Holiday Inn Resort: Galveston-On The Beach by IHG

The room didn’t have the view we’d hoped for, though I hadn’t booked a view room. Looking left, we could still see the beach and even Pleasure Pier in the distance. We also didn’t have time to try the pool, restaurant, or bar, but there were people enjoying all three. Live music and a lively crowd were at the restaurant and bar, and families kept coming through the popular pool. We came for one night after Christmas to visit family nearby, and were impressed since we hadn’t stayed here before. Our renovated room was smaller than I expected, but spotless, and the remodel looked great. I liked the wood floors for a beachside hotel. Everyone we met was friendly and seemed to make an effort to give guests a good experience. Karem greeted us right away with a bright, cheerful personality, and check-in was a pleasure. I’d recommend checking this place out if you’re looking for a recently renovated beachfront resort.

The front desk staff made the stay feel easy. They were warm, helpful, and seemed like real people who wanted us to have a good time. The resort itself is a little dated, but that trade-off worked for us with the beach right there and those views doing most of the work. The Gulf horizon is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or dusk. It’s the sort of view that makes you pause and think you should start journaling, or at least pretend to meditate. If you’re after Galveston atmosphere and ocean scenery, this place delivers, with some retro charm and genuinely kind hospitality.

We had dinner downstairs and really enjoyed the meal. There’s honestly nothing I’d complain about. The hotel was clean and quiet, the staff were very nice, and our ocean view was amazing and peaceful. We needed a night in town before boarding our cruise, and this worked out great. It’d also be a good place to stay before a cruise from the port if you’re flying in from Houston.

The good things were that our room was clean, had running water, and came with a coffee machine. But the room felt old, with outside hallways, and the wind howled through both the balcony door facing the street and the hall entrance all night. Neither door had weather stripping, and it was a very windy night. I felt like I was in “Oklahoma, the musical,” with “The wind whipping down the plain!” We needed another blanket because the bedding was thin. Brr. The sound insulation was also nonexistent, and a couple of little kids upstairs played tag at dawn. We’d asked about getting into the room early, which we understood was first come, first served. The woman at the front desk told us it would cost $60, and she was not at all polite about it. I’ve never had that experience before. I wouldn’t stay here again.