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 travelers 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 center with complimentary weekend yoga classes, indoor and outdoor pool access, and kid-friendly activities rom 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 accommodations 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 ten restaurants, so there’s something to suit every palate; 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 center 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 downtown 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 HD streaming television—you’ll never want to leave.

The hotel’s culinary and beverage facilities are superior. These include an on-site wine bar and bistro with local snacks and drinks, plus a rooftop bar with excellent downtown 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.