In love with Galveston Island’s historic Hotel Galvez Resort and Spa, Texas

This was truly a highlight of our 2021 American road trip.

After a week of training near Dallas, my son and I were looking for a good coastal spot to relax and uncharge – and we settled on Galveston Island, Texas.

Neither of us had been here before, but we both left Galveston as concerted fans.

A big part of our love for this island getaway in south Texas was die to our stay in the fabulous historic hotel, The Galvez Resort & Spa. As soon as we parked the car (a car we had no intention of seeing again until our departure) and checked in in its art deco lobby, we knew we’d found then right place for us.

I always seek out historic hotels, when possible, and The Hotel Galvez is oozing with charm.

Galveston Island was struck by a devastating hurricane in 1900, which did untold damage to the island, its population (estimated up until 8,00 victims of the storm), and the numerous art deco mansions dotting the island.

To stave off future damage, a seventeen-foot seawall was built. Soon afterwards, the grand Galvez Hotel was constructed in 1911. Costing a scandalous $1 million to build, the ” Queen of the Gulf” opened its doors for business in June 1911. Rooms went for $2 a night.

Today, it maintains much of its turn of the (last) century charm, with a spectacular lobby bar that is a great place to end the day with a light dinner and southern cocktail, and the addition of a relaxing pool area, which was where we ended each evening during our island stay.

The hotel maintains bicycles that can be borrowed to explore the island (and after our cross-country trip and  a loooong return), we were happy to exchange four wheels for two wheels during our island sojourn. Its manicured lawns are just across then street from the seawall and vast expanse of white sand, so we would cross the street each afternoon to enjoy the gentle Gulf waves.

Each morning, as my teen slept in, I would take my laptop and enjoy coffee in the lobby as  I got my writing done, before picking up my teenage for a day of biking and exploring.

And yes, the tales of  a resident ghost only heightened the hotel’s charm.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Galvez – and can’t wait to get back to enjoy another stay at the Queen of the Gulf.