Most Romantic Hotels in Galveston, Galveston Island

Built in 1839, the upscale 114-room Tremont Hotel, offering sophisticated (if a tad tired) common areas, is centrally located in the Strand Historic District. It includes a casual on-site cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a spacious rooftop bar for cocktails. Rooms are open and bright, with modern amenities and traditional furnishings, and a number of ballrooms and meeting rooms are available for functions and events. The hotel offers a free shuttle around the island as well as to its sister property, the Hotel Galvez, which includes a spa and is close to the beach. While Tremont House has beautiful historic architecture and high ceilings, it can be noisy and appear worn in areas. 

Within a short walk of the cruise port and a host of restaurants and tourist attractions, the 42-room Harbor House is a convenient mid-range option for couples and families on a brief Galveston layover. Rustic wood floors, metal stair rails, and bare-bulb light fixtures invoke an industrial-hip vibe. Given its location on a busy pier, the spacious and light-filled rooms are surprisingly quiet, and come with comfortable beds, large flat-screen TVs, and ocean or marina views. Wi-Fi is free, boat slips and parking are available, and a cold breakfast is included -- although the offerings are mediocre. The hotel also lacks a pool and fitness room, although guests can use the facilities at a sister hotel (Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel). For another mid-range option with a pool and beach, consider the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston.

One of the most luxurious properties in Galveston, this hotel has more of a romantic vibe than one suited for families. Features include a refined restaurant, a beautiful spa with outdoor whirlpools, and simple, beachy rooms with comfy beds and modern amenities; it lacks a kids' club. The standout here is the pool. Surrounded by vine-covered columns, it has a whirlpool and swim-up bar, or guests can opt for poolside drink service from attendants. Getting to the beach requires crossing a sometimes busy road, but this four-pearl property offers a solid bang for the buck with generally reasonable rates considering the fresh, modern look and plethora of amenities.

This 16-story, 30-acre resort is located across the street from the beach on Galveston Island. For families, there's a kids' club, and free-form pool with fun waterslide that shoots guests into a smaller heated pool. For adults, there's a swim-up bar, secluded grotto Jacuzzi overlooking the water, and a 21-plus lounge offering poker, darts and billiards. The 10th floor, dubbed Club Ten, is higher end and adults only: Rooms here have rich, sophisticated decor with lots of dark wood and leather, classy artwork, and sleek bathrooms with flat-screen TVs in the mirrors. In regular rooms, the decor is either contemporary or a cheerful country style. Five, 800 square-foot luxury villas were added in 2015. Business travelers may also choose to stay here for the 200,000 square feet of on-site meeting space, and the proximity to the convention center.

Baymont Inn & Suites Galveston is a slightly more secluded budget option than other hotels on Galveston's main beachfront road, though it's still only a three-minute walk to Galveston Beach. There are a handful of dining and shopping spots nearby, and many of the areas attractions are within a 15-minute drive. The 89 rooms are bland and pleasant, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and balconies. There's a free limited buffet breakfast each morning. Business travelers can make use of the one meeting room and business center. There's also an outdoor swimming pool and small fitness center. Downsides include the lack of a full restaurant and complaints of spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers can compare rates at Days Inn & Suites Galveston West/Seawall which has fresher rooms and similar features.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West - Seawall is a lower-middle-range hotel with an oceanfront location that isn't swimmable. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is located a four-minute drive away. The 81 guest rooms are simple in terms of decor, though they feature amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have balconies, though not all have great sea views and there have been a few complaints of mold odors. There's a free buffet breakfast each morning, though no restaurant facilities for other meals. Outside, there are a swimming pool and two whirlpools. Additional features include a small fitness center, meeting room, and 24-hour business center. Travelers looking for a better beachfront location (where you can swim) can also consider Holiday Inn Resort Galveston - On the Beach.