Springhill Suites by Marriott Galveston

The staff were nice, and the rate was good. We booked a block of rooms for a large family group going on a cruise from Galveston. The location is okay, but you'll need a car to get around. For places within walking distance, you'd have to cross the highway or walk beside it.

The room did the job for a one-day stay, and the bed, furniture, and room door security were good. The breakfast was alright, with decent options and enough to fill you up. Ray(?) at reception had an excellent attitude and service, and the rest of the staff were good too. There are quite a few things that need work, particularly in the rooms. The shower never got very hot, and when I turned it up, I could easily hear the water heater kick in. Bathroom hinges were badly rusted, and the door wouldn't latch or lock. There were two large stains on the wall, and the closet door was crooked and creaked when opened or shut. The lobby I saw was dated too, with old furniture and tiny TVs at both the front and back. It can work for a night or a day to sleep in, but for a longer visit to the city, I'd pick somewhere else. The rooms need a proper renovation.

The service is top-notch, and the location is convenient to I-45 and State Route 87. The rooms feel outdated and need serious upgrades, so we probably wouldn't stay again. If you're watching your budget and only need a place for one night, though, it would be okay.

The cruise docks were about 4 or 5 miles away, which is why we picked this hotel. Getting on and off the highway was easy, and the place was easy to spot when we reached the Galveston area. There was a parking spot beside the front of the hotel, plus an area for drop-offs and pickups. We could walk across the street to Target and the Dollar Store for last-minute things, both less than half a mile away. There were also other places to eat in the strip mall. Check-in was smooth, the clerk was efficient, and I got my room and keys without a problem. The little mini-mart had forgotten essentials. Our room was good, and my kid had no complaints about the pullout bed. Checkout was easy, and I liked being able to get the bill by email.