How to Find Luxury Hotels in Galveston, Texas

Located less than 60 miles from Houston on the Gulf Coast of Texas, the island community of Galveston is a mixture of historic neighborhoods, beautiful beaches and thriving nightlife. Many residents of Houston own second homes in Galveston, and once you visit this world-class tourist spot you'll know why. Here's how to find luxury accommodations in Galveston, Texas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Find Luxury Accommodations in Galveston

1. Book your hotel by phone at [phone] through the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau or visit their Web site to book online (see Resources below).
2. Treat the family the Galveston favorite, Moody Gardens Hotel & Spa. Moody Gardens features an Aquarium, Rainforest, IMAX theater and Discovery Pyramids as well as several rides. Call [phone] for reservations or book rooms online (see Resources below).
3. Enjoy luxury accommodations at one of the many bed-and-breakfast inns located in the city's historic Silk Stocking District. Take your pick of Victorian, Mediterranean and Colonial-style inns.
4. Choose from a number of mid-range hotels only blocks from the dazzling Galveston beaches.
5. Stay at one of the hotels in the historic Strand District in downtown Galveston. Still only minutes from the beach, the Strand is home to many antique shops, restaurants and a huge collection of perfectly preserved Victorian, iron-front commercial buildings.
6. Consider splurging on one of the resort hotels located along the waterfront, where you can bask in the luxury of ocean views and private beaches.
7. Book luxury accommodations at one of the hotels along Seawall Boulevard, and walk to the city's hippest bars and restaurants. Expect room rates of around $100 to $250 per night.

Know Your Destination

8. Galveston is a charming beach town with many tourist attractions including historic buildings, museums, hundreds of shops and the one-of-a-kind Moody Gardens.
9. Expect warm, humid conditions during most of the year. Like other cities on the Gulf Coast, Galveston has a semi-tropical climate.
10. Take a stroll down Seawall Boulevard and marvel at the 10-mile-long Galveston Seawall, built in 1902 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Organize Transportation

11. Fly into either William P. Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental Airport, both located in Houston. Galveston has its own small airport (Scholes International Airport), but it is only used for private and chartered flights.
12. Drive into Galveston from Houston via I-45 South. Park your car for the duration of your stay if you like—the island is small enough to reach most points of interest on foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan at least one visit to Galveston during the Christmas season, when Moody Gardens turns a portion of its park into a winter wonderland called the "Festival of Lights."
• Reserve your luxury accommodations well in advance if you plan to visit Galveston during its famous Mardi Gras celebration.