Where to Stay in Galveston Before a Cruise: The Best Options for Every Budget

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Where to Stay in Galveston Before a Cruise

Galveston is a popular port of call for cruises departing from the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a more affordable option, there are plenty of great places to stay in Galveston before your cruise.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best hotels and resorts in Galveston, as well as some of the more unique and affordable options. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right hotel for your needs and budget.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beachfront retreat or a convenient location close to the cruise terminal, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Galveston before your cruise.

Galveston: A Perfect Pre-Cruise Destination

Galveston is a beautiful island city located just off the coast of Texas. It’s known for its mild climate, sandy beaches, and charming Victorian architecture. With its many attractions and amenities, Galveston is the perfect place to spend a few days before your cruise.

Here are just a few of the things you can do in Galveston before your cruise:

  • Visit the Strand: The Strand is Galveston’s historic district, which is home to many beautiful Victorian buildings. You can spend a day exploring the shops, restaurants, and museums in this charming area.
  • Take a walk on the beach: Galveston’s beaches are some of the best in the state. You can relax in the sun, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or build sandcastles with the kids.
  • Visit the Kemah Boardwalk: The Kemah Boardwalk is a popular amusement park located just a short drive from Galveston. It’s home to rides, games, restaurants, and shops.
  • Take a ferry to San Luis Island: San Luis Island is a small island located just off the coast of Galveston. It’s a great place to go for a day trip or to spend a few hours swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

With so many things to do, Galveston is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach before your cruise.

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Hotel Price Amenities
Galveston Island Convention Center Hotel $150-$200 Free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa $200-$250 Beachfront location, infinity pool, spa
The Galvestonian Hotel & Spa $250-$300 Waterfront views, rooftop pool, award-winning restaurant

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Hotel in Galveston

When choosing a hotel in Galveston before a cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Location

The most important factor to consider when choosing a hotel in Galveston is its location. You want to make sure that your hotel is close to the cruise terminal, so that you can easily get to and from your ship. The cruise terminal is located on the north end of Galveston Island, so you’ll want to choose a hotel that is either on the island or within a short drive of the terminal.

Amenities

Another important factor to consider is the amenities that are offered by the hotel. You’ll want to make sure that the hotel has the amenities that you need, such as a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. If you have children, you’ll also want to make sure that the hotel has a kids’ club or other activities for children.

Price

Of course, you’ll also want to consider the price of the hotel when making your decision. The cost of hotels in Galveston can vary significantly, so you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re on a tight budget, there are still plenty of affordable hotels in Galveston that offer great value for the money.

Transportation

If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to consider how you’ll get to and from the hotel to the cruise terminal. Most hotels in Galveston offer shuttle service to the cruise terminal, but you may want to check to make sure that the hotel you’re considering offers this service before you book your reservation.

Best Hotels in Galveston for Cruise Passengers

There are many great hotels in Galveston that are perfect for cruise passengers. Here are a few of the best options:

  • The Westin Galveston Island Resort & Spa is located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • The San Luis Resort & Spa is another great option for cruise passengers. The resort is located about a mile from the cruise terminal and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • The Galveston Marriott Beach Resort is located right on the beach, just a short walk from the cruise terminal. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • The Hotel Galvez is located in the heart of Galveston’s historic downtown district. The hotel is about a mile from the cruise terminal and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant.

These are just a few of the many great hotels in Galveston that are perfect for cruise passengers. When choosing a hotel, be sure to consider the factors listed above to find the best option for your needs.

Choosing a hotel in Galveston before a cruise is an important decision. By considering the factors listed above, you can find the best hotel for your needs and enjoy a hassle-free cruise vacation.

3. Tips for Getting to Your Cruise Ship from Your Hotel in Galveston

Once you’ve booked your cruise, you’ll need to figure out how to get from your hotel in Galveston to the cruise terminal. Here are a few tips:

  • By taxi or rideshare: This is the most convenient option, but it can also be the most expensive. Taxi fares from downtown Galveston to the cruise terminal typically range from $20 to $30.
  • By public transportation: The Galveston Island Trolley offers service between downtown Galveston and the cruise terminal. The fare is $2 per person, and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
  • By walking or biking: If you’re staying in downtown Galveston, you can easily walk or bike to the cruise terminal. The walk takes about 20 minutes, and the bike ride takes about 10 minutes.

Here are some additional tips for getting to your cruise ship:

  • Allow plenty of time for your trip. Traffic can be heavy on the weekends, and you don’t want to miss your ship!
  • Make sure you know the exact location of your cruise terminal. The cruise terminal is located at 2000 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550.
  • If you’re driving, be aware that there is limited parking at the cruise terminal. You may want to consider parking at a nearby hotel or parking garage.

4. Things to Do in Galveston Before Your Cruise

Galveston is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors. Here are a few things to do in Galveston before your cruise:

  • Visit the Strand: The Strand is Galveston’s historic district, and it’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can spend the day browsing the shops, sampling the local cuisine, or taking a walk along the waterfront.
  • Explore the Kemah Boardwalk: The Kemah Boardwalk is a popular tourist destination, and it’s home to a variety of rides, games, and restaurants. You can spend the day enjoying the rides, people-watching, or having a meal at one of the many restaurants.
  • Take a ferry to Galveston Island State Park: Galveston Island State Park is located just a short ferry ride from downtown Galveston. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
  • Go shopping at Pier 21: Pier 21 is a shopping mall located on the waterfront. The mall has a variety of stores, including boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops. You can spend the day shopping for souvenirs or gifts for your family and friends.

Galveston is a great place to spend a few days before your cruise. There are plenty of things to do, and you’re sure to find something to your liking. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day of shopping or an exciting day of adventure, Galveston has something for you.

Q: What are the best areas to stay in Galveston before a cruise?

A: There are a few different areas to consider when choosing a place to stay in Galveston before a cruise. The most popular areas are downtown Galveston, the Seawall, and the Historic Strand. Downtown Galveston is located close to the cruise terminal, making it a convenient option for those who want to be close to their ship. The Seawall is a popular area for tourists, and it offers a variety of hotels and restaurants. The Historic Strand is a charming area with a variety of shops and restaurants.

Q: What are some of the best hotels in Galveston before a cruise?

A: There are a number of great hotels in Galveston before a cruise, including:

  • The Westin Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is located right on the beach, and it offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a pool.
  • The Tremont House Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Galveston. The hotel has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
  • The Hotel Galvez: This hotel is located on the Seawall, and it offers easy access to the beach. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Q: What are some of the things to do in Galveston before a cruise?

A: There are a number of things to do in Galveston before a cruise, including:

  • Visiting the Strand: The Strand is a historic district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
  • Taking a walk on the Seawall: The Seawall is a 3-mile long concrete walkway that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Visiting the Pleasure Pier: The Pleasure Pier is an amusement park with rides, games, and food.
  • Going to the beach: Galveston has a beautiful beach with soft white sand and clear blue water.

Q: How much does it cost to stay in Galveston before a cruise?

A: The cost of a hotel in Galveston before a cruise will vary depending on the time of year and the type of hotel you choose. During peak season (March-August), rates can start at around $100 per night for a basic hotel room. During off-season (September-February), rates can start at around $50 per night for a basic hotel room.

Q: How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Galveston?

A: There are a few different ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Galveston. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, or a public bus.

  • Taxi: The taxi fare from the airport to downtown Galveston is around $25.
  • Shuttle: There are a number of shuttle companies that provide transportation from the airport to downtown Galveston. The fare is around $15 per person.
  • Public bus: The public bus takes around 30 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Galveston. The fare is $2.25 per person.

Q: What are the best restaurants in Galveston before a cruise?

A: There are a number of great restaurants in Galveston before a cruise, including:

  • The Original Ninfa’s on the River: This restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican food.
  • Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant serves fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere.
  • The Galveston Island Brewery: This restaurant offers a variety of craft beers and pub food.

Q: What are the best things to do with kids in Galveston before a cruise?

A: There are a number of things to do with kids in Galveston before a cruise, including:

  • Visiting the Moody Gardens: The Moody Gardens is an amusement park with rides, exhibits, and a water park.
  • Taking a walk on the Seawall: The Seawall is a 3-mile long concrete walkway that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Visiting the Schlitterbahn Waterpark: The Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a water park with rides, slides, and a wave pool.

Q: What are the best things to do in Galveston at night

In this article, we have discussed the best places to stay in Galveston before a cruise. We have considered factors such as proximity to the cruise terminal, amenities, and cost. We have also provided a few tips for choosing the right hotel for your needs.

Ultimately, the best place to stay in Galveston before a cruise depends on your individual needs and budget. However, any of the hotels we have listed would be a great option for a pre-cruise stay.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • The best hotels for cruise passengers are located close to the cruise terminal.
  • Amenities such as free parking, shuttle service, and a pool are important for cruise passengers.
  • The cost of a hotel room in Galveston varies depending on the time of year and the type of hotel.
  • Booking your hotel in advance is essential, especially during peak season.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.