TX, 77550 | 409-789-3070 | Hotel 10 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Located towards the south side of Galveston, Avenue O Bed & Breakfast offers a more personal stay than you might find in the big chain hotels. Just ten minutes walk from Galveston Pleasure Pier, this boutique hotel with just three individually styled rooms even offers its guests complimentary snacks in the afternoon!

Amenities, depending on which room you book, include spa robes, over-size showers, a view of the tropical gardens or a private balcony. Could be the perfect way to start your Caribbean cruise…

MAP

The map below shows all the above hotels in Galveston in relation to the cruise terminal.