Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites By The Beach

The front desk staff were friendly and professional, and the shower was a real bright spot, wonderfully hot and adjustable. The thick, clean towels were lovely too. But the room wasn't what we expected from a Best Western Plus, especially after paying extra for a Seawall view. There was a strong paint smell when we arrived, paint splatters on the carpet, rusty furniture, and badly torn sheets. We asked to switch rooms and were told none were available. After our long flight, we had hoped to use the gym, but the fitness center was closed with an Out of Order sign. The helpful staff couldn't make up for the room's condition and the closed gym. Better upkeep and attention to detail would make a big difference.

I booked and paid for a night, signed the waiver, and followed the instructions I was given, but the owner later threatened to tow my car and call the police. I was afraid for my safety, and would tell other travelers to stay far away. Before booking, I called four times to ask whether I could leave my car for seven days while I went on a cruise after staying one night. Each time the receptionist said yes: book the night, sign the waiver, park, and I was all set. When I arrived, I was told I could park anywhere, and the arrangement was confirmed and documented. After I left the property, the owner called and started yelling, swearing, and threatening me. He said I had to physically stay the night or he would have the car towed and call the police. When I calmly asked why, he said I “don’t understand anything” and kept shouting. I asked why it mattered if I spent the night, or if I was out with friends. He told me not to return to the property or he'd call the police, even though I had booked and paid legally and signed their paperwork. He had already contacted a towing company. I feared for my safety and sent my husband to get the car. The owner tried to provoke a physical confrontation, swearing at him, following him, and acting aggressively, like someone completely out of control. This wasn't a misunderstanding. I have proof of all my calls, and the property likely has video showing I followed the instructions I was given. No guest should feel shaken, threatened, or afraid because of an owner's behavior. Hospitality should make people feel welcome and safe, not involve bullying, baseless threats to call police, or attempts to start a fight. I'll report the property to the appropriate authorities. Travelers deserve transparency, professionalism, and basic human decency, none of which I experienced here. Avoid this place at all costs.

The breakfast was decent, and the front desk woman and breakfast staff were the reasons for the two stars. Leaving was the best part of our stay. The lobby looked clean, but the rooms were run down and had a strong smell I couldn't identify, maybe chemicals, paint fumes, or mustiness. I tried to ignore it, but with my kids there I was awake all night worrying and ended up with a stress rash. The parking was advertised as free and safe in the lot. Instead, staff directed people to red fire lanes and the street, while the lot seemed to be used by people who weren't staying there. Cars were double parked and blocking each other, which felt unsafe. The check-in woman was lovely, though my husband said the man at checkout wasn't friendly. I'm confused because our last Best Western was better. Maybe it was just our room, but the toilet felt like a child's size, very small and uncomfortable. This place seems more focused on parking for vacation cruisers than on people visiting Galveston.

The hotel smelled musty and didn't feel clean, so we left and found a much cleaner place with far better service elsewhere. We arrived a little early, but they weren't willing to help us get into a room sooner. The front desk woman wasn't wearing a name tag, so I couldn't even tell you her name, and she showed no interest in making things right. I wasn't impressed.