Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West – Seawall

One of three Holiday Inn hotels in Galveston, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West - Seawall is the smallest and cheapest of the three. It's situated in a four-story building with orange and beige exteriors. The lobby has an old-fashioned feel to it, with a dark wooden reception desk and dark wood panels on the walls and around the windows and doors. The breakfast area looks a bit dated, and could do with a bit of freshening up. The wooden floors, plain beige walls, standard wooden furniture, and brown curtains don't make the room very welcoming. There is however, a small cozy lounge with antique furniture, a fireplace, potted plants, and flat-screen TV that has a bit more warmth. The outdoor pool area, while small, is well-maintained and popular among guests. The budget-friendly accommodation attracts both business and leisure travelers.

Located across from the Galveston boardwalk and the ocean, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West - Seawall has a convenient location on the romantic Galveston island. There are numerous restaurants, shops, other hotels, and attractions within walking distance from the hotel. It's a two-minute drive to Schreiber Park and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is four minutes by car. Both the historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens are a 10-minute drive from the hotel. While the hotel is right across from the ocean there isn't a beach for swimming -- guests can get to popular Stewart Beach in a 15-minute drive. For those embarking on cruises, the Port of Galveston is a 15-minute drive from the hotel and the Galveston Ferry Landing is a 20-minute drive. Scholes International Airport is five minutes by car.

The 81 guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West - Seawall are simple in decor, but have ample amenities. The carpeted flooring, olive green walls, padded headboards, dark wooden furniture, beige curtains, white bed linens, and simple artwork on the walls don't bring anything special or memorable to the rooms. However, the extra amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers, make the rooms more comfortable. All units include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, work desks, telephones, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Each room has a small balcony overlooking the ocean (some partial views), though a few balconies look a bit worse for wear and include only two grotty plastic chairs.

A few guests have complained of rooms smelling moldy, and it's important to note that both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.

Features here add value to a stay. There's a free buffet breakfast that includes a range of hot and cold options like eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, cereals, and fruits. There is no full restaurant on-site, but a small market sells snacks, drinks, hot beverages, and basic conveniences. Outside, there are a small swimming pool and two whirlpools, with a few surrounding sun loungers and one parasol on the pool deck. There is a tiny fitness center available with three Precor cardio machines. A 1,500-square-foot meeting/event room is available that can cater for up to 150 guests, and is used for both business or casual events. There's also a 24-hour business center with printing and copying facilities. Outdoor parking is free and ample. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. Additional features include a coin-operated laundry room, 24-reception, vending machines, and an ice machine.