All Things Galveston (Updated - 5/21/14)

The Marriott at IAH is really a pretty charmless hotel. The Marriott by Hobby is REALLY lousy. Neither of them offer much other than a place to crash for the night, and there's not much to do.

Someone asked about the Tremont or the Galvez for a small kiddo. I would lean toward the Galvez because of its location to the Pleasure Pier and easy cab ride up to the Rainforest Cafe complex.

Someone asked about a liquor store. There is an outrageously huge Spec's on 61st Street. It's the size of a grocery store and has just about anything you can imagine.

Good luck!
 
@Jaybear does this liquor store also have beer, or do you have to go to a different place for that in Texas? If so, where might I find a good selection of Texas brews on our disembarkation day?
 
I realize you didn't ask me specifically but if you can't find it at Spec's, you don't need it. Beer, wine, spirits, food, cigars...the works.

specsonline.com
 


Jaybear said:
Someone asked about the Tremont or the Galvez for a small kiddo. I would lean toward the Galvez because of its location to the Pleasure Pier and easy cab ride up to the Rainforest Cafe complex.


Good luck!

Thank you!
 
Just curious if anyone knows if the hotel pools are open in December/January in Houston/Galveston areas.

We have never been to Texas before so just not sure.

Tangoqueen, thanks for that info! Really helpful. I am so used to sailing out of Orlando/Port Canaveral this is all new to me!

Thanks
 
Lots of great info! We are driving in and will probably be late into Galveston the night before the cruise. We'd like to find a hotel with parking and shuttle that also has a continental breakfast. Location isn't a big deal as we won't be doing any touring around and the hotel really doesn't need to have lots of ammeneties, like a pool, just clean for a comfortable night's sleep.

Any suggestions?
 


Just curious if anyone knows if the hotel pools are open in December/January in Houston/Galveston areas.

We have never been to Texas before so just not sure.

Most pools won't be open. It's usually not frigid, but it does get cooler especially in January. We're staying at a hotel that has an indoor pool.
 
Lots of great info! We are driving in and will probably be late into Galveston the night before the cruise. We'd like to find a hotel with parking and shuttle that also has a continental breakfast. Location isn't a big deal as we won't be doing any touring around and the hotel really doesn't need to have lots of ammeneties, like a pool, just clean for a comfortable night's sleep.

Any suggestions?

We are staying at the Country Inn and Suites on Seawall. They offer free breakfast (full if I remember correctly) and a cruise parking/shuttle package.
 
@Jaybear does this liquor store also have beer, or do you have to go to a different place for that in Texas? If so, where might I find a good selection of Texas brews on our disembarkation day?

The Specs sells beer as well as liquor and wine. They have a decent selection of regional beers (the last time I was there, which admittedly has been a couple of years). Shiner is a Texas brewed beer and my personal favorite is Shiner Hefeweizen and the Wild Hare Pale Ale. :drinking1
 
Does anyone happen to know the hours of Specs? We won't be in until late the night before we sail and wondered what time they open on Saturday morning, just incase we need anything!;)
Thanks!
 
DH and I are still debating whether to drive in the night before or the morning of. I started a thread asking for feedback about a week ago and the majority of replies recommended to spend the night before. I am leaning that way and looking at hotels now.

I am torn between the Tremont House and the Hotel Galvez. I came across some websites that said that Hotel Galvez is really haunted. I'm worried that I will be up all night looking for ghosts and won't get a good night's sleep. But it looks so nice.


I know this was a few weeks ago, but I just found the thread a few minutes ago, so will probably quote other postings as I catch up . . . so sorry in advance if I post something that is mentioned a few times!

We live in San Antonio, and hope to sail on the Magic on May 4, 2013. I was thinking the same as CheeChick . . . that we'd drive up early the morning of. Until . . my husband told me the last time his work sent him out of town, he signed up for the HiltonHonors card (like frequent flyer miles, just for hotels!). So, he's got some points already . . .and they are sending him out of town again at the end of this month. So, as long as he gets as many points this trip, we will only be 7000 points short of a free night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Galveston Island . . . it is all of 10 minutes from the port! So, I'm thinking . . . "honey, it's time to go on another business trip for you, and I will ask for the Friday off from work!".
 
Does anyone happen to know the hours of Specs? We won't be in until late the night before we sail and wondered what time they open on Saturday morning, just incase we need anything!;)
Thanks!

2711 61st Street, Galveston TX
409-744-6327
Open Monday - Saturday from 10AM till 9PM

:thumbsup2
 
That Specs website is great, you can search by spirit, and even narrow down their beers by just the texas-brewed ones. Just the kind of place I need to find. Thanks a bunch.
 
I've got a question going on stroller borrowing for the WDW port excursion day. We'll see if anyone can help me with that.
 
Thanks for the info! I booked Hotel Galvez the night before the cruise. It has free parking for length of the cruise AND free shuttle to and back from the ship. Got an AARP rate. Couldn't be more excited!!!

Are the parking and shuttle free for anyone who books a room before their cruise or did you have to book a stay, park and cruise package?
 
Pocahantas said:
Are the parking and shuttle free for anyone who books a room before their cruise or did you have to book a stay, park and cruise package?

When I checked for the Thanksgiving cruise, you had to book the park and cruise package which was more expensive. It was not really FREE. It was around $40 more. Same for the Tremont House and the San Luis. There is also limited availability for these packages. The Tremont and San Luis did not have any availability when I checked for my cruise.

There are other hotels on the island that do offer FREE parking and shuttle. I ended up booking the Holiday Inn which is right next to the San Luis. It has the free parking and shuttle. I called and confirm this with the front desk before I booked online. We are getting in late the night before the cruise, so we just really need a couple of beds and nothing too fancy.
 
Pocahantas said:
Are the parking and shuttle free for anyone who books a room before their cruise or did you have to book a stay, park and cruise package?

I booked a cruise package rate with the hotel. Anyone can book this. You don't have to go thru Disney.
 

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