1401 East Beach Drive, Galveston, Texas, United States | (937) 315-4602
Right on the beach
All condo-style units have full kitchens and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs
Each unit features a balcony with ocean views
Pristine pool looking out at the sand has a whirlpool and large deck
Well-maintained grounds include grassy spots for relaxing and two tennis courts
Free use of outdoor grills
Free Wi-Fi in the lobby
Room decor and layout varies
No on-site restaurant
Fees for amenities such as use of the fire pits and beach chairs
Gym is very small with just a few (albeit modern) machines and free weights
With reasonable rates and a location right on the sand (versus being across the street, as many nearby hotels are), The Galvestonian is an extremely popular mid-range option. Most who stay here are families taking advantage of the condo-style units which have full kitchens and balconies with ocean views. Decor and layout varies greatly from room to room as they are individually owned. Although it lacks a kids' club or a long list of activities, the property does have a nice pool area as well as well-kept tennis courts and a small fitness center. Fee for use of fire pits and beach chairs are an annoyance, and there's no restaurant, but most guests seem to be content to make dinner in their rooms or cookout on the communal grills.
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Scene
Families and couples return year after year.
Unlike the Holiday Inn Vacations Club, which is also a condo property, The Galvestonian has plenty of common spaces where guests can congregate. There's the small, but airy, lobby with wicker furniture and beachy accents, the patio with several tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas, and the manicured grounds with views of the ocean. The pool, tennis courts, and communal grills are all popular outdoor features as well.
This property certainly sees mostly families and caters to them with condo-style units. However, The Galvestonian sees a fair share of couples as well, as the 97-room property isn't as large as some of its neighbors and thus isn't teeming with screaming tots (although the occasional temper tantrum can be heard at the pool). Most guests are repeat visitors who like the "help yourself" vibe.
Location
Right on the sand in Galveston
While some resorts make guests cross a busy street before hitting the sand, The Galvestonian sits right on it, making it a convenient and often safer choice for families, particularly those with young children. On one of the island's main stretches (East Beach Drive), it's just a short drive from numerous restaurants and attractions, such as Fort Crockett Seawall Park, The Strand Historic District, and Moody Gardens. It's about a 20-minute drive to Scholes International Airport at Galveston, and about an hour and a half to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Rooms
Decor and layout vary among individually-owned condos
The Galvestonian has 97 condo-style units, ranging in size from one to five bedrooms (although there are no four-bedroom units). Decor and layout varies from unit to unit, although generally they have a comfy, beachy vibe with wicker furniture, pastel colors, and ocean-inspired artwork. Each unit has a full kitchen with modern appliances, and large flat-screen TVs in the living rooms. The bathrooms are where most rooms suffer; some are sleek and modern, while others are dated (picture salmon-colored tiling) and almost all are cramped and small. All rooms have balconies with ocean views.
Features
Direct beach access, a pool, and tennis courts -- but guests must rely on in-room kitchens for meals.
The Galvestonian includes many of the features neighboring mid-range properties also have: a pool, some outdoor activities (such as tennis courts, grills, and fire pits), and a small fitness center. However, it provides direct beach access which resorts sitting on Seawall Boulevard lack (guests at these hotels have to cross the street to get to the sand). The often less-expensive Holiday Inn Vacations Club has direct beach access as well, and bonus: includes a kids' club. There's no on-site restaurant at The Galvestonian, but guests have free access to communal grills. Use of the fire pits, beach chairs, and umbrellas require an additional fee.
